Professional Skydiver Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the world of extreme sports, the focus on professional skydivers has never been more thrilling.

As adventure tourism grows, so does the demand for skilled professionals who can navigate, perform, and ensure safety in the open skies.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a professional skydiver?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A hiring manager drafting the perfect candidate profile,
• Or simply captivated by the adrenaline-fueled world of skydiving,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we present a flexible professional skydiver job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Professional Skydiver Duties and Responsibilities

Professional Skydivers perform a wide range of tasks related to skydiving, including demonstrating and instructing others on skydiving techniques, performing skydiving shows, and maintaining safety standards.

They may also have responsibilities related to the maintenance and operation of aircraft and skydiving equipment.

Professional Skydivers are primarily responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:

• Perform skydiving jumps, either solo or in groups, for entertainment, competition, or instructional purposes
• Instruct students in skydiving techniques, safety procedures, and equipment usage
• Inspect, maintain, and pack parachutes to ensure they are in good and safe working condition
• Coordinate and communicate with aircraft pilots during skydiving operations
• Perform safety checks on all skydiving equipment before each jump
• Review weather conditions and airspace requirements prior to jumps
• Develop and practice emergency procedures
• Perform acrobatics and stunts during freefall, parachute descent, or flight of wingsuit
• Participate in promotional events and public demonstrations
• Adhere to all regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)

 

Professional Skydiver Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are looking for a brave and adventurous Professional Skydiver to join our team.

The successful candidate will have a passion for skydiving, extensive experience in skydiving and safety procedures, and the ability to inspire and train novices.

The primary responsibilities of the Professional Skydiver include preparing for and performing skydives, ensuring the safety of self and others, and providing expert instruction to clients.

The ideal candidate is someone who thrives in high-pressure situations and is committed to maintaining high standards of safety.

 

Responsibilities

• Perform skydives in a safe and controlled manner
• Ensure personal equipment and that of clients is in good working order
• Provide professional instruction and guidance to clients
• Adhere strictly to safety protocols and regulations
• Perform routine checks and maintenance of skydiving equipment
• Stay up to date with the latest skydiving techniques and safety procedures
• Assist in the training and development of novice skydivers
• Conduct risk assessments before each skydiving session
• Manage any emergencies or unexpected situations effectively

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Professional Skydiver
• Current skydiving certification
• Excellent physical fitness and resilience
• Strong communication and instructional skills
• Deep understanding of safety procedures and emergency response
• Proven ability to work under extreme pressure
• First Aid and CPR certification is a plus

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continual professional development opportunities
• Adventure-filled working environment

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Professional Skydiver
• Work Environment: Outdoors, high altitudes, and in various weather conditions. Regular travel may be required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Skydiving Operations Manager.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience, qualifications, and the number of jumps.
• Pay Range: $20,000 minimum to $50,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location)
• Employment Type: Full-time/Part-time/Contract
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our team. 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 a Professional Skydiver Do?

Professional Skydivers are highly trained professionals who engage in the sport of jumping or falling from an aircraft and performing acrobatic maneuvers in the air during free-fall before activating a parachute to slow down their descent for a safe landing.

A crucial part of their job is to meticulously check the equipment to ensure its safety.

This includes the parachute, helmet, altimeter, and jumpsuit.

They often work closely with a rigging team to ensure the parachute is correctly packed and functioning optimally.

During the dive, professional skydivers execute planned maneuvers, which can include flips, turns, or formations with other skydivers.

They are also responsible for activating their parachute at the correct altitude and steering it towards the landing zone.

Apart from participating in skydiving exhibitions or competitions, they often provide skydiving training to beginners and intermediate students, teaching the basics of safe skydiving, including emergency procedures, freefall control, and parachute handling.

Professional skydivers also often work with film and television production teams, performing stunts or acting as doubles for actors.

They sometimes work as consultants, advising on the feasibility and safety of skydiving scenes in media production.

Their job demands a high level of physical fitness, discipline, mental toughness, and a good understanding of weather conditions and aviation regulations.

They must also maintain their certification through continuous education and regular diving.

 

Professional Skydiver Qualifications and Skills

A professional skydiver should possess a unique combination of skills, knowledge, and physical abilities.

These may include:

• Extensive training and certification from recognized skydiving institutions. This includes the US Parachute Association in the United States or the British Parachute Association in the UK.
• Strong knowledge of safety protocols and emergency procedures, ensuring the well-being of themselves and others during jumps.
• Excellent physical fitness and coordination, as skydiving is a physically demanding activity that requires agility, strength, and endurance.
• Good mental strength and resilience, as they must be able to handle high-stress situations and maintain composure during free falls and parachute openings.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively interact with clients and team members, providing clear instructions and reassuring nervous jumpers.
• A keen understanding of weather conditions and how they may affect jumps, using this information to plan and execute safe and successful dives.
• Basic mechanical skills to maintain and repair parachuting equipment.
• Experience in teaching or coaching, particularly for those involved in tandem jumps or training novice skydivers.

 

Professional Skydiver Experience Requirements

Aspiring professional skydivers typically start with ground training courses and tandem jumps under the guidance of a certified instructor.

This initial phase can provide invaluable experience and knowledge about skydiving protocols, safety measures, and parachute handling.

Most skydiving organizations require candidates to complete a minimum number of successful jumps, generally between 200 and 500, before they can be considered for professional skydiving roles.

This experience allows them to become adept at handling different parachutes, maintaining calm in adverse situations, and perfecting landing techniques.

Experience in skydiving instruction can also be a valuable asset, as it provides a deep understanding of the processes, techniques, and safety precautions involved in skydiving.

This can also help in improving communication skills, which are crucial for working with clients and team members.

In addition to these, candidates with more than 5 years of active skydiving experience, comprehensive knowledge of skydiving equipment, and an ability to perform complex aerial maneuvers may be considered for advanced professional skydiving roles or team leadership positions.

Additionally, professional skydivers must hold relevant certifications from recognized skydiving organizations.

These certifications validate the skydiver’s skills and experience and assure potential employers of their expertise and safety consciousness.

 

Professional Skydiver Education and Training Requirements

Becoming a Professional Skydiver requires a high level of training and certification.

The first step involves basic skydiving training, which can be obtained through a training course at a skydiving school.

The basic training course includes both classroom instruction and supervised jumps.

After completing the basic training, individuals must obtain a skydiving license.

There are different levels of skydiving licenses, from an A license which allows for solo jumping, to a D license which allows for instructing and advanced maneuvers.

Obtaining these licenses involves passing written and practical tests, and requires a certain number of jumps to be completed at each level.

For those aspiring to become Professional Skydivers, additional advanced training and certifications are needed.

This may include training in specific areas such as formation skydiving, freeflying, wingsuit flying, and more.

To work as a skydiving instructor, one needs to obtain an Instructor certification from a recognized skydiving association.

This requires additional training and more jumps.

Furthermore, Professional Skydivers often need to maintain their certifications and skills through regular jumps and ongoing training.

While not a requirement, many Professional Skydivers also have a basic understanding of meteorology, physics, and equipment maintenance.

 

Professional Skydiver Salary Expectations

A Professional Skydiver earns an average salary of $50,000 (USD) per year.

However, the earnings can significantly vary depending on the number of jumps, years of experience, location, and the type of jumps performed.

Endorsements and sponsorships can also contribute to a higher income.

 

Professional Skydiver Job Description FAQs

What skills does a professional skydiver need?

Professional skydivers need to have excellent physical fitness and stamina.

They should possess strong problem-solving skills to handle unexpected situations that may occur during skydiving.

Coordination and spatial awareness are also crucial in performing complex skydiving maneuvers.

Furthermore, they should be able to work well in a team, as skydiving often involves coordinating with a group.

 

Do professional skydivers need any specific qualifications?

While a formal education is not required, professional skydivers must have extensive training and certification from recognized skydiving institutions.

In the United States, the United States Parachute Association (USPA) provides licenses and ratings for skydivers.

Several hours of freefall and successful jumps are typically required before obtaining professional certification.

 

What should you look for in a professional skydiver’s resume?

Firstly, a professional skydiver’s resume should include their certifications and licenses.

Additionally, it should highlight the number of successful jumps they have performed.

If they have worked in a team, experience in formation skydiving can be a plus.

Any experience in teaching skydiving or working as a tandem master should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good professional skydiver?

A good professional skydiver should exhibit excellent physical fitness and agility.

They should be comfortable with high-risk situations and be able to stay calm under pressure.

Strong communication skills are also essential, especially when performing tandem jumps or formation skydiving.

They should also have a strong understanding of safety procedures and regulations.

 

Is it dangerous to be a professional skydiver?

While there are risks involved with skydiving, professional skydivers are trained to manage these risks effectively.

They are equipped with safety gear, including reserve parachutes, and undergo rigorous training to handle various scenarios.

Regular maintenance checks on equipment also help ensure safety.

However, like all extreme sports, there is an inherent level of risk involved.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve unravelled the thrilling and daring life of a professional skydiver.

And you know what?

It’s not just about jumping from planes.

It’s about embracing the adrenaline, one leap at a time.

With our streamlined professional skydiver job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to take the plunge.

But why stop there?

Soar even higher with our job description generator. It’s your next step to precisely-crafted listings or honing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every leap is a part of the bigger journey.

Let’s embark on that adventure. Together.