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Scientific Diving Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Scientific Diving information

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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.
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:
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.
Systems Engineer for Diving and Harbor Applications

Systems Engineer for Diving and Harbor Applications

University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX • On-site

$104K - $174K/yr

Other

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


University Of Texas at Austin rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 62 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

137th of 555 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Systems Engineer for Diving and Harbor Applications

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Hiring Department:

Applied Research Laboratories

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Position Open To:

All Applicants

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Weekly Scheduled Hours:

40

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FLSA Status:

Exempt from FLSA

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Earliest Start Date:

Immediately

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Position Duration:

Expected to Continue

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Location:

PICKLE RESEARCH CAMPUS

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Job Details:

Purpose

Systems engineering, project coordination, and development of systems for the Advanced Technology Laboratory(ATL) of Applied Research Laboratories.

Responsibilities
  • Develop project documentation and systems engineering artifacts.

  • Project coordination with sponsors and development staff.

  • Plan and execute site installation and testing activities.

  • Develop system concepts and proposals.

  • Develop software and/or hardware for systems.

  • Other related functions as assigned.

Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, or similar technical degree.

  • Three or more years of experience in systems engineering such as requirements development/management, systems architecture development, system testing and evaluation, and system documentation.

  • Demonstrated strong leadership and organizational skills.

  • Strong writing and presentation skills.

Applicant must have a dynamic skill set, willing to work with new technologies, be highly organized, capable of planning and coordinating multiple tasks, be willing to accept and incorporate feedback, and managing their time. This position will require attention to detail, effective problem solving, sound engineering judgment, and excellent communication skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently and with sensitive and confidential information, maintain a professional demeanor, work as a team member without daily supervision, and effectively communicate with all groups of clients. Applicant must be able to work under pressure and accept supervision with regular and punctual attendance.

US Citizen is required. Applicant selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience in electrical, software, or mechanical engineering.

  • Experience with model-based system architecture or model-based systems engineering.

  • Experience acting as a technical lead or in project management.

  • Understanding of software engineering processes and standards.

  • Experience in field testing or acting as a test director.

  • Experience with top-down design of systems.

  • Experience in circuit board design, production, debugging and testing.

  • Understanding of hardware engineering processes and standards.

  • Demonstrated knowledge in as many as possible of the following: C, C++, C#, Java, XML, Qt, .NET, version control systems, defect tracking systems, unit testing, real-time and concurrent systems, and web services.

  • Demonstrated knowledge in one or more of the following areas: acoustics, signal processing, detection theory, pattern recognition and classification or image processing.

  • Experience developing software in Linux or in an embedded environment.

  • Prior work experience in professional or research-oriented software or hardware development.

  • Demonstrated excellent interpersonal communication skills.

  • Military background or experience working with military customers is strongly preferred.

  • Knowledge of diving/diving systems, facilities modification, cyber-security processes, and force protection.

  • Eligibility for immediate access to classified information at the level appropriate to the project requirements of the position.

General Notes

An agency designated by the federal government handles the investigation as to the requirement for eligibility for access to classified information. Factors considered during this investigation include but are not limited to allegiance to the United States, foreign influence, foreign preference, criminal conduct, security violations, drug involvement, the likelihood of continuation of such conduct, etc.

Please mark "yes" on the application question that asks if additional materials are required. Failure to attach all additional materials listed below may result in a delay in application processing.

Visit our website (www.arlut.utexas.edu) for additional information about Applied Research Laboratories.

UT Austin offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
* 100% employer-paid basic medical coverage
* Retirement contributions
* Paid vacation and sick time
* Paid holidays
Please visit our Human Resources (HR) website to learn more about the total benefits offered.

Salary Range

$104,000-$174,000+/negotiable depending on qualifications

Working Conditions
  • Standard office conditions

  • Repetitive use of a keyboard at a workstation

  • Use of manual dexterity

  • Some weekend, evening and holiday work

  • Possible interstate/intrastate travel

  • Exposure to all weather conditions

  • Exposure to electrical/mechanical hazards.

Required Materials
  • Resume/CV

  • 3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

  • Unofficial transcripts

  • Letter of interest

Importantfor applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers:You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure thatALLRequired Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers:As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questionspresented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

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Employment Eligibility:

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion/transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

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Retirement Plan Eligibility:

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

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Background Checks:

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.

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Equal Opportunity Employer:

The University of Texas at Austin, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer,complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. The University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, religion, or veteran status in employment, educational programs and activities, and admissions.

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Pay Transparency:

The University of Texas at Austin will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information.

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Employment Eligibility Verification:

If hired, you will be required to complete the federal Employment Eligibility Verification I-9 form. You will be required to present acceptable and original documents to prove your identity and authorization to work in the United States. Documents need to be presented no later than the third day of employment. Failure to do so will result in loss of employment at the university.

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E-Verify:

The University of Texas at Austin use E-Verify to check the work authorization of all new hires effective May 2015. The university's company ID number for purposes of E-Verify is 854197. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following:

  • E-Verify Poster (English and Spanish) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (English) [PDF]
  • Right to Work Poster (Spanish) [PDF]

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Compliance:

Employees may be required to report violations of law under Title IX and the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act (Clery Act). If this position is identified a Campus Security Authority (Clery Act), you will be notified and provided resources for reporting. Responsible employees under Title IX are defined and outlined in HOP-3031.

The Clery Act requires all prospective employees be notified of the availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety report. You may access the most recent report here or obtain a copy at University Compliance Services, 1616 Guadalupe Street, UTA 2.206, Austin, Texas 78701.


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