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Open Water Scuba Instructor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Texas State Aquarium

Aquarist I

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Open Water SCUBA certification * Certifications in First aid, CPR, AED and Emergency Oxygen Other This position offers an attractive benefits/vacation package including health, dental, vision ...

Texas State Aquarium

Aquarist I

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Open Water SCUBA certification * Certifications in First aid, CPR, AED and Emergency Oxygen Other This position offers an attractive benefits/vacation package including health, dental, vision ...

ACRT

Dive Superintendent

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Advanced open water SCUBA certification * Nitrox certification * Medically cleared to dive to up to 80 feet * Ability to work well in a team environment * Strong leadership abilities Preferred ...

Texas State Aquarium

Trainer I/II

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... • Open Water SCUBA certification required. • First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications required (may be obtained after hire). • Successful completion of a swim test ...

ACRT

Dive Superintendent

Fort Lauderdale, FL · On-site

Advanced open water SCUBA certification * Nitrox certification * Medically cleared to dive to up to 80 feet * Ability to work well in a team environment * Strong leadership abilities Preferred ...

Texas State Aquarium

Trainer I/II

Corpus Christi, TX · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... • Open Water SCUBA certification required. • First Aid, CPR/AED, and Emergency Oxygen Provider certifications required (may be obtained after hire). • Successful completion of a swim test ...

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All JobsOpen Water Scuba Instructor Jobs

Open Water Scuba Instructor information

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How much do open water scuba instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for open water scuba instructor in the United States is $20.07, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by open water scuba instructors during training sessions, and how are they typically addressed?

Open Water Scuba Instructors frequently encounter challenges such as managing students' anxiety, adapting to varying skill levels, and ensuring safety in unpredictable underwater conditions. Instructors address these by fostering a supportive learning environment, using clear communication, and providing individualized attention when needed. Additionally, they follow strict safety protocols and conduct thorough pre-dive briefings to prepare students and mitigate risks. Collaboration with dive shop staff and other instructors also helps ensure smooth logistical operations and student progress.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an open water scuba instructor?

To thrive as an Open Water Scuba Instructor, you need strong diving skills, comprehensive knowledge of dive theory, and a recognized instructor certification such as PADI or SSI. Familiarity with dive computers, safety equipment, and course management systems is essential for teaching and supervising students. Excellent communication, patience, and leadership are crucial soft skills for ensuring effective instruction and student confidence. These skills and qualities are vital for creating a safe, enjoyable learning environment and maintaining high training standards.

What is an open water scuba instructor?

Open Water Scuba Instructors are certified professionals who teach individuals how to safely scuba dive in open water environments, such as oceans, lakes, or quarries. They provide instruction on diving theory, safety procedures, equipment use, and underwater skills. Instructors also supervise practice sessions, assess students' abilities, and certify new divers upon successful completion of training. Their role is crucial in ensuring that divers are competent, confident, and prepared for underwater exploration.

What is the difference between Open Water Scuba Instructor vs Dive Master?

AspectOpen Water Scuba InstructorDive Master
Certifications RequiredOpen Water Diver, Divemaster, Instructor CertificationOpen Water Diver, Divemaster
Work EnvironmentTeaching students, leading dives, trainingAssisting instructors, guiding dives, supervising
Industry UsageLeading instructor-led courses worldwideSupporting instructors, leading dives as a guide

While both roles involve diving and require similar certifications, an Open Water Scuba Instructor is qualified to teach and certify new divers, whereas a Dive Master primarily assists instructors and leads dives without teaching certification. The instructor role involves more training responsibilities, making it a step above the Dive Master in the professional hierarchy.

What states have the most Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs? States with the most job openings for Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs are:
Open Water Scuba Instructor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Open Water Scuba Instructor job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 27% Full Time, and 73% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $41,749 per year, or $20.1 per hour.

Part-Time Marine Diving Instructor (Pool)

West Valley-Mission Community College District

Saratoga, CA • On-site

$38K - $55K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Requisition Details
Position Information
Position Title
Part-Time Marine Diving Instructor (Pool)
Position ID
Campus
West Valley College
Position Summary Information
Definition
Applications for Part-Time, Associate Faculty pools are continually accepted (unless otherwise specified) by the District and will be added to the application pool for review by hiring authorities on an as-needed basis. Should you be invited for an interview, you will be contacted by a District representative.
The Health and Human Development Division is seeking qualified instructors to teach Marine Diving Courses including Beginning Scuba, Advanced Scuba, Beginning Open Water, Advanced Open Water and Master Diver.
Assignment
This position is a part-time position as an Associate Instructor. The teaching assignment may require teaching during day, evening or on weekends. The assignments are as needed, during Spring, Summer, and/or Fall semesters. This position is represented by the West Valley-Mission Federation of Teachers (WVMFT), AFT 6554.
Work location: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA
Salary and Benefits
Salary is based on a percentage of workload, up to a maximum of 67% of a full-time load. Salary is prorated based on an initial hiring salary range of $38,464 - $55,582 per semester; and is based on academic achievement, teaching and related experience.
Minimum Qualifications
1. Education - Possess any one of the following:
  • Any bachelor's degree AND two years of professional experience; OR
  • Any associate degree AND six years of professional experience; OR
  • The equivalent of the above.

AND
2. Demonstrated ability to effectively work with persons of diverse socioeconomic, cultural, disability, and ethnic backgrounds.
In addition, must be a certified Scuba Instructor with an internationally recognized dive agency.
Desired Qualifications
Not Applicable
Examples of Duties and Responsibilities
Instructional duties and assignments may consist of one or more of the following:
  • Provide instruction for assigned courses. This includes preparation for in-class or on-line/distance education activities, evaluation of students' work, consultation with students outside of class and/or on-line, maintenance of currency in the subjects taught.
  • Maintain accurate class and other records required by the college.
  • Submit, when due, attendance rosters and grade reports.
  • Follow course outlines as filed in the instruction offices.
  • Maintain office hours each week, at .5 hours per week per section.
  • Observe, support and enforce the regulations, policies and programs of the District and college.
  • Provide each student with a written course syllabus at the beginning of the course, as per instructions in the Faculty Handbook.
  • Refer students to appropriate college sources for information on counseling and other student services.
  • Assist students by providing advice on requirements for successful achievement in the members' area of expertise.
  • Work cooperatively within the college community.
  • Foster an environment that protects academic freedom within the college community.
  • Foster a positive working environment that is free from harassment, prejudice and/or bias.
  • Demonstrate a respect for the dignity of each individual.

Other Duties
Application Information
APPLICATION INFORMATION:
  • Interested applicants must submit online all materials requested, including: (1) A completed online West Valley-Mission Community College District application; (2) Resume; (3) Unofficial copies of transcripts; (4) District Equivalency Application, if applicable; and (5) Any requested licenses or certificates, if applicable.
  • All sections of the online application, including Education and Educational Work History, must be completed thoroughly.
  • Supervisor(s) name(s) and telephone numbers must be included in the application.
  • Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  • Do NOT send unrequested materials. Unrequested materials will be removed from your application and will not be used for consideration of employment.
  • The employment application and supporting documents represent you; it is to your advantage to fill out the application form carefully and completely.

ABOUT TRANSCRIPTS:
  • If a minimum requirement is possession of a degree, then a copy of transcripts is required to be included with your application to verify the degree being awarded. If no transcripts are included, the application may be screened as not meeting minimum requirements.
  • Degrees must have been awarded by a college or university accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Council on Post-Secondary Accreditation and/or the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Candidates with degrees earned outside of the United States must provide official certification of equivalency to U. S. degrees by a certified U. S. credential review service, must have a U.S. evaluation (course by course of the transcripts) and must be submitted with this online application.
  • If you do not have an electronic version of the transcript, you can get it scanned at an office supply or copy store, then attach the electronic version of your transcript to this online application.
  • Copies of diplomas, grade reports, graduation petitions, transcript evaluations requests, or similar documents WILL NOT be accepted in lieu of transcripts.
  • When uploading transcripts, please ensure they are NOT encrypted, secured, or password-protected or they will be rejected by the system.

EQUIVALENCY INFORMATION:
Applicants applying under equivalency bear the responsibility of submitting the District's Equivalency Application form with details and evidence of the factors (academic preparation and/or experience) that they believe to be equivalent of the required qualifications for this position. Application(s) for equivalency are required if degrees are not in exact discipline required.
The Equivalency Application is included in the online application as an OPTIONAL form to complete.
  • ONLY complete the Request for Equivalency application if degree does not match discipline(s) stated in the Minimum Qualifications.
  • List accurately and completely the courses taken that match requirements of the required degree.
  • Do NOT attach documents such as course evaluations.

For assistance, contact:
Office of Human Resources, Attn: Recruitment
14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070
Phone: (408) 741-2174 Fax: (408) 741-2564
Email: careers@wvm.edu
Selection Process
SELECTION PROCESS INFORMATION:
  • Applications will be screened by appropriate department representatives on an as-needed basis. Qualified applicants who best meet the needs of the division will be contacted for an interview.
  • Travel expenses to attend the interview are the responsibility of the candidate.
  • Applications will remain in our online system for 1 year. Each year, part-time pools will be refreshed and applicants will be notified of the opportunity to re-submit application.
  • Application materials become the property of the District and will not be returned or duplicated.
  • The District reserves the right to contact former, current, the most recent employers, and others to investigate past employment records of applicants.
  • Upon hire the successful candidate must provide the required documents of identity and authorization to work and attest he/she is authorized to work in the United States.
  • The district does not provide visa sponsorship.

EEO STATEMENT:
West Valley-Mission Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks to employ a diverse workforce who will contribute to an inclusive and welcoming educational and employment environment. The District is committed to nondiscrimination on the basis of ethnic group identification, race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, physical disability, mental disability, genetic information, ancestry, gender identity, sexual orientation, language, accent, citizenship status, transgender status, parental status, marital status, economic status, military or veteran status, and medical condition consistent with applicable federal and state laws.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
FY16/17-312POOL
Open Date
08/20/2025
Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes

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