ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Scientific Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Stantec

Marine Scientist/Biologist

Topsham, ME · On-site

$51K - $74K/yr

SCUBA certification and scientific diving experience * HAZWOPER 40-hour certification * Working understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required)

Stantec

Marine Scientist/Biologist

Portland, ME · On-site

$56K - $82K/yr

SCUBA certification and scientific diving experience * HAZWOPER 40-hour certification * Working understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required)

Whoi

Research Associate III

Falmouth, MA

Scientific diving certification or willingness to obtain * Boating safety certifications or significant small-vessel experience Physical Requirements * Must be able to lift and carry equipment ...

Whoi

Research Associate III

Falmouth, MA

Scientific diving certification or willingness to obtain * Boating safety certifications or significant small-vessel experience Physical Requirements * Must be able to lift and carry equipment ...

OceanX

Postdoctoral Associate

New York, NY · On-site +1

This position offers unique access to a wide range of ocean exploration technologies and platforms, including crewed submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), CTDs, and scientific diving ...

Monterey Bay Aquarium

Curator, Mammals

Monterey, CA · On-site

SCUBA certification to include at least OW1, Rescue Diver, and Advanced Diver certifications; occupational and/or scientific diving authorizations preferred * Ability to pass an occupational ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsScientific Diving Jobs

Scientific Diving information

See salary details

$13

$31

$52

How much do scientific diving jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 20, 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.

How to get into scientific diving?

To become a scientific diver, you need to complete a recognized scientific diving certification, such as those offered by the American Academy of Underwater Sciences or similar organizations. This typically involves advanced open water training, specialized coursework, and practical experience in underwater research environments, often requiring a strong swimming ability and medical clearance. Gaining experience through internships or research projects can also help establish a career in scientific diving.

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.

How much money does a scientific diver make?

Scientific divers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Advanced certifications, specialized skills, and working in research or environmental fields can influence salary levels.

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.

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.

What is the highest paid diving job?

The highest paid diving jobs are often in commercial diving, such as underwater welding or salvage, where salaries can exceed $100,000 annually. These roles typically require advanced certifications, physical fitness, and experience working with specialized equipment in challenging 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.
More about Scientific Diving jobs
What cities are hiring for Scientific Diving jobs? Cities with the most Scientific Diving job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Scientific Diving jobs? The most popular types of Scientific Diving jobs are:
What states have the most Scientific Diving jobs? States with the most job openings for Scientific Diving jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Scientific Diving jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Scientific Diving jobs are:
Scientific Diving jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scientific Diving job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,473 per year, or $31.5 per hour.
Marine Scientist/Biologist

Marine Scientist/Biologist

Stantec

Topsham, ME • On-site

$51K - $74K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Stantec rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 369 rated engineering

Job description


Stantec has an immediate need for a part-time or full-time Marine Biologist to join our North Atlantic Marine Resources program. The successful candidate will support senior staff on both small- and large-scale multi-discipline projects with a high degree of technical complexity and a significant marine focus. This support would include projects involving aquatic restoration/remediation, transportation infrastructure, offshore wind, offshore oil and gas, and port/harbor and waterfront development. Work would include sediment sampling, field surveys, natural resource monitoring, habitat assessments, baseline data collection and data management, statistical analyses, technical report writing, drafting permit application documents, and desktop analysis for a variety of marine projects.
Your Key Responsibilities
Support components of technical marine resource projects including:
  • Field work, travel, and work in variable conditions
  • Collection of water, sediment, and tissue samples for contaminant analysis
  • Literature reviews, research, and technical writing
  • Data management and quality assurance
  • Preparing environmental impact assessments and marine species/habitat consultations (e.g., Essential Fish Habitat Assessments, ESA Section 7 consultations, Biological Assessments, and Environmental Assessments)
  • State and federal permitting (State of Maine experience preferred)
  • Identifying freshwater and/or marine fish and invertebrate species
  • Intertidal and subtidal habitat and substrate mapping and assessment
  • Acoustic telemetry
  • Dive surveys

Qualifications
Your Capabilities and Credentials
The following experience and attributes are desirable for applicants:
  • Expertise in marine biological resources
  • Expertise in sediment collection for contaminant analysis
  • Strong social skills and ability to communicate across a broad range of audiences/technical backgrounds.
  • Trained Protected Species Observer
  • SCUBA certification and scientific diving experience
  • HAZWOPER 40-hour certification
  • Working understanding of policies and procedures for HSSE, including client-specific training (as required).
  • Working knowledge of field sampling techniques
  • Must have the willingness to learn new skills while conducting field work in rural settings and flexibility in undertaking work assignments and work independently for long hours in the field as necessary.
  • Skilled at technical writing
  • Experience with federal and state consultations and permitting/authorizations pertaining to marine resources and habitats
  • Exhibits a strong attention to detail
  • Conscientious, organized, and disciplined
  • Open-minded and curious; shows an ability to focus on possibilities, not pre-conceived solutions
  • Enthusiastic, with a positive outlook and a sense of humor
  • Builds and maintains productive professional and personal networking relationships within their technical team and Business Center.
  • Proficient in MS Office applications
  • Must have a good driving record and valid driver's license
  • Experience with driving boats, trailers, and/or ATV is an asset

Education and Experience
  • Minimum of Bachelor of Science in marine biology, aquatic biology, fisheries, marine science, wildlife biology, or a related discipline from a recognized university.
  • Minimum of 2-5 years' experience, which must include technical environmental and marine projects. Environmental consulting experience preferable.

This description is not a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that may be required of the employee and other duties, responsibilities and activities may be assigned or may be changed at any time with or without notice.
About Stantec
Stantec is a global leader in sustainable engineering, architecture, and environmental consulting. The diverse perspectives of our partners and interested parties drive us to think beyond what's previously been done on critical issues like climate change, digital transformation, and future-proofing our cities and infrastructure. We innovate at the intersection of community, creativity, and client relationships to advance communities everywhere, so that together we can redefine what's possible. #StayInquisitive
About Us
Grounded in safety, quality, and ethics, our experts lead their fields with dedication, a creative spirit, and a vision for growth. We draw from more than 20 technical specialties worldwide and are devoted to fostering a community of diverse talents, backgrounds, and expertise. Here, you can apply your passion and collaborate with top environmental professionals on work that's vital to our clients and the communities they serve.
Join a team that's naturally committed to the environment.
About the Team
Pay Transparency: In compliance with pay transparency laws, pay ranges are provided for positions in locations where required. Please note, the final agreed upon compensation is based on individual education, qualifications, experience, and work location. At Stantec certain roles are bonus eligible. Actual compensation for part-time roles will be pro-rated based on the agreed number of working hours per week.
Benefits Summary: Regular full-time and part-time employees (working at least 20 hours per week) have access to medical, dental, and vision plans, a wellness program, health saving accounts, flexible spending accounts, 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase program, life and accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, short-term/long-term disability plans, emergency travel benefits, tuition reimbursement, professional membership fee coverage and paid family leave. Regular full-time and part-time employees will receive ten paid holidays in each calendar year. In addition, employees will be eligible to accrue vacation between 10 and 20 days per year and eligible for paid sick leave (and if more generous, in accordance with state and local law).
Temporary/casual employees have access to 401(k) plans, employee stock purchase program, and paid leave, in accordance with state and local law.
The benefits information listed above may not apply to union positions because benefits for such positions are governed by applicable collective bargaining agreements

What Stantec employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply