Aquaculture Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the age of sustainable development, the focus on aquaculture divers has become more prominent than ever before.
As global demand for seafood grows, so does the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage, monitor, and maintain our aquatic farming infrastructure.
But what exactly is expected from an aquaculture diver?
Whether you are:
- A job seeker trying to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
- A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
- Or simply interested in the intricacies of aquaculture diving,
You’re in the right place.
Today, we reveal a customizable aquaculture diver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.
Let’s dive right in.
Aquaculture Diver Duties and Responsibilities
Aquaculture Divers perform a range of tasks related to the maintenance and inspection of underwater farms where fish and shellfish are bred and harvested.
These professionals use diving gear and specialized tools to perform duties under the water surface.
An Aquaculture Diver’s duties and responsibilities include:
- Conducting routine checks and maintenance of underwater farming equipment and structures
- Inspecting and repairing nets, cages and underwater structures
- Feeding fish or shellfish and monitoring their health
- Harvesting aquatic species in accordance with farming schedules
- Installing, inspecting, and maintaining underwater lines and anchors
- Performing underwater cleaning and dislodging of shellfish
- Observing and documenting any signs of disease or abnormal behavior in the fish or shellfish
- Assisting with the loading, unloading, and transportation of harvested aquatic species
- Following safety procedures and using equipment correctly to reduce the risk of accidents
- Collaborating with marine biologists or other scientists for species breeding and conservation programs
Aquaculture Diver Job Description Template
Job Brief
We are seeking a skilled Aquaculture Diver to join our team.
The Aquaculture Diver will be responsible for performing underwater tasks related to the cultivation and harvesting of marine species.
Duties include conducting underwater inspections, maintenance and repairs, feeding and harvesting tasks, and ensuring the health and wellbeing of marine life.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in diving and a solid understanding of marine biology.
A commitment to safety and the ability to work well as part of a team are essential.
Responsibilities
- Conduct routine checks and maintenance of underwater equipment and structures
- Perform underwater feeding and harvesting tasks
- Monitor the health and wellbeing of marine species
- Collect samples for analysis
- Ensure compliance with health and safety regulations
- Record data accurately and report any issues
- Work in collaboration with other team members and marine biologists
Qualifications
- Proven experience as a commercial diver
- Understanding of marine biology and aquaculture processes
- Strong swimming skills and physical fitness
- Working knowledge of diving equipment and maintenance
- Detail-oriented and ability to handle delicate marine life
- First Aid and CPR certifications
- Professional SCUBA certification
- High school diploma or equivalent
Benefits
- Health insurance
- Dental insurance
- Retirement plan
- Paid time off
- Opportunities for professional development in the field of aquaculture
Additional Information
- Job Title: Aquaculture Diver
- Work Environment: This position involves outdoor work in water bodies, and exposure to various weather conditions. It requires physical fitness and the ability to swim and dive for extended periods.
- Reporting Structure: Reports to the Aquaculture Manager or Farm Supervisor.
- Salary: Salary is dependent upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
- Pay Range: $30,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
- Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
- Employment Type: Full-time
- Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
- Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].
What Does an Aquaculture Diver Do?
Aquaculture Divers are specially trained individuals who work predominantly in the aquaculture industry, which pertains to the farming of aquatic species like fish, shellfish, and seaweeds.
They undertake a variety of tasks related to the maintenance and operation of underwater cages, nets, and other structures used for the cultivation of aquatic species.
Their work involves installing, inspecting, cleaning, and repairing these structures to ensure the health and wellbeing of the marine life being farmed.
Aquaculture Divers may also be involved in the harvesting process, where they carefully collect the aquatic species, ensuring minimal stress and optimal quality.
They may also perform tasks such as underwater feeding, monitoring the health and behavior of the species being farmed, and potentially removing any predators or harmful species that could threaten the farmed species.
In addition to these tasks, Aquaculture Divers are responsible for ensuring the environmental sustainability of their actions, helping to minimize the impact on the marine ecosystem in which they work.
Their work requires a high degree of technical diving skills, knowledge of marine biology, and understanding of the principles and practices of aquaculture.
The job can be physically demanding and may involve working in challenging or adverse conditions.
Aquaculture Diver Qualifications and Skills
An accomplished aquaculture diver should possess skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:
- Physical endurance and strength to perform under water tasks and to handle the physical demands of diving.
- Technical knowledge of diving principles, equipment, safety procedures, and servicing techniques.
- Profound knowledge in marine biology to understand and efficiently work in an aquatic environment.
- Proficient in scuba diving and other diving techniques to perform tasks accurately and efficiently underwater.
- Excellent problem-solving skills to handle any unexpected situations underwater, such as equipment failure or dangerous sea creatures.
- Exceptional communication skills to understand instructions correctly and relay information to the team above water.
- Ability to work in a team and coordinate with other divers and marine experts.
- Understanding of aquaculture operations, such as fish farming, and aquatic plant cultivation and harvesting.
- Attention to detail for conducting inspections, maintenance, repairs and surveys.
Aquaculture Diver Experience Requirements
Aquaculture Divers, often referred to as Fish Farm Divers, typically require a significant amount of practical experience and formal training in order to qualify for the position.
Many begin their careers as commercial or recreational divers, gaining invaluable underwater experience and developing important diving skills.
Beginning Aquaculture Divers often have 1 to 2 years of diving experience, possibly through an internship or part-time role in a marine-related field.
This experience allows them to gain a practical understanding of underwater operations and safety procedures.
Candidates with more than 3 years of diving experience often have the technical skills and knowledge to successfully manage and maintain aquaculture equipment, carry out underwater husbandry duties, and perform essential health checks on marine life.
Those with more than 5 years of experience are generally adept at handling the challenges of underwater marine life management and may have some leadership experience.
They might be ready for a supervisory or management role within an aquaculture diving team.
It’s crucial to note that all Aquaculture Divers are required to hold professional diving certifications from recognized bodies, such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the British Sub-Aqua Club (BSAC), in addition to health and safety qualifications related to diving and working in marine environments.
Aquaculture Diver Education and Training Requirements
Aquaculture Divers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.
The most crucial requirement is the completion of a professional diving course accredited by a recognized diving authority such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).
These diving programs provide practical and theoretical training in various aspects of diving, including dive theory, equipment maintenance, safety procedures, and emergency response.
Aquaculture Divers also need to have a commercial diving certification, due to the technical nature of the work involved.
To earn this certification, divers must complete a commercial diving course from an accredited institution, involving rigorous physical training, advanced dive theory, and underwater skills development.
A background in marine biology or a related field is also beneficial for understanding the species being farmed and the aquatic environment.
Some employers might prefer candidates with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, aquaculture, or a related field.
Additionally, Aquaculture Divers must maintain a valid First Aid and CPR certification, and in some cases, a diving medical certificate confirming their fitness to dive.
Continuous learning and skill enhancement through advanced courses in underwater technology, marine species, and safety procedures are also beneficial for career progression.
Aquaculture Diver Salary Expectations
An Aquaculture Diver can expect to earn an average salary of $49,140 (USD) per year.
The actual earnings can fluctuate based on factors such as years of experience, certifications, location, and the size of the employing organization.
Aquaculture Diver Job Description FAQs
What skills does an Aquaculture Diver need?
Aquaculture Divers should have strong swimming skills and be comfortable underwater for extended periods.
They need knowledge of aquatic life and the ability to recognize and diagnose diseases in aquaculture species.
Divers must also be skilled in the use and maintenance of diving equipment, including underwater cameras and measurement tools.
Safety awareness is crucial, and they should be able to respond effectively to underwater emergencies.
Do Aquaculture Divers need a degree?
While a degree is not a strict requirement, Aquaculture Divers often hold a degree in Marine Biology or a related field.
The essential requirement for this role is a professional diving certification.
Some employers may also prefer candidates with specialized training in aquaculture or underwater inspection techniques.
What should you look for in an Aquaculture Diver’s resume?
Firstly, ensure they hold a professional diving certification, as this is crucial for the role.
Experience in aquaculture or fish farming is an important asset, so look for any related work history.
Additional skills to look for include underwater inspection, equipment maintenance, and marine biology knowledge.
Finally, check if they have training or certifications in emergency response or underwater safety.
What qualities make a good Aquaculture Diver?
A good Aquaculture Diver is comfortable and calm in underwater environments, as the job often involves working in challenging underwater conditions.
They should be detail-oriented, with a keen eye for observing changes in aquatic life behavior or health.
They must be physically fit, as diving can be physically demanding, and they must possess good problem-solving skills to handle any unexpected situations underwater.
Is it difficult to hire Aquaculture Divers?
Hiring Aquaculture Divers can be challenging due to the specific skills and certifications required.
It’s essential to offer competitive salaries and benefits, provide ongoing training opportunities, and ensure a safe and supportive work environment to attract skilled divers to your aquaculture operation.
Conclusion
And that’s a wrap.
Today, we’ve dived deep into the world of what being an aquaculture diver really entails.
Surprise, surprise!
It’s not just about diving into the water.
It’s about nurturing the future of marine life, one dive at a time.
With our comprehensive aquaculture diver job description template and real-life examples, you’re ready to plunge in.
But why just dip your toes?
Explore further with our job description generator. It’s your key to crafting detailed job listings or perfecting your resume to the tee.
Remember:
Every dive is a step towards a healthier marine ecosystem.
Let’s protect our oceans. Together.
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