Entry Level Jobs

Question
Hello Gustavo,
I am trying to help my other half find open jobs in the SF Bay Area diving community.  He is at the Rescue Diver level, has a small amount of welding experience, and quite a lot of mechanical know-how; definitely entry-level.  He is trying to complete his schooling to become an underwater welder, but needs to have something in the meantime.  Our largest issue has been: "Where do you look for jobs requiring a diving certification?"  We have been checking the obvious like Craigslist, Port of Oakland, and Six Flags Marine World, mostly because we'd like to remain local for now. (Although we expect this type of career to bring extensive traveling, eventually...)  Could you perhaps suggest other places / sites / locations / job boards to find these jobs? Are there job fairs for these?  Is there a "Craigslist" or a "Monster.com" especially for divers somewhere that we need to know about?

Many thanks!

Answer
Hi Alicia,

If you want to work as part of the diving industry (i.e. being an assistant to a diving trip, take a group out to dive, teach a class, etc.) you have to be a Divemaster or above.

To perform commercial work such as welding also requires a special training in underwater welding and commercial diving.

There are two places I know that use divers from all levels: marine biologists and researchers AND ocean conservancy projects. However, I am not sure they are willing to pay divers other than providing free air.

My best suggestion is to achieve a Divemaster certification. Being a Divemaster will open so many doors to diver-related work, particularly in the diving industry. Also, being an underwater welder, and crafty at many other things, will also be a big "plus" in any dive shop he becomes affiliated.

Diving organizations like PADI provide employment forums where employers post opportunities and PADI pros post availabilities.

Other than that, I do not know of any other places to look for, other than the ones you've already attempted.

Best regards,

Gustavo Flores
PADI Open Water Scuba Instructor