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Research Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

DAN

Research Assistant-Diving Science

Durham, NC

DIVERS ALERT NETWORK - SkillBridge Program SkillBridgeis aDefense Department (DOD) programdesigned ... Asthe leader in civilian dive safety research, DAN employs and collaborates with dive ...

DAN

Research Assistant-Diving Science

Durham, NC · On-site

DIVERS ALERT NETWORK - SkillBridge Program SkillBridge is a Defense Department (DOD) program ... As the leader in civilian dive safety research, DAN employs and collaborates with dive science ...

DAN

Project Manager (SkillBridge Fellow)

Durham, NC · On-site

DAN's vision is to be the most recognized and trusted organization worldwide in the fields of diver safety and emergency services, health, research, and education by its members, instructors, and the ...

DAN

Project Manager (SkillBridge Fellow)

Durham, NC

DAN's vision is to be the most recognized and trusted organization worldwide in the fields of diver safety and emergency services, health, research, and education by its members, instructors, and the ...

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How much do research diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for research diver in the United States is $29.27, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.03 and $35.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Research Diver do?

A Research Diver conducts underwater scientific investigations, collects data, and assists in marine research projects. Their work often involves tasks like surveying marine life, monitoring environmental conditions, and collecting biological or geological samples. They may collaborate with scientists, government agencies, or conservation groups to support research on coral reefs, marine ecosystems, or underwater archaeology. Research Divers must be trained in scuba diving techniques and often hold certifications in scientific diving. Their work is crucial for understanding and protecting aquatic environments.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Research Diver?

As a Research Diver, your daily tasks typically include planning and executing underwater surveys, collecting biological or environmental samples, documenting findings through photography or videography, and maintaining diving equipment. You may also assist in setting up underwater experiments and recording detailed notes or measurements for later analysis. Collaboration with a diverse research team, including scientists and marine technicians, is common to ensure that projects run smoothly and safely. Days often begin with safety briefings and equipment checks before fieldwork, followed by data entry and discussions about findings once dives are completed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Research Diver position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Research Diver, you need advanced scuba diving skills, a solid understanding of marine science or a related field, and physical fitness, typically supported by commercial or scientific diving certification. Familiarity with underwater survey equipment, sampling devices, GPS technology, and data recording systems is essential. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities ensure accurate data collection, safety, and efficient teamwork in often challenging underwater environments.

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Infographic showing various Research Diver job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% Internship, 95% Full Time, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $60,880 per year, or $29.3 per hour.
Research Assistant-Diving Science

Research Assistant-Diving Science

DAN

Durham, NC

Full-time

Posted yesterday

Job description


DIVERS ALERT NETWORK - SkillBridge Program

SkillBridgeis aDefense Department (DOD) programdesigned for transitioning service members. It providesemployment training, internships, and apprenticeship opportunitiesat over 3,000 public and private organizations across the country. The program aims to help service members gain civilian experience while still on active duty, ultimately leading to a higher probability of employment after leaving the military.


Divers Alert Network (DAN) is a global organization headquartered in Durham, North Carolina. Asthe leader in civilian dive safety research, DAN employs and collaborates with dive scienceexperts to conduct research regarding all aspects of dive safety.


Successful SkillBridge applicants will have the opportunity to learn, develop, and enhance professional skills that canlead directly to career advancements in the field of diving research and job placement withinDAN. The location of this SkillBridge placement is Durham, NC.
They will participate in activities that originated in the DANInternship Program. This program was created more than 20 years ago to give qualifiedcandidates valuable experience in dive safety research. Today - over 100 interns later - theprogram continues to help people develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue careersin diving-related and scientific fields.


The DAN SkillBridge participant will work alongside a mentor at DAN Headquarters in Durham,North Carolina for 2-6 months. Participants will work 40 hours per week in person.

The broad goal of training a SkillBridge participant at DAN will be toexpand upon the applicant's existing diving experience and knowledge and apply it to divingresearch in physiology, population health, and accident investigation. This will includeunderstanding how to generally do good research, independent of diving, primarily focusing onhuman subject research (e.g. IRB protocols, data collection/storage, statistics). Then observeand participate in our ongoing research activities, with exposure to a range of projects, includingthe early idea stage, proposal writing, regulatory approval, data collection, data analysis andmanuscript writing/presentations. The goal for our SkillBridge team member is to find a good,long-term fit in our Research Department (preferred), another department in DAN, or in anotherdiving research-related field or organization.

The training will be tailored to the needs of the applicant and the department at the time of the SkillBridge placement.

A full list of potential courses and skill development opportunities can be found here:

DOD SkillBridge - Divers Alert Network


SkillBridge participants will:
Gain a deeper understanding of diving physiology, dive injury monitoring, and currentdiving research efforts worldwide
Learn to prepare, plan, conduct, and communicate scientific experiments and take responsibility for their own research project
Learn data acquisition and research techniques
Engage with divers while collecting data in the field, and communicate DAN Research
endeavors to the dive community at large

Prerequisites:
Service members with experience or expertise in diving, population health, or accidentinvestigation are particularly encouraged to apply. Ideal candidates must be organized, detail-oriented, demonstrate excellent communication skills, demonstrate an establishedcommitment to diving, and be able to clearly communicate how participation in this program willhelp them achieve their career goals. While diving is not required during the program, allactivities are diving-focused, and as such, certified scuba divers with some experience would bemost qualified. College education and experience in research is encouraged but not required forSkillBridge participation with Divers Alert Network.



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