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Scientific Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

South Lake Tahoe, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

NV5

Survey Technician (Diver)

San Marcos, CA · On-site

$25/hr

Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With ... Open Water Diver certification * DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage * Ability to ...

Stantec

Commercial Dive Supervisor

Cincinnati, OH · On-site

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 ...

Stantec

Commercial Dive Supervisor

Okemos, MI · On-site

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 ...

Stantec

Commercial Dive Supervisor

Louisville, KY · On-site

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 ...

Stantec

Commercial Dive Supervisor

Mequon, WI · On-site

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 ...

Engineering Consulting Service

NY · On-site

$90 - $130/hr

Professional Wetland Scientist (PWS), Professional Arborist, Professional Engineer (PE) or Professional Geologist (PG) license preferred, AAUS Certified Scientific Diver following guidelines in EM ...

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Scientific Diver information

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$19

$74

$115

How much do scientific diver jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific diver in the United States is $74.34, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $34.86 and $102.16 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scientific diver?

A Scientific Diver is a professional who conducts underwater research to collect data for scientific studies. They may work in fields such as marine biology, archaeology, ecology, or environmental monitoring. Their tasks often include surveying marine life, mapping underwater structures, collecting samples, and maintaining research equipment. Scientific Divers must adhere to strict safety protocols and typically require specialized training and certification. They often work for universities, government agencies, environmental organizations, or private industry.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a scientific diver?

Scientific Divers typically spend their days conducting underwater surveys, collecting biological and environmental samples, recording observations, and operating specialized equipment such as cameras and sensors. In addition to diving duties, they are also responsible for maintaining dive gear, processing collected samples, and entering data accurately for ongoing research projects. The role often involves working closely with scientists, project managers, and technical staff to plan dives and ensure research protocols are followed. Depending on the employer and research focus, you might also assist with laboratory analysis or support educational outreach efforts related to marine research.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Diver, you must possess strong underwater navigation, data collection, and sample handling skills, coupled with training in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field and commercial or research diving certifications. Familiarity with scientific diving equipment, underwater cameras, sampling tools, and compliance with standards like AAUS (American Academy of Underwater Sciences) is essential. Effective communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving abilities are key soft skills for this role. These competencies ensure accurate field data collection, adherence to safety protocols, and seamless collaboration within multidisciplinary research teams.

How do you become a scientific diver?

To become a scientific diver, individuals typically need to complete specialized training and certification in scientific or technical diving, such as through organizations like the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). They must also have a valid medical examination, basic scuba certification, and relevant experience in underwater research or data collection environments.

How much does a scientific diver make?

Scientific divers typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, certifications, and the employing organization. Salaries can vary based on the complexity of dives, location, and whether they work full-time or as contractors.
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Scientific Diver jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Diver job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 76% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $154,635 per year, or $74.3 per hour.

Survey Technician (Diver)

NV5

South Lake Tahoe, CA • On-site

$25/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago

NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

143rd of 450 rated engineering

Job description

Overview
NV5 is a provider of engineering and consulting services to public and private sector clients, delivering solutions through six business verticals: Testing, Inspection & Consulting; Infrastructure; Utility Services; Environmental Health Sciences; Buildings & Program Management; and Geospatial Technology. With offices nationwide and abroad, NV5 helps clients plan, design, build, test, certify, and operate projects that improve the communities where we live and work.
As engineers, architects, construction/program managers, environmental professionals and beyond, we play a significant role in shaping our communities through the services we provide. We are looking for passionate, driven individuals to join our team focused on Delivering Solutions and Improving Lives.
Marine Taxonomic Services, Ltd. (MTS - an NV5 company) is an environmental consulting firm committed to providing innovative solutions for the management and protection of natural resources. MTS has offices in San Diego, CA; Corvallis, OR; and South Lake Tahoe, CA. We have curated a team of curious, self-motivated, and committed individuals who seek to make an impact on our immediate communities as well as contribute to the health of the planet.
Our Mission
To embody a purposeful, values-centered company whose success is built on
  • the success of its employees
  • the ability to make an impact in the communities we serve
  • and the goal to leave a legacy of improving the world we live in so future generations can live healthier, happier lives

Our People
We work hard.
We play hard.
We strive for the highest level of performance.
We learn through adversity.
We acknowledge excellence.
We are human.
Viable candidates will have all their own dive gear (BCD; regulator, secondary regulator, depth gauge, and pressure gauge; dive fins; mask; 7mm wetsuit/drysuit; 5mm hood; 5mm booties; 3mm gloves, and dive weights); experience working as a diver in altitude and cold water; and be available in San Diego, CA and/or South Lake Tahoe, CA.
Responsibilities
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • The successful Survey Technician will understand how to implement field and lab tasks with minimal supervision, ensuring that timelines and budgets are met in the most efficient way possible.
  • Diving and topside support for various projects throughout San Diego and South Lake Tahoe, including working in poor visibility.
  • Organization, loading and unloading of equipment and supplies necessary for field work projects.
  • All responsibilities done in partnership with, and under the direction of, a Project Manager
  • Lab work on benthic infauna samples (sorting and identification, QA/QC tasks, data entry, maintenance of chain of custody for received samples, laboratory equipment inventory)
  • Understands how to implement field work tasks performing marine biological assessments, including ability to drive a boat and trailer on field work assignments, and the ability to pull together all equipment needs, all with minimal supervision
  • Clean and maintain equipment such that projects can be mobilized efficiently and carried out safely
  • Responsible for accurate and thorough data management, data analysis and/or minor report generation with Project Management oversight
  • Responsible for meeting deadlines in an efficient manner
  • Takes initiative to find the most effective processes to accomplish tasks
  • Other duties in support of projects, as assigned

Qualifications
Professional Requirements and Certifications
REQUIRED
  • 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 conditions, and work extended hours. This is a physically demanding and mentally taxing project in the outdoors. Field work can, at times, be tedious.
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

PREFERRED
  • Advanced SCUBA certifications: Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster
  • CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Motorized boating experience and/or boater's safety course
  • Use of remote mapping software
  • Boat, dive gear, and small engine maintenance
  • Familiarity with aquatic invasive plant control efforts in Southern California and the Lake Tahoe Basin.
  • Experience with California marine species
  • Caulerpa prolifera certified
  • Minimum of Bachelor's Degree or 5+ work experience in related field
  • 2+ years SCUBA diving experience

The pay range for this California position is $25 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.
NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.
NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.
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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US

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