Diving Specialist/Supervisor/Instructor

Faculty of Science and Engineering

Take your diving career deeper

The University of Plymouth is seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Diving Specialist / Supervisor / Instructor to support Health and Safety Executive (HSE) SCUBA diving operations at the University Marine Station, Coxside.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in training future scientific divers and supporting world-leading marine teaching and research across Marine Science, Marine Biology and Environmental Science.

About the role

The University delivers a unique range of scientific diving activities, including:

• HSE SCUBA training for around 56 students each year
• A degree module in Scientific Diving
• Professional diving support for student and academic research projects
• The MRes Scientific Diving programme

As diving-supported research continues to grow, you will help deliver high-quality training and operational support while maintaining the highest standards of safety and compliance.

Key responsibilities

• Train and assess students undertaking HSE SCUBA training and scientific diving activities.
• Supervise diving operations, ensuring compliance with the Diving at Work Regulations 1997 and University procedures.
• Support teaching and research, enabling safe and effective fieldwork for students and researchers.
• Develop the service, working with colleagues to continually enhance training programmes and diving provision.

Health and safety is central to this role. You will contribute to risk management through standard operating procedures, risk assessments and safe systems of work. Full training will be provided to ensure compliance with HSE Diving at Work Regulations and associated legislation.

You will have:

• An HSE SCUBA qualification as a minimum.
• Significant post-qualification commercial diving experience using SCUBA.
• Experience supervising commercial diving operations (desirable).
• A recreational Dive Instructor qualification, or be working towards one.
• A current HSE diving medical.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to support dive operations and related administration.
• A proactive approach, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous improvement.

A full UK driving licence (manual transmission) is essential, as you will drive University vehicles, including 9+ seater vehicles. The role is also subject to a medical assessment with the University's Occupational Health team.

Working pattern

This is a permanent position working 37 hours per week on a 0.58 FTE basis (approximately 26 weeks per year). The role is primarily focused on the peak training period from May to September, together with delivery of the February HSE SCUBA training for the MRes Scientific Diving programme.

Due to the operational nature of the post, home working is not available.

Find out more

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Charles Sandercock, Scientific Diving Manager:

charles.sandercock@plymouth.ac.uk or +44 (0)1752 584673

or

Dr Keiron Fraser, Academic Lead Marine Station:

keiron.fraser@plymouth.ac.uk or +44 (0)1752 584589

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award, recognising its commitment to advancing gender equality in higher education.

Applying

Please apply online and demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification.

Closing date:  12 midnight, Sunday 1 November 2026

For further information about the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, visit: www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.

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