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Scientific Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Leidos

Diver - Antarctic Program

$73K - $132K/yr

The Leidos Corporation is seeking a Diver that will be responsible for performing diving and dive related support including but not limited to scientific, O&M, inspection and other projects as needed ...

Stantec

Environmental Scientist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

AAUS Scientific Diving Certification - Current certification under American Academy of Underwater Sciences standards, with demonstrated experience conducting scientific diving operations to support ...

Stantec

Environmental Scientist

Honolulu, HI · On-site

$74K - $97K/yr

AAUS Scientific Diving Certification - Current certification under American Academy of Underwater Sciences standards, with demonstrated experience conducting scientific diving operations to support ...

DAN

Research Assistant-Diving Science

Durham, NC · On-site

Today - over 100 interns later - the program continues to help people develop the knowledge and skills they need to pursue careers in diving-related and scientific fields. The DAN SkillBridge ...

Wood Plc

Senior Environmental Scientist

Tampa, FL

$78K - $105K/yr

... with scientific diving is desirable. Strong writing skills are required. Key Responsibilities: This person will be a member of a team providing engineering and scientific consulting services to ...

Wood Plc

Marine/Aquatic Scientist

San Diego, CA

Familiarity with water and sediment quality instruments, small boat handling, toxicology testing/data, environmental permitting, and experience with scientific diving is also desirable. This position ...

DAN

Research Assistant-Diving Science

Durham, NC

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 ...

houstonzoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX

The position will also be responsible for creating dive schedules, conducting safety drills, and ensuring compliance with all OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards for aquarium and scientific diving. This ...

houstonzoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX

The position will also be responsible for creating dive schedules, conducting safety drills, and ensuring compliance with all OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards for aquarium and scientific diving. This ...

Houston Zoo

Dive Safety Officer

Houston, TX · On-site

The position will also be responsible for creating dive schedules, conducting safety drills, and ensuring compliance with all OSHA, AAUS, and AZA standards for aquarium and scientific diving. This ...

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Scientific Diving information

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How much do scientific diving jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific diving in the United States is $31.48, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $40.14 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Scientific Diving vs Commercial Diving?

AspectScientific DivingCommercial Diving
CertificationsOpen Water, Advanced, Rescue, Scientific Diving CertificationCommercial Diving Certification, IMCA or ADCI certification
Work EnvironmentResearch sites, underwater laboratories, environmental monitoringUnderwater construction, inspection, welding, salvage
Industry UsageResearch institutions, environmental agenciesConstruction, oil & gas, shipping, underwater repair

Scientific Diving and Commercial Diving both require specialized certifications and involve underwater work, but Scientific Diving focuses on research and environmental monitoring, while Commercial Diving is centered on industrial and construction tasks. Understanding these differences helps professionals choose the right career path based on their skills and interests.

What Are Scientific Diving Jobs?

Scientific diving jobs are any positions that have duties and responsibilities related to the process of diving for science. The most common role is that of a scientific diver. These divers often double as a scientist or engineer and are the ones taking pictures, collecting a sample, and recording observations. Field divers may stick to a specific area or gather information from multiple dive sites. There are specific positions within the dive team, including the dive leader or director. There are also job opportunities as the boat driver, a diver technician, and those who support the divers on land by preparing equipment.

What is scientific diving?

Scientific diving is a specialized form of underwater diving conducted by scientists and researchers to collect data, samples, and observations in aquatic environments. Unlike recreational or commercial diving, scientific diving focuses on supporting research in fields such as marine biology, archaeology, geology, and environmental science. Scientific divers follow strict safety protocols and often use specialized equipment to carry out tasks like underwater surveys, sample collection, and ecological monitoring. Proper training and certification are required to ensure both diver safety and the integrity of scientific data collected underwater.

Can saturation divers earn over $300000 with years of experience?

Saturation divers, a specialized type of commercial diver, can potentially earn over $300,000 annually with extensive experience, advanced certifications, and working in high-paying industries such as oil and gas. However, such earnings are typically achieved through long-term experience, hazardous environments, and often involve offshore or remote work schedules.

How much do scientific scuba divers make?

Scientific scuba divers typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and funding sources. Salaries can vary based on the employer, project scope, and whether the diver is employed full-time or part-time, often requiring specialized certifications and skills in underwater research and data collection.

What are some common challenges faced by scientific divers during underwater research projects?

Scientific divers often encounter challenges such as limited underwater visibility, fluctuating water temperatures, and navigating strong currents, all of which can impact data collection and safety. Additionally, managing specialized research equipment while adhering to strict dive protocols requires strong multitasking skills. Effective communication and coordination with team members, both underwater and topside, are essential to ensure research objectives are met and safety standards are maintained.

How much do research divers make?

Research divers' salaries vary based on experience, location, and employer, but they typically earn between $30,000 and $70,000 annually. Certified divers with specialized skills and advanced certifications tend to earn higher wages, especially when working on long-term projects or in remote environments.

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

To thrive as a Scientific Diver, you need advanced scuba certification, experience in scientific research methodologies, and a solid understanding of marine biology or related fields. Proficiency in using underwater data collection tools, GPS systems, and diving safety equipment is typically required, along with certifications such as AAUS Scientific Diver. Strong observational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively under challenging conditions are crucial soft skills. These competencies ensure the collection of accurate scientific data, maintain safety, and support effective research outcomes in underwater environments.

How do you become a scientific diver?

To become a scientific diver, individuals typically need to complete a scientific diving certification course approved by a recognized organization, which includes training in underwater research techniques, safety procedures, and the use of specialized equipment. Candidates must usually have a valid diver certification, good physical health, and often a background in science or related fields; some programs require prior diving experience and medical clearance.
More about Scientific Diving jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientific Diving jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Diving job openings:
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Scientific Diving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Diving job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,473 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Project Scientist 2

Project Scientist 2

Continental Shelf Associates Inc

Stuart, FL • On-site

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Project Scientist - Marine EnvironmentalJob Description

CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. (CSA) is seeking a Project Scientist to support applied marine science and environmental consulting projects in coastal and offshore environments in the U.S. and internationally. This position supports the assessment of environmental impacts associated with marine and coastal activities and integrates field surveys, data analysis, and technical reporting to support regulatory compliance, environmental planning, and responsible ocean use, with an emphasis on water column / fisheries investigations. The role is suited to an early- to mid-career scientist capable of contributing across the full project lifecycle, from field data collection through environmental analysis, hydroacoustic data interpretation, reporting, and client support.

Key Responsibilities

Project and Technical Support

  • Participate in and/or lead nearshore and offshore field surveys, including scientific diving where applicable.
  • Conduct marine environmental sampling, quantitative video and photographic surveys, hydroacoustic surveys, and in situ measurements.
  • Assist with proposal development, project coordination, and efficient execution of consulting assignments.
  • Field Operations and Data Collection
  • Support and/or lead scientific components of marine environmental assessments, including Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA), Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA), Essential Fish Habitat (EFH) evaluations, hydroacoustic assessments, and related technical studies.

Data Analysis and Reporting

  • Prepare and contribute to technical reports, figures, tables, and presentations for clients and regulatory agencies.
  • Analyze and interpret marine environmental and hydroacoustic datasets to support environmental assessments, fisheries studies, and monitoring programs.
  • Maintain data quality, validity, and documentation in accordance with CSA QA/QC standards.

Client and Team Engagement

  • Support effective communication with clients, regulators, and internal technical teams.
  • Clearly communicate scientific results to technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Health, Safety, and Compliance
  • Adhere to CSA Health, Safety, Security, and Environmental (HSSE) policies and procedures, including scientific diving standards where applicable.
  • Maintain accountability for personal safety and the safety of others during field and office activities.

Required Qualifications

  • M.Sc. or equivalent experience in either marine science, biology, ecology, biological oceanography, environmental science, or a related discipline.
  • Experience supporting water column / fisheries acoustic surveys, collected using scientific echosounders or related acoustic instrumentation.
  • Demonstrated experience with marine environmental data analysis, water column / fisheries acoustic data interpretation, and technical writing.
  • Familiarity with environmental impact assessment processes and regulatory documentation.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced consulting or applied science environment.
  • Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office and standard data management tools.
  • Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, sometimes on short notice.
  • Experience working at sea on large and small vessels for campaigns of various duration.
  • Valid U.S. Driver’s License.

Highly Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with water-column characterization, habitat mapping, marine habitat surveys, benthic sampling, or species identification.
  • Experience processing and interpreting water column / fisheries acoustic data using Echoview software.
  • Experience with scientific echosounder systems (e.g., Simrad EK-series or equivalent) and acoustic survey design.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Scientific diving experience (AAUS or equivalent) of 100 logged dives or more and open-water SCUBA certification.
  • Experience with advanced statistical analysis (e.g., R, SAS) and/or Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
  • First Aid, CPR, O₂ administration, and/or marine safety training.
  • Experience supporting proposal development or environmental permitting efforts.
  • Foreign language proficiency.

CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, veteran status, or disabled status. EOE/Vet/Disability

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