Commercial Diver / Tender

Ballard Marine Construction; Washougal (WA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Ballard Marine Construction seeks a Commercial Diver/Tender to support underwater and marine construction operations, both in and out of the water. Depending on certification, experience, and project needs, responsibilities include dive tending, equipment setup and maintenance, dredging, jetting, inspections, rigging, and other construction tasks.

This role requires a strong commitment to safe diving practices, teamwork, equipment readiness, and following the Dive Supervisor.

Qualifications

• CDS diploma and ADCI certification required.
• Current ADCI Dive Physical and safety certifications required.
• 1+ years' commercial diving experience.

Responsibilities

• Perform commercial diving and tending assignments as directed by the Dive Supervisor.
• Support dredging, jetting, pressure washing, inspections, rigging, salvage, and other underwater construction activities.
• Set up, inspect, maintain, and break down commercial diving and construction equipment.
• Operate hand, power, pneumatic, hydraulic, and cutting tools when trained and assigned.
• Participate in pre-dive planning, Job Hazard Analyses, and daily safety discussions.
• Follow Ballard procedures, project requirements, ADCI standards, and Dive Supervisor direction.
• Work closely with divers, tenders, and project personnel to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project needs.

Skills

Dive tending

Equipment setup

Underwater inspections

Teamwork

Safety compliance

Education

Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School

Current ADCI Certification

Current ADCI Compliant Dive Physical

First Aid/CPR/AED/O2 Administration Certifications

OSHA 10 Hour - Construction

Valid Driver’s License

Tools

Diving helmets

Masks and air systems

Bailout systems

Rigging equipment

Job description

WHY JOIN BALLARD MARINE CONSTRUCTION?

Ballard Marine Construction is a specialty underwater and marine construction contractor trusted to solve complex challenges across the Power, Water/Wastewater, Transportation, Industrial, and Environmental markets. Our divers support inspection, rehabilitation, maintenance, construction, salvage, and emergency-response work on critical infrastructure throughout North America.

Washougal, WA

ID: 1686-356

Full-Time/Regular

WHY JOIN BALLARD MARINE CONSTRUCTION?

Ballard Marine Construction is a specialty underwater and marine construction contractor trusted to solve complex challenges across the Power, Water/Wastewater, Transportation, Industrial, and Environmental markets. Our divers support inspection, rehabilitation, maintenance, construction, salvage, and emergency-response work on critical infrastructure throughout North America.

At Ballard, commercial diving is more than getting in the water. Our teams combine diving expertise, construction skill, technical problem-solving, and a strong commitment to safety to perform work few contractors can take on. You will work alongside experienced dive professionals and construction teams on projects that challenge your abilities and expand your experience.

Whether you are an experienced commercial diver or building your career in the industry, Ballard offers the opportunity to take on meaningful work, strengthen your skills, and contribute to a team known for grit, accountability, and technical excellence.

Job Summary

The Commercial Diver/Tender supports underwater and marine construction operations both in and out of the water. Depending on certification, experience, and project needs, responsibilities may include dive tending, equipment setup and maintenance, dredging and jetting, underwater inspections, pressure washing, rigging, cutting and welding, tool operation, and other construction-related assignments.

This position requires a strong commitment to safe diving practices, teamwork, equipment readiness, and following the direction of the Dive Supervisor. Work assignments may involve travel, extended schedules, physically demanding conditions, and marine or remote project environments.

Ideal Candidate

Core Attributes:

• Grit and Resiliency - We dig deep to figure out how to make things happen no matter how impossible it seems. We never give up. We take on challenges that nobody else can or will.
• Comradery and Inspirational - We are a hard-working team of likeminded individuals working toward a common goal. We regularly celebrate wins and like to have fun whether at work or at play. We come together each day looking for ways to instill life and energy into the world around us.
• Driven and Competitive - We love competition. We love to win and love to learn when we lose. Not getting the job done is not an option. We are obsessed with doing our best and we do what it takes to win.
• Trustworthy and Respectful - We are passionate about honesty, authenticity, and transparency. No lies. No drama. No politics. We value constructive conflict and ensure that even in conflict we treat others with respect.
• Ownership and Accountability - When something goes wrong, we first “look in the mirror” before we “look out the window”. We ask, “what could I have done differently?” and then we share lessons learned. Regularly challenging ourselves and those around us to be better is a way of life. “Me first” belongs here.

Education

• Diploma from ADCE Compliant Commercial Dive School
• Current ADCI Certification for the type of diving being performed
• Current ADCI Compliant Dive Physical
• Current First Aid, CPR, AED, Oxygen Administration Certifications
• OSHA 10 Hour - Construction
• Valid Driver’s License with current driving record free from serious or frequent violation

Experience

• 1 + years’ experience working in commercial diving operations
• Heavy equipment operation (if qualified)

Skills

• Ability to read and follow air, nitrox, altitude, and treatment tables applicable to assigned diving operations.
• Ability to inspect, maintain, and safely operate commercial diving equipment, including helmets, masks, air systems, bailout systems, harnesses, gauges, and communication equipment.
• Working knowledge of underwater construction methods, materials, hand tools, power tools, pneumatic and hydraulic equipment, rigging, and lifting operations.
• Ability to communicate clearly with Dive Supervisors, tenders, divers, and project teams during diving and construction operations.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions, recognize hazards, and make sound decisions in fast-paced field environments.
• Strong teamwork, communication, and situational awareness with a commitment to protecting yourself and those around you.
• Willingness to travel and work extended assignments away from home.

Responsibilities

• Perform commercial diving and tending assignments as directed by the Dive Supervisor.
• Support dredging, jetting, pressure washing, inspections, rigging, salvage, and other underwater construction activities.
• Set up, inspect, maintain, and break down commercial diving and construction equipment.
• Operate hand, power, pneumatic, hydraulic, and cutting tools when trained and assigned.
• Participate in pre-dive planning, Job Hazard Analyses, and daily safety discussions.
• Follow Ballard procedures, project requirements, ADCI standards, and Dive Supervisor direction.
• Work closely with divers, tenders, and project personnel to maintain safe and efficient operations.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support project needs.

Physical Demands / Working Environment

• Work is performed in active marine construction and commercial diving environments, including vessels, barges, docks, piers, dry docks, remote project sites, and underwater work areas.
• Ability to work long or irregular shifts, including nights, weekends, and extended assignments away from home.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, and move objects weighing 94 pounds or more over short distances.
• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, squat, balance, and handle materials for extended periods.
• Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, enter confined spaces, and navigate wet, uneven, or unstable surfaces.
• Ability to wear commercial diving equipment and required personal protective equipment for extended periods.
• Work may involve exposure to varying weather conditions, water, noise, vibration, chemicals, biological hazards, and other construction-related conditions.

Hourly Rates

• $25-$45/per hour
• Pay is commensurate on experience

EEO Statement

Ballard Marine Construction, LLC. is an Equal Opportunity and Affinitiative Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or veteran status. A reasonable accommodation will be considered for qualified individuals with a disability if it does not create an undue hardship for the Company, consistent with the ADA as amended.