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Entry Level Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

National Highway Institute Underwater Bridge Inspection Certificate; * Entry-level commercial divers * Malacologists Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are ...

National Highway Institute Underwater Bridge Inspection Certificate; * Entry-level commercial divers * Malacologists About Us Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work ...

National Highway Institute Underwater Bridge Inspection Certificate; * Entry-level commercial divers * Malacologists Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are ...

National Highway Institute Underwater Bridge Inspection Certificate; * Entry-level commercial divers * Malacologists Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are ...

National Highway Institute Underwater Bridge Inspection Certificate; * Entry-level commercial divers * Malacologists Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are ...

Must be able to obtain CDL (Commercial Divers License) permit within 6 months of employment and CDL License within 1 year of employment TERM OF EMPLOYMENT: 12 months SALARY: Salary Grade 59 FLSA ...

Description Mativ has openings for paper converting machine helpers (these entry level production positions typically begin in the retail department supporting the retail converting operations). One ...

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Entry Level Diver information

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$11

$23

$44

How much do entry level diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level diver in the United States is $23.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $25.48 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Can I go scuba diving with no experience?

Entry level divers can often participate in introductory scuba diving experiences without prior experience, but they must complete a basic training course and certification before diving independently. Most dive operators require completion of a certification such as Open Water Diver, which involves classroom instruction, confined water training, and open water dives. Basic swimming skills and good health are also necessary for safe participation.

What are entry level divers?

Entry level divers are individuals who have basic training and certification to perform underwater tasks, often as part of scientific, commercial, or recreational diving teams. They typically assist more experienced divers, conduct simple inspections, or carry out underwater maintenance. These divers must adhere to strict safety protocols and are usually supervised closely. Entry level divers often use standard scuba gear and may work in pools, lakes, or ocean environments depending on the job requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Diver, you need strong swimming ability, basic diving certification (such as Open Water Diver), and knowledge of safety protocols. Familiarity with diving equipment, underwater communication devices, and sometimes basic navigation tools is typically required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills in this role. These skills ensure safety, effective task completion, and reliable performance in challenging underwater environments.

What types of projects and environments can I expect to work in as an entry level diver?

As an entry level diver, you may find yourself working on a variety of projects such as underwater inspections, maintenance of docks and vessels, environmental surveys, or assisting with construction tasks. Most entry-level positions involve working under the supervision of experienced divers, often in commercial, scientific, or public safety settings. The work environment can range from lakes and rivers to coastal waters and industrial sites, and you’ll often collaborate closely with topside support teams and other divers to ensure safety and efficiency. Flexibility and adaptability are important, as assignments and conditions can change frequently.

How to start a career in diving?

To start a career as an entry level diver, obtain a basic scuba certification such as Open Water Diver from a recognized agency, gain experience through supervised dives, and develop skills in underwater navigation and safety procedures. Additional certifications or specialized training may be required for specific diving roles or environments.

Can saturation divers earn over $300000 with years of experience?

Saturation divers, an advanced underwater role requiring specialized training and certifications, can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience and high-risk assignments. However, such earnings are typically reserved for those working in remote or high-paying industries like oil and gas, and are not common for entry-level divers. Most entry-level divers earn significantly less until they gain years of experience and advanced skills.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in diving states that a diver should not exceed 120 minutes of total bottom time at depths shallower than 60 feet (18 meters) without mandatory decompression stops. For entry-level divers, understanding no-decompression limits and proper planning is essential for safety, often supported by dive computers or tables. This rule helps prevent decompression sickness by ensuring safe ascent times based on depth and duration.

What is the difference between Entry Level Diver vs Commercial Diver?

AspectEntry Level DiverCommercial Diver
CertificationsOpen Water Certification, Basic Diver CertificationCommercial Diving Certification, Advanced Certifications
Work EnvironmentFrequent training, shallow water, recreational or beginner projectsDeep water, underwater construction, inspection, and repair
Employer & IndustryTraining agencies, recreational diving companiesConstruction, oil & gas, underwater welding

Entry Level Divers typically hold basic certifications and work in training or recreational settings, focusing on shallow water activities. Commercial Divers require advanced certifications and work in deep water environments on industrial projects. The roles differ mainly in complexity, certification requirements, and work scope, with Commercial Divers performing more specialized and hazardous tasks.

More about Entry Level Diver jobs
What cities are hiring for Entry Level Diver jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Diver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Diver jobs? The most popular types of Diver jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Diver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Entry Level Diver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Entry Level Diver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Entry Level Diver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Locum Tenens, 1% Internship, and 87% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.
Commercial Dive Supervisor

Commercial Dive Supervisor

Stantec

Cincinnati, OH • On-site

Full-time, Part-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 7 days ago


Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 369 rated engineering


Job description

Communities everywhere share the need for clean water. And as they work to meet that need, they're facing new, more complex challenges every day. Our water professionals collaborate to contribute innovative ideas, guided by scientific rigor and a vision for sustainable growth. Every day, we're helping communities improve, reuse, and protect our world's most precious resource.
Join our team to deliver transformational projects that will benefit future generations. Grow with us, H2O+U.
Combine your love of working underwater with your interest in the natural sciences! Stantec is hiring seasonal/ as-needed commercial dive supervisors to support our freshwater mussel surveys and underwater inspection work. We conduct biological surveys using SCUBA and surface-supplied air diving supervised by experienced scientific and commercial divers. Our underwater inspection work is supervised by experienced commercial dive supervisors and staffed with NHI-certified underwater bridge inspectors, professional engineers and engineer-divers (when required). Dive teams use full-face masks with communications or Kirby Morgan hard hats depending on the conditions. All diving adheres to or exceeds OSHA regulations. Our team fosters an inclusive safety culture that encourages people to bring up concerns and problem solve together.
Stantec provides a corporate credit card to use for reimbursable expenses for all business travel including flights, rental cars, meals, hotels and incidentals.
Responsibilities
  • Act as a tender/rack operator/boat operator as part of the dive rotation;
  • Assist with bathymetric and other acoustic imaging surveys;
  • Assist with sediment sampling;
  • Conduct freshwater mussel surveys on a team with malacologists, commercial and scientific divers;
  • Conduct underwater inspections of structures such as bridges, culverts, piers, pipelines, and other structures as required;
  • Enforce dive safety protocols and exercise good judgement;
  • Learn how to deploy acoustic imaging devices and apply them to underwater surveys;
  • Maintain, organize, and inventory diving equipment, boats, trailers, and vehicles;
  • Operate boats and trailers;
  • Operate specialized dive equipment including SCUBA gear, surface-supplied air systems, dive helmets, boats, trailers, and remotely operated vehicles (ROV's) when applicable;
  • Perform extensive field deployments and frequent travel;
  • Prepare and enforce dive plans, job hazard analyses, and emergency management plans for dive projects;
  • Record dive logs;
  • Set up dive station and check that all equipment is functioning correctly.

  • Requirements
  • Ability to operate diving equipment confidently and troubleshoot technical issues efficiently;
  • Ability to pass a current ADCI or equivalent "fit to dive" physical;
  • Ability to pass a DOT medical examination;
  • Ability to work long field days and tolerate inclement weather and diving conditions;
  • ADCI Surface-supplied air diving supervisor certification or greater;
  • Basic computer skills necessary to send emails, participate in virtual meetings, input time cards and travel expense reports, etc.;
  • Current First-Aid/CPR/AED, Emergency Oxygen Provider, or the ability to obtain upon hire;
  • Current state issued driver's license;
  • Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Teams, Word) and PDF software;
  • Flexible schedule and willingness to travel for prolonged field assignments;
  • High school diploma or greater;
  • Knowledge of environmental regulations and safety standards relevant to commercial diving operations;
  • Positive attitude, effective communication skills and ability to work well with others;
  • Strong understanding of diving physics, safety procedures, emergency response protocols, and commitment to safe work operations.

Also seeking candidates with these skills/qualifications:
  • Team leader qualifications under National Highway Institute;
  • National Highway Institute Underwater Bridge Inspection Certificate;
  • Entry-level commercial divers
  • Malacologists

Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements
Primary Location: United States | OH | Cincinnati
Other Locations: United States | WI | Mequon
Organization: BC-1734 Water-US North Central
Employee Status: Regular
Business Justification: New Position
Travel: No
Schedule: Full time
Job Posting: 05/03/2026 03:03:58
Req ID: 1004553
Stantec provides equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for future and current employment and prohibit discrimination on the grounds of race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, referral, promotion, compensation, fringe benefits, job training, terminations or any other condition of employment. Stantec is in compliance with laws and regulations and ensures equitable opportunities in all aspects of employment. At Stantec we are committed to ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you require reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process then please inform a member of our Talent Acquisition team.

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