Habitat Diver I (Islamorada, FL)

Florida International University; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida International University is seeking a Diving Support Specialist to lead complex underwater maintenance and saturation diving support for the Aquarius Reef Base habitat. You will coordinate diving operations, ensure operational integrity, and comply with safety regulations.

The ideal candidate has a diving certification and at least 2 years of relevant experience. The position includes a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000.

Qualifications

• 2 years of commercial or military diving experience required.
• Completion of Personal Qualification Standards within 6 months of employment.
• CPR/First Aid certification preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads complex underwater maintenance operations.
• Provides operational support to the Aquarius Habitat program.
• Plans and coordinates diving operations for scientific missions.

Skills

SCUBA diving certification

Technical expertise in diving operations

Safety compliance knowledge

Logistical planning

Education

Commercial Diving school or Military Dive school

Tools

Diving equipment

Power tools

Job description

Job Summary

Leads and executes complex underwater maintenance, offshore rigging operations, and saturation diving support activities for the Aquarius Reef Base habitat, utilizing SCUBA and surface-supplied diving systems up to 100 feet of seawater. Supports both land-based and offshore recompression chamber operations in alignment with program objectives.

Responsibilities

• Leads and executes complex underwater maintenance, offshore rigging operations, and saturation diving support activities for the Aquarius Reef Base habitat, utilizing SCUBA and surface-supplied diving systems up to a depth up to 100 feet of seawater. Supports both land-based and offshore recompression chamber operations in alignment with program objectives.
• Provides critical offshore operational, logistical, and emergency response support to the Aquarius Habitat program; oversees the functionality, readiness, and performance of underwater laboratory systems, small vessels, and onboard life support systems.
• Plans, coordinates, and directs diving operations to ensure safe and effective execution of scientific and operational objectives; partners closely with scientists, stakeholders, and clients to achieve mission goals.
• Oversees the operation, maintenance, and continuous improvement of underwater laboratory equipment and technical support systems, including high‑ and low‑pressure gas systems, environmental control units, and life support infrastructure. Assists scientists and clients in accomplishment of underwater activities and objectives.
• Serves in a lead technical role within the Aquarius Habitat during saturation missions, ensuring operational integrity of onboard systems, coordinating mission activities, and supporting aquanaut performance and safety.
• Facilitates the successful execution of underwater missions by providing technical expertise in experiment deployment and recovery, data collection, documentation, imaging, and sampling activities.
• Manages shore‑based operational support functions, ensuring seamless coordination between offshore and onshore activities.
• Acts as a safety leader by serving as a standby diver and ensuring compliance with all applicable diving safety standards and protocols for SCUBA and surface‑supplied operations. Plans, prioritizes, and oversees special projects and operational initiatives, ensuring alignment with program goals and timelines.
• Operates recompression chamber operations and contributes to safe, compliant execution under established guidelines.
• Collaborates in the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of inspection protocols, operational documentation, and mission schedules for the Aquarius Reef Base habitat.
• Coordinates resources including personnel, equipment, and procedures for complex saturation diving missions to optimize operational efficiency and mission success.
• Contributes to training initiatives by supporting the development and delivery of specialized diving instruction in partnership with the Diving Safety Officer.
• Oversees and performs advanced underwater and topside rigging operations, including lift planning and execution involving heavy loads. Serves as a crew member under USCG regulations which requires random drug screening.
• Performs essential duties in any emergencies such as hurricanes, storms, and/or other university emergency closings. The employee is expected to be available to report to work as needed during university emergency closing with appropriate notification of a department administrator.
• Applies technical expertise to perform and oversee electrical, plumbing, and mechanical maintenance activities in both underwater and topside environments.
• Ensures compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations, including fulfilling duties as a designated crew member and adhering to safety and testing requirements.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Commercial Diving school or Military Dive school or related field OJT and 2 years of commercial/Military diving experience.

Departmental Requirements

• Within 6 months of employment, the employee must complete the Personal Qualification Standards (PQS) for this position as described in the departmental procedure.

Desired Qualifications

• SCUBA diving certification.
• ADCI or DCBC card holder or documented On‑the‑Job (OJT) training with a commercial diving company.
• CPR/First Aid.

Work Schedule

Begin time: 8:30 AM
End time: 5:00 PM

Working Conditions

• Boating / Water Craft
• Live Animals
• Operating University Vehicles (all types)
• Power Tools
• Scientific Diving
• Exposure to high places, hazardous conditions, equipment and situations.
• Lifting, carrying, or pushing/pulling equipment.

Pre‑Employment Requirements

• Criminal Background Check
• Driver’s License Check
• Drug Screening

Benefits and Compensation

• Salary range: $70,000 - $80,000

Equal Employment Opportunity

Florida International University is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Aff... (continued as in original).

Reasonable Accommodation Statement

Should you need an ADA accommodation to participate in a University event, program, or activity or need to request materials in an accessible format, please contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) at 305-348-2785 or [e-mail]. All requests for ADA accommodation or accessible materials must be submitted to OCR at least seven (7) business days prior to the event or at the earliest possible opportunity.

Clery Notice

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Crime Statistics Act, the University Police department at Florida International University provides information on crimes statistics, crime prevention, law enforcement, crime reporting, and other related issues for the past three (3) calendar years. The FIU Annual Security report is available online at: https://police.fiu.edu/download/annual-security-fire-safety-report/.