1

Scuba Diving Instructor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

... other common scuba equipment that is essential to safe diving. We'll ensure you have the proper ... You'll be expected to assist in the continuing education of retail associates and instructors on ...

... other common scuba equipment that is essential to safe diving. We'll ensure you have the proper ... You'll be expected to assist in the continuing education of retail associates and instructors on ...

... other common scuba equipment that is essential to safe diving. We'll ensure you have the proper ... You'll be expected to assist in the continuing education of retail associates and instructors on ...

Scuba Diving Instructor information

See Washington salary details

$8

$24

$54

How much do scuba diving instructor jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba diving instructor in Washington is $24.25, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.00 and $25.29 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by scuba diving instructors during training sessions?

Scuba Diving Instructors often encounter challenges such as working with students who have varying levels of comfort and ability in the water, adapting lesson plans for different group sizes, and responding quickly to changing underwater conditions. Ensuring safety for all participants is a primary responsibility, which requires constant vigilance and adaptability. Instructors may also need to manage equipment logistics and provide additional support for nervous or inexperienced divers. Balancing these tasks while maintaining a supportive, encouraging learning environment is key to both student success and job satisfaction.

What is a scuba diving instructor?

A Scuba Diving Instructor teaches others how to safely scuba dive, covering skills, equipment use, and emergency procedures. They conduct training sessions, guide dives, and ensure students understand safety regulations. Instructors work at dive shops, resorts, or on liveaboard boats, often in tropical destinations. Certification from organizations like PADI or SSI is required.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a scuba diving instructor?

To thrive as a Scuba Diving Instructor, you need strong aquatic skills, in-depth knowledge of diving theory, and completion of instructor-level scuba certifications such as those from PADI or NAUI. Familiarity with dive computers, compressed air equipment, and underwater communication devices is essential. Outstanding interpersonal skills, patience, and the ability to clearly explain complex information help instructors excel, especially with diverse learners. These abilities ensure safety, effective instruction, and a positive experience for both beginners and experienced divers alike.

What are the most commonly searched types of Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in Washington? For Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in Washington look for? The top searched job categories for Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in Washington are:
What are popular job titles related to Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in WA? For Scuba Diving Instructor jobs in WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Scuba Diving Instructor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $50,433 per year, or $24.2 per hour.

Lead Diving and Marine Safety Manager

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 days ago


Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums


Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in the Office of Safety, Health, and Environmental Management (OSHEM) which provides policy, guidance, and assistance for the Smithsonian's safety, occupational health and wellness, fire protection, industrial hygiene, and environmental management programs.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
The Lead Diving and Marine Safety Manager leads research diving activities worldwide for the Smithsonian Institution, and advises leadership on pertinent issues involving scientific diving including training, safety, emergency response, standards and requirements, operations, and compliance.
In this position, you will:
  • Manage SI's scientific diving and marine safety programs with responsibility for oversight of all research diving and boating operations safety worldwide under the auspices of the Institution.
  • Represent the SDCB in congressional Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sessions and hearings pertaining to Smithsonian scientific diving operations.
  • Represent SI as an institutional member in American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) to assure consistency and reciprocity of standards and certifications with other major US scientific diving programs.
  • Evaluate, advise and inform SDCB, OSHEM and the Office of the Under Secretary for Science and Research (OUSSR) regarding technical and procedural matters pertaining to scientific diving.
  • Be responsible for diver training and certification.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements, including one year time-in-grade at the next lower grade level for promotion candidates, must be met within 30 days of the job announcement closing date. See the 'Required Documents' section for additional information.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions viewable on OPM Website.
Selectee(s) must be able to:
  • maintain Instructor Certification from an internationally recognized scuba certification agency. Applicants must attach a copy of current diving instructor certification credentials. Failure to attach diving instructor certification credentials will result in loss of consideration.
  • maintain active scientific diver status, including meeting all diving/swimming, physical
    examination and training requirements.
  • pass a pre-employment drug screening.
  • pass a dive physical exam.
  • operate small boats used in field operations.
  • obtain and maintain a valid Passport.
  • obtain and maintain a valid Driver's License.
  • be on call after hours for urgent or emergency situations.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study safety or occupational health fields (safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology.
OR
Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in or related to safety and occupational health that provided the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
In addition to the basic qualification requirement above:
Experience:
GS-13: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as:
  1. managing a scientific diving program to include boating and marine operations;
  2. instructing scientific divers in safe diving techniques;
  3. developing and reviewing scientific dive plans; and
  4. conducting underwater dives in support of science, to include operating boats in support of those operations.

Applicants must attach a copy of current diving instructor certification credentials. Failure to attach diving instructor certification credentials will result in loss of consideration.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Special Instructions for Foreign Education: If you are qualifying by education and/or you have education completed in a foreign college/university described above, it is your responsibility to provide transcripts and proof of U.S. accreditation for foreign study. For instructions on where to fax these documents, see the "Required Documents" section of this announcement.
In an effort to streamline our hiring process, SI employees whose current position of record is in the same job series (0018) and who are in a (Federal competitive or excepted service appointment) as this advertised position, are not required to submit a transcript with your application package. However, if selected, you will be required to provide a copy of your transcript before your start date in the position.
Time-in-Grade Requirements: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under a non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying).
Education
Basic Qualifications:
Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study safety or occupational health fields (safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene), or degree in other related fields that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours of study from among the following (or closely related) disciplines: safety, occupational health, industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, toxicology, public health, mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological sciences, engineering, and industrial psychology.
OR
Specialized Experience (for positions above GS-5): Experience in or related to safety and occupational health that provided the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
The Federal Government offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

What Smithsonian Institution employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom