Environmental Diver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In an era increasingly focused on sustainability, the role of environmental divers is becoming more crucial than ever.

As our understanding of the world beneath the waves expands, so too does the demand for skilled individuals who can explore, research, and protect our underwater ecosystems.

But what does it mean to be an environmental diver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker wanting to dive deeper into the specifics of this role,
• A hiring manager looking to define the perfect candidate,
• Or merely fascinated by the world of underwater environmental conservation,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Environmental Diver job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Environmental Diver Duties and Responsibilities

Environmental Divers are involved in underwater tasks related to environmental conservation and research.

These divers may work for a range of organizations, such as research institutions, government bodies, or private companies.

They are responsible for executing a wide range of duties, including:

• Conducting underwater surveys and assessments
• Collecting and documenting samples of water, marine life, and seabed materials for analysis
• Monitoring and assessing the impact of human activities on underwater environments
• Performing underwater construction, maintenance, and repairs on structures such as pipelines, oil rigs, and other infrastructures
• Using various underwater tools and equipment, such as sonar equipment, underwater cameras, and remotely operated vehicles
• Implementing and maintaining safety standards to ensure a safe working environment
• Preparing reports on findings and activities
• Collaborating with scientists and researchers to assist with underwater research and experiments

 

Environmental Diver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a qualified and dedicated environmental diver to assist with underwater exploration, data collection, and assessments related to our environmental conservation initiatives.

Environmental Diver responsibilities include conducting underwater surveys, sampling water bodies, identifying potential pollution sources, and working with scientific teams to develop environmental reports.

Our ideal candidate is someone with a strong swimming ability, keen observation skills, and a solid understanding of environmental science principles.

You should also be comfortable working in various aquatic environments and possess an unwavering commitment to preserving the planet’s water resources.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct underwater surveys and collect aquatic samples.
• Identify potential sources of pollution and record findings.
• Work closely with scientific teams to develop environmental reports.
• Operate underwater photography and video equipment.
• Maintain diving gear and equipment.
• Comply with safety regulations and guidelines.
• Collaborate with team members and share findings and insights.
• Participate in training and workshops to stay updated with the latest diving techniques and environmental conservation strategies.
• Ensure preservation of marine life during all diving activities.

 

Qualifications

• Valid SCUBA certification.
• Proven experience as an environmental diver or similar role.
• Sound knowledge of environmental science principles.
• Excellent swimming ability and physical fitness.
• Ability to operate underwater photography and video equipment.
• Strong observation and data collection skills.
• Basic first aid and CPR certification.
• High school diploma; degree in Environmental Science or related field is a plus.

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities
• Outdoor work environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Environmental Diver
• Work Environment: Fieldwork requiring frequent travel to various aquatic sites. Diving in various weather conditions and water bodies is expected.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Lead Environmental Scientist or Project Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $65,000 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 Environmental Diver Do?

Environmental Divers, also known as scientific divers, work primarily in the field of environmental conservation and research.

They are typically employed by environmental agencies, research organizations, universities, or marine conservation bodies.

Their primary role involves conducting underwater surveys to monitor, document, and analyze marine life and habitats.

They collect samples, photographs, and other data that is used to assess the health of aquatic ecosystems and the impacts of human activities.

In addition, Environmental Divers are often tasked with the installation, maintenance, and monitoring of underwater equipment and structures, such as sensors, cameras, or habitat restoration materials.

They may also work on projects related to the mitigation of environmental disasters, such as oil spills or toxic waste leaks, where they play a critical role in assessing the extent of damage and aiding in cleanup efforts.

Environmental Divers are also often involved in educational and outreach activities, sharing their findings with the public to promote awareness and understanding of marine conservation issues.

They may work closely with other scientists, policy makers, and educators to develop and implement effective strategies for environmental protection and sustainable use of aquatic resources.

Safety is a vital aspect of their job, and they must ensure all diving operations are carried out in accordance with recognized diving safety standards.

Overall, the work of an Environmental Diver is both physically demanding and technically challenging, requiring a strong understanding of diving techniques, scientific research methods, and environmental science.

 

Environmental Diver Qualifications and Skills

Environmental divers play a crucial role in preserving marine ecosystems, conducting underwater research, and collecting data for environmental scientists.

They require a specific set of skills and qualifications to perform their duties effectively:

• SCUBA diving certification is a must, and further certifications in scientific diving, commercial diving, or underwater archaeology can be highly beneficial.
• Knowledge of marine biology, oceanography, and environmental science to understand and appreciate the context of their work.
• Physical fitness and endurance as diving can be physically demanding and divers may need to work in challenging underwater conditions.
• Excellent swimming skills and comfort in and around water.
• Technical skills to operate, maintain, and troubleshoot diving equipment and underwater tools and devices.
• Observation and data collection skills to accurately record environmental variables and marine life behaviors.
• Communication skills to effectively relay information to fellow divers, scientists, and other stakeholders. This includes using underwater communication devices and hand signals.
• Problem-solving skills to identify and navigate potential dangers, react swiftly to emergencies, and adapt to changing underwater conditions.
• Understanding and adherence to safety regulations and protocols to mitigate risks associated with diving.
• Commitment to environmental conservation and sustainability, respecting marine life and habitats.

 

Environmental Diver Experience Requirements

Entry-level Environmental Divers often have at least 1 to 2 years of diving experience, which can be gained through diving schools, clubs, or internships.

This experience should include a firm understanding of diving safety protocols, equipment operation, and underwater navigation.

Many roles require these divers to have a certification from an accredited diving school or organization, such as the Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) or the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI).

In addition to diving experience, divers should have a background in environmental sciences, marine biology, or a related field.

This could be through formal education or on-the-job experience, which can provide the necessary knowledge of marine ecosystems and their conservation.

Environmental divers with 3 to 5 years of experience often have more specialized knowledge and skills, which could include underwater surveying, sampling, and data collection, or the ability to operate submersible vehicles or other advanced equipment.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have a track record of leading dive teams or managing conservation projects.

They may also have advanced certifications or qualifications in areas such as scientific diving, commercial diving, or underwater archaeology.

 

Environmental Diver Education and Training Requirements

Environmental divers typically require a high school diploma or equivalent.

They must complete a commercial diving program approved by the Association of Diving Contractors International (ADCI).

This program provides a foundation in scuba diving principles, equipment, and techniques, along with training on how to operate in hazardous conditions and manage emergency scenarios.

Divers also need to have a strong understanding of environmental science, which can be gained through a bachelor’s degree in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field.

Certification as a commercial diver is necessary, which involves a physical examination and a demonstration of diving skills.

Specialty certifications, such as underwater welding or non-destructive testing, may also be required for certain roles.

Many environmental divers also pursue advanced training in scientific diving techniques, underwater photography, or marine archaeology to enhance their skills and employability.

In addition to these educational and training requirements, environmental divers must maintain a high level of physical fitness and be comfortable with potentially long periods of time spent underwater.

 

Environmental Diver Salary Expectations

An Environmental Diver can expect to earn an average salary of $50,470 (USD) per year.

However, this salary can vary depending on the diver’s level of experience, the complexity of the tasks they undertake, and the region in which they are working.

 

Environmental Diver Job Description FAQs

What skills does an Environmental Diver need?

Environmental Divers should possess excellent swimming skills, a keen eye for detail and have a strong understanding of marine biology and environmental science.

They need to be physically fit to withstand the challenges of diving and working under water.

They should also be familiar with operating various diving equipment and tools.

Communication and teamwork skills are essential as divers often work in teams and need to communicate effectively to ensure safety and successful operations.

 

Do Environmental Divers need any specific qualifications?

Yes, Environmental Divers need to be certified divers, usually from a recognized training organization such as PADI or SSI.

They should also have a background in marine biology or environmental science.

Depending on the nature of the project, additional certifications related to specific types of diving or equipment usage may be required.

 

What should you look for in an Environmental Diver resume?

An Environmental Diver resume should demonstrate practical experience in diving, particularly in environmental diving projects.

They should have a valid diving certification, and any additional certifications relevant to the specific type of diving or equipment they will be using.

Their resume should also show their knowledge and experience in marine biology or environmental science.

Demonstrated ability to work in a team and good communication skills are also important.

 

What qualities make a good Environmental Diver?

A good Environmental Diver is disciplined and has a strong regard for safety procedures.

They need to be physically fit and able to cope with challenging underwater conditions.

A good diver has a genuine interest in marine life and environmental conservation, has a strong knowledge of marine ecosystems, and is always eager to learn more.

They have excellent problem-solving skills and can adapt to changing circumstances.

 

Is it difficult to hire an Environmental Diver?

Hiring an Environmental Diver can be challenging due to the niche nature of the role and the specific qualifications required.

The pool of qualified candidates is often small, and not every certified diver has the necessary scientific background or experience in environmental diving.

Therefore, you may need to offer competitive salaries and benefits to attract the right talent.

 

Conclusion

And there we have it.

Today, we’ve delved deep into what it truly means to be an environmental diver.

Surprise, surprise.

It’s not just about diving into the water.

It’s about being the custodian of our underwater ecosystems, one dive at a time.

With our comprehensive environmental diver job description template and real-world examples, you’re all set to take the plunge.

But why not go even further?

Immerse yourself with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards precision-tailored job listings or refining your resume to absolute perfection.

Remember:

Every dive contributes to a larger mission.

Let’s protect our environment. Together.

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