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Scuba Jobs in Oregon (NOW HIRING)

Industrial Designer 1

Portland, OR · On-site

$136K/yr

... scuba diving. As an Industrial Designer, you will collaborate closely with engineering and leadership partners to create innovative products for the Outdoor, Fitness, and Marine markets. You will ...

Radiologist - Remote - 850K

Portland, OR · On-site +1

$339K - $424K/yr

Lots of outdoor activities from hiking to scuba diving to hunting Benefits: Diagnostic Radiologist * Base Salary: $750K - $850000.00 - Based on Experience * Pay is not based on RVUs so that readers ...

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Scuba information

See Oregon salary details

$9

$18

$30

How much do scuba jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for scuba in Oregon is $18.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.91 and $21.34 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a scuba diver?

Scuba divers are individuals trained to swim underwater using a self-contained underwater breathing apparatus (SCUBA). This equipment allows divers to breathe underwater for extended periods, enabling them to explore, study, or work beneath the water’s surface. Scuba divers can be recreational enthusiasts, scientific researchers, underwater photographers, or professionals involved in tasks such as marine construction or rescue operations. Proper training and certification are essential for safe scuba diving.

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

To thrive as a Scuba Instructor, you need expert knowledge of diving techniques, safety protocols, and first aid, typically supported by certifications from agencies like PADI or NAUI. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater navigation tools, and emergency oxygen equipment is essential. Strong communication, patience, and problem-solving skills help instructors teach effectively and manage diverse student needs. These competencies ensure safe, enjoyable learning experiences and uphold safety standards in potentially hazardous underwater environments.

What are some common challenges faced by professional scuba instructors and how can they be managed?

Professional scuba instructors often encounter challenges such as ensuring student safety, adapting teaching methods to suit varying skill levels, and managing equipment maintenance. Balancing these responsibilities requires strong communication skills, attentiveness, and a proactive approach to risk management. Building rapport with students and maintaining up-to-date certifications also help instructors create a positive learning environment and handle unexpected situations effectively.

What is the difference between Scuba vs Dive Instructor?

AspectScubaDive Instructor
CertificationsOpen Water Diver, Advanced Open Water DiverOpen Water Diver, Dive Instructor Certification (e.g., PADI, NAUI)
Work EnvironmentRecreational diving, training, travelTeaching, training, supervising students
Employer & IndustryResorts, dive shops, cruise linesDive schools, training agencies, resorts

While both roles involve scuba diving, a Scuba diver is primarily a recreational participant, whereas a Dive Instructor is a professional responsible for training and certifying other divers. Dive Instructors require additional certifications and have a more instructional role, often working in teaching environments. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths within the diving industry.

What jobs can I do with scuba diving?

Scuba diving can lead to jobs such as commercial diver, underwater photographer, marine biologist, dive instructor, or underwater welder. These roles often require certifications like PADI or NAUI and involve working in environments such as oceans, lakes, or underwater construction sites.

What are popular job titles related to Scuba jobs in Oregon?

For Scuba jobs in Oregon, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Scuba jobs in Oregon look for?

The top searched job categories for Scuba jobs in Oregon are:

Infographic showing various Scuba job openings in Oregon 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 $38,571 per year, or $18.5 per hour.

PAC Academic & Recreational SCUBA Leader

Oregonstate

Corvallis, OR

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Job description

Department:College of Health, Physical Activity CoursesSpecial Instructions to Applicants:

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by August 28, 2026. Applications will continue to be accepted after the full consideration date, until a sufficient applicant pool has been achieved or the position is filled. The closing date is subject to change without notice to applicants.


When applying you will be required to attach the following electronic documents:

1) A resume/CV; and

2) A cover letter indicating how your qualifications and experience have prepared you for this position.

3) License/Certifications: Please attach all licenses/ certification as appropriate.


4) Supplemental Questions: Please attach as a separate document.

a) Please list your total number of dives, the number of dives in a professional supervisory position, and the number of dives in cold water environments?

b) What is your philosophy in teaching beginners to dive?

c) After reviewing the OSU Mission statement at (https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/trustees/about-board/oregon-state-university-mission-statement) please state how your background and experience has prepared you to support inclusive learning principles and promote equitable teaching practices.


For additional information, please contact:

Name: Katelyn Kirk

Email: Katelyn.Kirk@oregonstate.edu

Phone:503-737-3222

Job Summary:The Physical Activities Course (PAC) in the College of Health at Oregon State University (OSU) invites applications for a full-time (1.00FTE), 9-month, combination position as PAC Academic & Recreational SCUBA Program Manager & PAC SCUBA Instructor reflecting duties in both academic and administrative areas.
We passionately believe that health is for all people. Our world-leading faculty and committed students work to prevent disease and injury, identify factors that affect health and well-being, inform policy, and shape environments that improve lives and help everyone, from children to seniors, thrive. We serve others, enjoy meaningful careers and lives, innovate, approach health and well-being through a lens of equity, and co-create knowledge and solutions to pressing health challenges in the far corners of Oregon, the nation and world.Physical Activity Courses provide an interactive and engaging experience that allows student to learn through active participation in a variety of physical activities. Recognizing individual interests and abilities, the program provides courses that cater to all levels and abilities. The Office of Physical Activity and Health Programs provides all Oregon State University with the knowledge and experience to make intelligent decisions regarding present and future physically active lifestyles. The program provides quality instruction in safe, adequately equipped facilities and creates a positive, enjoyable environment for learning.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Management of the PAC Academic & Recreational Dive Center, PAC Academic & Recreational PADI SCUBA Diving Program, The Dive Locker Rental System, PADI SCUBA Divemaster Program and SCUBA Dive Locker Facility
  • Management of SCUBA personnel, including SCUBA Certification Evaluator staff, Instructors, equipment management, student workers, and volunteers & Divemaster candidates
  • Manage the DiveLocker Rental and Inventory System
  • Collaborate with the PAC Director to manage SCUBA budget
  • Plan and organize Instructor that maximizes Student Learning
  • Establish meaningful student learning outcomes for courses/program
  • Demonstrate a thorough and accurate knowledge of the their field or discipline
Qualifications:

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in any field
  • 150+ dives demonstrated by an active dive log with experience in cold water
  • environments
  • Current and valid certification as a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Instructor & Trainer
  • Current and valid driver's license
  • 1+ year experience in the operation of a dive shop, dive program, or equivalent.
  • 1+ years experience instructing SCUBA courses
  • Previous supervisory experience
  • Current, valid Adult CPR, AED, and First Aid certification (must be completed prior to
  • start of instruction; higher level certification accepted).
  • Current, valid Emergency O2 Certification by the start of classes
  • Demonstrated experience, knowledge and ability to instruct SCUBA courses
  • Experience and/or certification in equipment tuning, service and maintenance
  • Concussion training by the start of classes
  • Evident commitment to educational equity.
  • Demonstrated ability to design, teach and assess courses that support inclusive learning principles and promote equitable teaching practices, to the benefit of all learners.

Final candidates for this position must complete a sexual misconduct reference check, per

University Policy 05-010. An offer of employment will be contingent upon satisfactory results from the sexual misconduct reference check.

This position is designated as a critical or security-sensitive position; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a criminal history check and be determined to be position qualified as per University Standard: 05-010 et seq. Incumbents are required to self-report convictions and those in youth programs may have additional criminal history checks every 24 months.

This position requires driving a university vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the university; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per University Policy 05-030.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Current and valid certification as a PADI Course Director
  • 3+ years supervisory experience
  • 5+ year experience in the operation of a dive shop, dive program, or equivalent.
  • Experience mentoring and certifying Dive Masters
  • Master's degree in any field
  • Successful teaching experience in a higher education setting, or equivalent
  • Experience assessing student learning outcomes and curriculum development
  • Master's degree in any field
  • Current and valid certification as a PADI Master SCUBA Diver Trainer, and/or Course Director
  • 5+ years experience instructing SCUBA courses
  • Current SCUBA cylinder inspector (PSI preferred) and experience and/or certification in SCUBA equipment formal annual service and general maintenance.
  • Emergency O2 Certification
  • CPR, FA, AED, and Emergency O2 Instructor
  • Experience mentoring and certifying Dive Masters
  • Successful teaching experience in a higher education setting, or equivalent
  • Demonstrated ability to design, teach and assess courses that support inclusive learning principles and promote equitable teaching practices, to the benefit of all learners.
  • Previous experience assessing student learning outcomes and curriculum development
Working Conditions/Schedule: In the performance of the duties of the position, incumbents will be required to lead physical activity courses and demonstrate activity-specific movements for a minimum duration of 50-90 minutes per scheduled class. Ability to lift/carry SCUBA cylinders and full SCUBA rigs (50-80lbs.) and to demonstrate and teach dive rescue of adult victims Ability to safely operate university Motor Pool vehicles, including ton pickup trucks and passenger vans Requires working nights and/or weekends. Travel with students to open water sites and spending the night near dive sites is required. This position requires working in water. Some work is required to be performed in an pool and/or outdoor environment, which may involve extreme temperature and weather conditions.Salary Range:$38,000 -$40,000Anticipated Start Date:2026-09-16Anticipated End Date:

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability, protected veteran, and other protected status.

OSU will conduct a review of the National Sex Offender Public website prior to hire.
OSU is a fair chance employer committed to inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates who bring a wide range of lived experience including involvement with the justice system. If this position has "critical or security-sensitive" responsibilities and/or driving duties and you are selected as a finalist, your initial job offer will be contingent upon the results of a job-related pre-employment check (such as a background check, motor vehicle history check, sexual misconduct reference check, etc.). Background check results do not automatically disqualify a candidate. Take a look at our Background Checks website including the for candidates section for more details. If you have questions or concerns about the pre-employment check, please contact OSU's Employee and Labor Relations team at employee.relations@oregonstate.edu.