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Scuba Guide Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

SeaWorld

Diver

San Diego, CA

Become familiar with the Dive Safe practices manual and the Planning and Assessment Guide ... Employment contingent on passing a dive physical swim test and scuba assessment. * Be Open Water ...

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment

Diver

San Diego, CA · On-site

Become familiar with the Dive Safe practices manual and the Planning and Assessment Guide ... Employment contingent on passing a dive physical swim test and scuba assessment. * Be Open Water ...

Cantos Ventures

Maritime Test Engineer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Thoroughly document test activities for internal consumption, to guide decision making, and for ... Experience operating small vessels (or a USCG license), SCUBA certification, or hands-on experience ...

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Scuba Guide information

What is the difference between Scuba Guide vs Dive Instructor?

AspectScuba GuideDive Instructor
CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Rescue Diver, DivemasterOpen Water Diver, Rescue Diver, Divemaster, Instructor Certification
Work EnvironmentGuides divers on tours, assists with equipment, ensures safetyTeaches diving courses, supervises dives, trains students
Employer & Industry UsageResorts, dive shops, tour operatorsDive schools, training centers, resorts

While both roles involve guiding divers and ensuring safety, a Scuba Guide primarily assists experienced divers during tours, whereas a Dive Instructor is responsible for teaching and certifying new divers. The Dive Instructor role requires additional teaching certifications and involves training, making it more comprehensive in scope.

How do you become a scuba guide?

To become a scuba guide, you typically need to obtain relevant certifications such as the PADI Divemaster or equivalent, gain experience through diving hours, and develop strong safety and communication skills. Many employers also require first aid and CPR certifications and a good understanding of local dive environments.

How much do scuba guides make?

Scuba guides typically earn between $20,000 and $50,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the number of dives they lead. Many also receive tips from clients, which can significantly increase their income, especially in popular tourist destinations. Certifications such as PADI or NAUI can enhance earning potential and job opportunities.

What cities in California are hiring for Scuba Guide jobs?

Cities in California with the most Scuba Guide job openings:

Scuba Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Scuba Guide job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Diver, Part Time (SeaWorld San Diego)

San Diego, CA • On-site

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment
Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation • 10K+ employees
Learn more about SeaWorld Parks & Entertainmentexternal

Part-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!
What you get to do:
  • Learn to clean underwater facilities throughout the park.
  • Learn how to properly setup and break down all required equipment at each dive site.
  • Maintain accurate daily dive log, records and remain OSHA compliant.
  • Learn safe handling, storage and disposal practices for toxic substances and hazardous waste in accordance with company policies.
  • Ensure general cleanliness of all facilities throughout the park.
  • Learn to clean and store equipment after each diving day.
  • Learn to properly care for and maintain assigned dive gear.
  • Learn and use good housekeeping skills at the dive locker and facilities.
  • Learn all aspects of everyday tasks and show the ability to complete required tasks with limited supervision.
  • Show positive attitude working in a team environment.
  • Ensure excellent customer service by responding to customer requirements, expectations and needs.
  • Enthusiastically assist in shared duties from preparing for the day to cleanup at the end of day.
  • Occasionally assist other locations and areas in the park as needed.
  • Must follow all SEA and Dive Locker policies.
  • Become familiar with the Dive Safe practices manual and the Planning and Assessment Guide.
  • Encourage and demonstrate confidentiality and professional communication internally and with all departments that interact with the Zoological department.
  • Work towards becoming a SEA qualified DIPC.
  • Assist Department with other duties as assigned.

What it takes to succeed:
  • Be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent.
  • Available to work 5 days per week with occasional weekends.
  • Employment contingent on passing a dive physical swim test and scuba assessment.
  • Be Open Water Diver Certified.
  • ADCI certification preferred.
  • Have a valid driver's license and the ability to obtain a SEA driver's license.
  • Be able to pass CPR, First Aid, AED certifications and O2 provider for diving injuries within 30 days of employment.
  • Be able to stand, walk, and work for prolonged period of time in extreme weather conditions.
  • Be able to lift, push and pull up to 100 lbs. with assistance.
  • Be willing to work a flexible schedule to include early shifts, weekdays, weekend, evenings and holidays.
  • Be able to make multiple day dives to depths up to 40 feet and temperatures as low as 39 degrees at all required dive locations.
  • Be able to clean multiple surface types (smooth concrete, rock type, horizontal and vertical).
  • Consistently practices safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, lifting and reporting of unsafe situations.
  • Able to positively interact with guests and co-workers.
  • Strong written/verbal communication skills.
  • Handle multiple tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Be willing to comply with and ensure ambassadors comply with all SEA grooming guidelines and employment standards.
  • Must be able to successfully complete all legal, company and department training requirements to include but not limited to passing required tests and certifications within established timelines.

Compensation :
  • 22.00 Hourly Annually

The perks of the position: Ambassadors will enjoy a fun, fast-paced environment, and great teammates, as well as:
  • FREE park admission
  • Discounts on park admission tickets and passes for family and friends
  • Park discounts on food, merchandise, etc.
  • Scholarship opportunities
  • Exclusive employee events and giveaways

EEO Employer:
SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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