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Per Diem Rescue Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ADCI Entry Level Diver/Tender (Or ability to obtain with Military Experience) Preferred ... Competitive per diem provided for meals, lodging, and travel. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer ...

ADCI Entry Level Diver/Tender (Or ability to obtain with Military Experience) Preferred ... Competitive per diem provided for meals, lodging, and travel. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer ...

ADCI Entry Level Diver/Tender (Or ability to obtain with Military Experience) Preferred ... Competitive per diem provided for meals, lodging, and travel. About AECOM AECOM is proud to offer ...

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Per Diem Rescue Diver information

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$11

$23

$44

How much do per diem rescue diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for per diem rescue 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.

What are Per Diem Rescue Divers?

Per Diem Rescue Divers are professional divers who are hired on an as-needed basis to perform underwater rescue and recovery operations. They respond to emergencies such as water rescues, search and recovery missions, or safety supervision at aquatic events. Their work is not full-time but based on demand, often requiring flexibility and readiness to respond quickly. Per Diem Rescue Divers are typically certified in advanced diving skills, first aid, and rescue procedures to ensure safety and effectiveness during critical situations.

What is the difference between Per Diem Rescue Diver vs Open Water Diver?

AspectPer Diem Rescue DiverOpen Water Diver
Certifications RequiredRescue Diver certification, CPR, First AidOpen Water Diver certification
Work EnvironmentRescue operations, emergency response, commercial or recreational settingsRecreational diving, training dives, certification courses
Employer & Industry UsageRescue agencies, dive shops, commercial diving companiesRecreational dive shops, training agencies, tourism operators

The Per Diem Rescue Diver is trained for emergency rescue and safety in various environments, often working in rescue scenarios, whereas the Open Water Diver is primarily trained for recreational diving. While both roles require diving certifications, the Rescue Diver has additional emergency response skills, making them suitable for rescue operations. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the diving industry.

What are the typical scheduling and on-call expectations for a Per Diem Rescue Diver?

Per Diem Rescue Divers often work on an as-needed basis, responding to emergency calls or scheduled assignments with little advance notice. Flexibility is key, as shifts may include early mornings, late nights, or weekends, depending on the needs of the organization and the nature of the incidents. Teamwork is essential, as you’ll frequently coordinate with other divers, emergency responders, and safety personnel. Being proactive about maintaining your certifications and readiness is crucial for success in this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Per Diem Rescue Diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Per Diem Rescue Diver, you need advanced diving skills, rescue diver certification (such as PADI or equivalent), and strong physical fitness. Familiarity with emergency response protocols, specialized diving equipment, and underwater communication systems is essential. Excellent situational awareness, teamwork, and the ability to remain calm under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills are critical to ensuring safety and effective emergency interventions in high-risk aquatic environments.
More about Per Diem Rescue Diver jobs
What cities are hiring for Per Diem Rescue Diver jobs? Cities with the most Per Diem Rescue Diver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rescue Diver jobs? The most popular types of Rescue Diver jobs are:
What states have the most Per Diem Rescue Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Per Diem Rescue Diver jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Per Diem Rescue Diver jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Per Diem Rescue Diver jobs are:
Infographic showing various Per Diem Rescue Diver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 8% As Needed, 2% Full Time, and 90% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $49,577 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Adjunct Instructor, Diving Business and Technology (Key West Campus)

College of the Florida Keys

Key West, FL • On-site

$543 - $727/hr

Part-time

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

Salary: $543.00 - $727.00 Hourly
Location : 5901 College Road Key West, FL
Job Type: Adjunct Credit
Job Number: 00795
Division: Academic Affairs
Department: Marine & Applied Sciences
Opening Date: 03/09/2023
Description
The Adjunct Instructor, Diving Business and Technology position is contracted on a per semester basis. This position is an instructional position with duties and responsibilities which are established in accordance with State Board of Education Rules and Board of Trustee policies. Teaching assignments may include Basic Scuba Diving, Advanced Diving Theory and Practice, Scuba Rescue and Emergency Procedures, Divemaster, Basic Research Diving, or Aquatic First Aid/CPR/Oxygen Administration. This position reports to the Director, Marine Science and Technology. All instructors are responsible for utilizing the College's learning management system as all College courses are at a minimum technology enhanced.
Examples of Duties
  1. Plans, organizes, and instructs assigned courses to promote student success.
  2. Maintains required office hours to provide assistance to students and communication with administration.
  3. Responsible for evaluating student learning and objective achievement and providing feedback.
  4. Selects appropriate materials and equipment for discipline or program use and ensures proper care and safety in their use.
  5. Adheres to and enforces the administrative policies and procedures of the College.
  6. Assists in implementing College policies, objectives, and functions in accordance with the College Mission Statement.
  7. Responsible for keeping current in the discipline or program areas taught.
  8. Assist in College recruitment and retention efforts, as appropriate.
  9. Other related duties as assigned.
(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties performed. Employees will be required to perform other job-related marginal duties as required.)
Qualifications
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
  • Ability to deliver high quality instruction in a range of scuba diving related courses.
  • Strong student orientation and ability to work with a diverse student population
  • Understanding of, and commitment to, Equal Access/Equal Opportunity.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Knowledge of College mission, policies, procedures, and services.
  • Proficient in the use of technology.
Education and Qualifications:
  • Associate degree in Diving Business and Technology and two years of relevant work experience or one or more of the following specific industry certifications, or any Associate degree with five years of relevant work experience or one or more of the following specific industry certifications, or any baccalaureate degree (or higher) with one or more of the following specific industry certifications required:
    1. Scientific Diver (AAUS, PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
    2. Scuba Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
    3. Specialty Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
    4. Master Scuba Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
    5. Instructor Course Development (IDC) Staff Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
    6. Master Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
    7. Course Director (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.)
  • Three (3) years teaching experience at the community college level or higher is preferred.
  • Three (3) years work experience in field is preferred.
(A comparable amount of training, education or experience may be substituted for the above minimum qualifications.)
Licenses, Certifications or Registrations:
  • Scuba Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.) required.
  • Scientific Diver (AAUS) required for ISC 2132 Basic Research Diving.
  • Specialty Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.) preferred.
  • Master Scuba Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.) preferred.
  • Instructor Course Development (IDC) Staff Instructor (PADI, NAUI, SSI, etc.) preferred.
Physical Skills:
  • Ability to be mobile and to present lectures and demonstrations.
  • Ability to pass a rescue diver swim test.
  • Ability to scuba dive.
Environmental Conditions:
  • Works inside in an office environment.
  • Works outside in the field and underwater.
(Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals with a disability.)
Supplemental Information
This is a part-time teaching assignment. Adjunct Instructors earn $543 - $727 per credit hour, based on degree level. Consult the 2024-25 Salary Schedule, available on the College's website, for additional information. Please Contact the Office of Talent Acquisition, Development, and Accountability at hr@cfk.edu or (305) 809-3118 if you need assistance.
Employment Consideration Requirement: Completed CFK application, cover letter, resume, and post-secondary transcripts as applicable (unofficial and/or copies are acceptable, but must provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment).
Please Note: Transcripts from non-U.S. colleges and universities will require a U.S. academic equivalency evaluation from a credential evaluation service recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Please visit or for more information.
E-Verify Notice of Participation: This employer participates in E-Verify. If you accept an offer of employment, this employer will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. For more information, please visit
Notice of Non-Discrimination: The College of the Florida Keys does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex (including sexual orientation and gender identity), marital status, military status, protected veteran status, genetic information, religion, pregnancy, or disability in its programs, activities, or employment practices. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries and grievances regarding the non-discrimination policies:
  • Civil Rights Compliance Officer: Promise Clark-Kimbio, Manager, Office of Talent Acquisition, Development and Accountability, (305) 809-3151 or promise.clarkkimbio@cfk.edu
  • Title IX Coordinator: Jessica Losardo, Director, Advancement, (305) 809-3198 or
  • Disability Services: Nicole Gerrard, Executive Director, Student Success Services, (305) 809-3262 or
Mailing Address: The College of the Florida Keys, 5901 College Road, Key West, FL 33040
State Complaint Process: Federal regulations and State laws require that public colleges in The Florida College System have processes for students, employees, and applicants to file complaints against any respective college. In almost every situation, the college's process for resolving complaints must be followed first. Before contacting the State Division of Florida Colleges, please read CFK's policies and procedures for filing complaints. For more information on filing a complaint with the State Division of Florida Colleges, please visit
Adjunct Instructors are eligible to receive the CFK Employee Scholarship; may participate in the College's 403(b) plan; and are eligible to join the Association of Florida Colleges.