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Temporary Rescue Diver Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... Temporary Overview Marine Taxonomic Services, Ltd. (MTS) is an environmental consulting firm ... Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster

... Diver Salary Grade Date Needed By Job Type Temporary Travel Job Title: Dive Instructor Reports to ... Train students on emergency protocols, rescue techniques, and incident response, modeled on ...

... Diver Salary Grade Date Needed By Job Type Temporary Travel Job Title: Dive Instructor Reports to ... Train students on emergency protocols, rescue techniques, and incident response, modeled on ...

Temporary Rescue Diver information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Rescue Diver, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Rescue Diver, you need advanced diving certification (such as PADI Rescue Diver), strong swimming ability, and in-depth knowledge of emergency procedures. Familiarity with dive computers, underwater communication devices, and rescue equipment is typically required. Exceptional situational awareness, calmness under pressure, and teamwork are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure effective and safe rescue operations in challenging underwater environments, protecting both the diver and those in need.

What are some common challenges faced by Temporary Rescue Divers during assignments?

Temporary Rescue Divers often encounter unpredictable environments, such as varying water conditions, limited visibility, and challenging weather. Adapting quickly to new sites and coordinating effectively with unfamiliar teams are crucial for success. Additionally, balancing the physical demands of the role with strict safety protocols can be challenging, especially under time-sensitive or high-stress situations. Being adaptable, communicative, and safety-focused helps overcome these obstacles and ensures effective rescue operations.

What are Temporary Rescue Divers?

Temporary Rescue Divers are certified individuals who are hired on a short-term or project basis to provide emergency response and rescue services in aquatic environments. Their primary role is to assist in preventing and responding to water-related emergencies, such as distressed swimmers, diving accidents, or underwater incidents. They typically work during specific events, construction projects, or seasonal operations where additional safety coverage is needed. Temporary rescue divers must be trained in rescue techniques, first aid, and CPR, and often work alongside lifeguards, emergency responders, or safety teams. Their training ensures they can respond quickly and effectively to emergencies until permanent staff or additional help arrives.

What is the 120 rule in diving?

The 120 rule in diving states that a diver should not exceed 120 minutes of total bottom time at depths shallower than 60 feet (18 meters) without mandatory decompression stops. For rescue divers, understanding this rule helps plan safe dives and avoid decompression sickness, especially during training or rescue operations involving multiple dives or extended bottom times.

What is the difference between Temporary Rescue Diver vs Open Water Diver?

AspectTemporary Rescue DiverOpen Water Diver
Required CertificationsRescue Diver certification, CPR, first aidOpen Water Diver certification
Work EnvironmentRescue scenarios, safety supervision, emergency responseRecreational diving, training dives
Employer & Industry UsageDive shops, rescue organizations, training agenciesRecreational diving centers, tourism

The Temporary Rescue Diver is trained to handle emergency situations and rescue operations, requiring rescue and first aid certifications. In contrast, the Open Water Diver is a basic certification for recreational diving. While both roles involve diving, the Rescue Diver focuses on safety and emergency response, whereas the Open Water Diver is for general recreational diving. Understanding these differences helps clarify career progression and job expectations in the diving industry.

More about Temporary Rescue Diver jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Rescue Diver jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Rescue Diver job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Rescue Diver jobs? The most popular types of Rescue Diver jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Rescue Diver jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Rescue Diver jobs include:
Infographic showing various Temporary Rescue Diver job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 26% Full Time, and 74% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Technician II Diver

Technician II Diver

NV5

South Lake Tahoe, CA

$25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


NV5 rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

95th of 351 rated engineering


Job description

Technician II Diver
Job ID
2026-11909
# of Openings
10
Location
US-CA-South Lake Tahoe
Category
Environmental
Type
Temporary
Overview

Marine Taxonomic Services, Ltd. (MTS) is an environmental consulting firm committed to providing innovative solutions for the management and protection of natural resources. Founded in 1980 and incorporated in 1993, MTS has offices in San Diego, CA; Corvallis, OR; and South Lake Tahoe, CA. We have curated a team of curious, self-motivated, and committed individuals who seek to make an impact on our immediate communities as well as contribute to the health of the planet.

Our Mission

To embody a purposeful, values-centered company whose success is built on

    the success of its employees
  • the ability to make an impact in the communities we serve
  • and the goal to leave a legacy of improving the world we live in so future generations can live healthier, happier lives

Our People

We work hard.

We play hard.

We strive for the highest level of performance.

We learn through adversity.

We acknowledge excellence.

We are human.

Viable candidates will have all their own dive gear (BCD; regulator, secondary regulator, depth gauge, and pressure gauge; dive fins; mask; 7mm wetsuit/drysuit; 5mm hood; 5mm booties; 3mm gloves, and dive weights); experience working as a diver in altitude and cold water; and be available in San Diego, CA and/or South Lake Tahoe, CA.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • The successful Technician II Diver will understand how to implement field and lab tasks with minimal supervision, ensuring that timelines and budgets are met in the most efficient way possible.
  • Diving and topside support for various projects throughout San Diego and South Lake Tahoe, including working in poor visibility.
  • Organization, loading and unloading of equipment and supplies necessary for field work projects.
  • All responsibilities done in partnership with, and under the direction of, a Project Manager
  • Lab work on benthic infauna samples (sorting and identification, QA/QC tasks, data entry, maintenance of chain of custody for received samples, laboratory equipment inventory)
  • Understands how to implement field work tasks performing marine biological assessments, including ability to drive a boat and trailer on field work assignments, and the ability to pull together all equipment needs, all with minimal supervision
  • Clean and maintain equipment such that projects can be mobilized efficiently and carried out safely
  • Responsible for accurate and thorough data management, data analysis and/or minor report generation with Project Management oversight
  • Responsible for meeting deadlines in an efficient manner
  • Takes initiative to find the most effective processes to accomplish tasks
  • Other duties in support of projects, as assigned

Qualifications

Professional Requirements and Certifications

REQUIRED

  • Open Water Diver certification
  • DAN membership and DAN master insurance coverage
  • Ability to perform heavy lifting (50+ pounds)
  • Ability to perform strenuous physical activity, work in cold water conditions, and work extended hours. This is a physically demanding and mentally taxing project in the outdoors. Field work can, at times, be tedious.
  • Ability to be both self-directed/work alone, and be a positive, contributing member of a group.

PREFERRED

  • Advanced SCUBA certifications: Advanced Open Water, Rescue Diver, Scientific Diver, Altitude Diver, Drysuit Diver, Divemaster
  • CPR/First Aid, Emergency Medical Responder, or Wilderness First Responder certification
  • Motorized boating experience and/or boater's safety course
  • Use of remote mapping software
  • Boat, dive gear, and small engine maintenance
  • Familiarity with aquatic invasive plant control efforts in Southern California and the Lake Tahoe Basin.
  • Experience with California marine species
  • Caulerpa prolifera certified
  • Minimum of Bachelor's Degree or 5+ work experience in related field
  • 2+ years SCUBA diving experience

The pay range for this California position is $25 per hour; however, base pay offered may be higher or lower depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience of the candidate. Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the position offered. This information is provided per California Senate Bill 1162. Base pay information is based on market location. Applicants should apply via the NV5 careers site.

NV5 offers a competitive compensation and benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, PTO, 401(k) and professional development/advancement opportunities.

NV5 provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws. NV5 complies with applicable state and local laws governing non-discrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.


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About NV5

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

NV5 is a renowned company based in Los Angeles, CA, US, that operates in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry. Officially established in 2009, this company provides technical engineering and consulting solutions that cater to public and private sectors globally. The firm is adept in a wide range of services, including infrastructure, energy, construction, program management, and environmental services. As part of its mission, NV5 seeks to deliver solutions that enhance communities and safeguard the environment meticulously.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Los Angeles, CA, US