1

Open Water Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Diver

Sayreville, NJ · On-site

$23 - $25.75/hr

Certified Scuba diver (Advanced Open Water diver certification or higher). * Certified First Aid / CPR / AED. * Clean driving record and must pass a Motor Vehicle Record check. * Limited mechanical ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Be Open Water Diver Certified. * ADCI certification preferred. * Have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a SEA driver's license. * Be able to pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications ...

Be Open Water Diver Certified. * ADCI certification preferred. * Have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a SEA driver's license. * Be able to pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications ...

Be Open Water Diver Certified. * ADCI certification preferred. * Have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a SEA driver's license. * Be able to pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications ...

Be Open Water Diver Certified. * ADCI certification preferred. * Have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a SEA driver's license. * Be able to pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications ...

Tend dives and provide surface support to ensure diver safety and effective communication during ... Open Water Dive certification required at minimum First Aid/CPR/AED certification Administering ...

Holds a valid Open Water Diver Certification. Is physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in marine conditions. Is dependable, hardworking, and doesnt mind getting a little wet. Can ...

Tend dives and provide surface support to ensure diver safety and effective communication during ... Open Water Dive certification required at minimum First Aid/CPR/AED certification Administering ...

Holds a valid Open Water Diver Certification. Is physically capable of lifting up to 50 lbs. and working in marine conditions. Is dependable, hardworking, and doesn't mind getting a little wet. Can ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds) * Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Open Water Diver information

See salary details

$11

$23

$44

How much do open water diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for open water 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.

How do you become an open water diver?

To become an open water diver, you must complete a certified training course that includes classroom instruction, confined water training, and open water dives. The course covers diving skills, safety procedures, and equipment use, culminating in obtaining an open water diver certification from a recognized agency. Physical fitness and a medical clearance are also typically required before certification.

What are the typical working conditions and environments for open water divers?

Open Water Divers often work in a variety of settings, including oceans, lakes, rivers, or sometimes specially designed training pools, and may encounter a range of weather and water conditions. Shifts can vary with some roles requiring early morning starts, extended hours, or travel to remote locations depending on the nature of the dive assignment. Teamwork is crucial, as divers commonly work in pairs or groups and rely heavily on clear communication and coordination for safety and efficiency. Depending on your employer and area of specialization, daily tasks might include underwater inspections, survey work, marine research, or leading recreational divers. A commitment to following established safety procedures and a readiness to continuously update one's skills are essential parts of the job.

How much money do open water divers make?

Open Water Divers typically do not earn a salary solely from their certification; income depends on the specific job, such as dive instructor, guide, or commercial diver. Salaries for professional divers can range from around $30,000 to over $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and specialization.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be an open water diver?

To thrive as an Open Water Diver, you need strong swimming abilities, underwater navigation skills, knowledge of dive physics and physiology, and completion of an accredited open water diving certification such as those offered by PADI or NAUI. Divers routinely use technical equipment including scuba gear, dive computers, underwater communication devices, and safety apparatus. Attention to detail, teamwork, situational awareness, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are essential soft skills. These skills and qualifications are vital to ensure both personal safety and the successful completion of underwater tasks or research assignments.

How to become an open water diver?

To become an open water diver, you must complete a certification course through a recognized agency, which includes classroom instruction, confined water training, and open water dives. The course covers diving skills, safety procedures, and equipment use, and typically requires a minimum age and good health. After certification, divers can rent or purchase equipment and explore open water environments under supervision or independently.

What is an open water diver?

An Open Water Diver is a certified individual trained to safely explore underwater environments using scuba gear. They typically work in recreational diving, marine research, underwater photography, or dive tourism. Their responsibilities include following safety protocols, maintaining diving equipment, and ensuring proper buoyancy control. Certification is usually obtained through organizations like PADI or SSI, allowing divers to operate independently within depth limits.

What are the most commonly searched types of Open Water Diver jobs? The most popular types of Open Water Diver jobs are:
What states have the most Open Water Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Open Water Diver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Open Water Diver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Open Water Diver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Open Water Diver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 77% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Advanced Diver

Bass Pro Shops

Sayreville, NJ • On-site

$23 - $25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Bass Pro Shops rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 433 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

15th of 39 rated national retailers


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY:
The Aquarist-Dive Specialist will primarily provide SCUBA dive support to the Live Exhibits team including interpretation and enforcement of the BPS Dive Safety Manual and maintain records of all dive gear and service. Additionally, this position will support the Live Exhibits team with the general care and husbandry of all exhibits and animals on site. This is a customer-facing position and requires a positive attitude when interacting with our guests.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
  • Maintains animal life support systems, i.e. plumbing, pumps, filters, foam fractionators, heaters, and other aquarium components.
  • Maintains familiarity with all aspects of LSS including electrical, plumbing and mechanical systems.
  • Completes all items on assigned maintenance schedule.
  • Performs fish feeding shows (diving and narration).
  • Assists in record keeping for all the exhibits including holding tanks.
  • Prepares and distributes diets for all animals.
  • Performs water quality tests and analyzes the results for trends or potential issues.
  • Provides general care for all animals in the collection.
  • Performs biopsies and assists in the identification of parasites and other problems.
  • Provides objective reporting to management on animal behavior and health.
  • Travels to local sights to perform maintenance tasks and pick up supplies.
  • Perform service dives on all aquariums in accordance with the BPS Dive Safety Manual
  • Maintain all service records on SCUBA gear and facilitate needed service and repairs with a local dive shop
  • ALL OTHER DUTIES AS ASSIGNED.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Certified Scuba diver (Advanced Open Water diver certification or higher).
  • Certified First Aid / CPR / AED.
  • Clean driving record and must pass a Motor Vehicle Record check.
  • Limited mechanical and plumbing experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY
  • Ability to observe and act upon relevant changes in animal behaviors and conditions.
  • Adaptability with a changing schedule when working with animals.
  • Understanding of practical principles of animal behavior and the ability to work with live animals safely.
  • Demonstrate an ability to troubleshoot a system with a systematic approach to problem solving.
  • Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Willingness to work a flexible schedule that includes weekends, evenings and holidays.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Periodic travel to support Bass Pro Shops collection management.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Ability to lift, push or pull 100 pounds.
  • Ability to remain on feet for long periods of time, climb stairs, bend and stoop.
  • This position exposes the employee to various heights, ladders, catwalks and stairs.

INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:
Performs tasks and duties under general supervision, using established procedures and innovation. Choosing from limited alternatives to resolve problems. Occasional independent judgment is required to complete work assignments.
Starting Pay Rate: $23.00 - $25.75
Full Time Benefits Summary:
Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Flexible Spending Account
  • Voluntary benefits
  • 401k Retirement Savings
  • Paid holidays
  • Paid vacation
  • Paid sick time
  • Bass Pro Cares Fund
  • And more!

Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer. Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.
Reasonable Accommodations
Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit your nearest location or contact us at hrcompliance@basspro.com.
Bass Pro Shops

What Bass Pro Shops employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom