COMMERCIAL DIVER (Certified) / Salvage Technician

Location: Hillside, NJ (Port Newark Facility) 
Employment Type: Position will be full time 40 hrs. min per week, based in Port Newark, NJ.
Schedule: 40+ hours per week; weekends and holidays as needed

Overview

Donjon Marine, LLC, an established and expanding New Jersey-based Salvage and Diving company, is seeking an experienced, safety-driven, and leadership-oriented Commercial Diver (ADCI Certified) to join our team.

This is not a typical diving position—our divers are also salvors. Diving is one of many tools used to support complex salvage operations, and not all projects involve diving.. The selected individual will play a key role both offshore and shoreside, supporting a wide range of salvage operations above and below the water. 

DonJon Marine is looking for highly motivated divers who want to join a team of highly trained professionals to support wreck removal and emergency response services.  

The Donjon Salvage Division supports a wide range of Salvage and Diving services worldwide: commercial diving operations include but are not limited to: 

1. Emergency Response of downed or distressed vessels
2. Underwater inspection
3. Search and Recovery
4. Marine Construction support
5. Damage and Condition Surveys
6. Underwater Burning and Welding
7. Underwater/Topside Rigging support
8. Demolition and Wreck Removal
9. Harbor and waterway clearance operations

The ideal candidate will have experience in underwater diving operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and technically sound operations under the guidance of the Assistant Salvage Master and Salvage Master.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as Diver for commercial diving and salvage operations in accordance with ADCI Consensus Standards for Commercial Diving Operations.
• Ensure all diving and topside activities are conducted in full compliance with company policies, OSHA, USCG, and ADCI safety requirements.
• Conduct and work with other team members in:
  • Underwater cutting, welding, burning, and drilling
  • Fabrication and installation of patches
  • Water jetting and mud removal
  • Black water diving and confined-space penetration diving
  • Rigging and heavy lift operations (underwater and topside)
  • Underwater inspections, surveys, and documentation
• Conduct maintenance, inventory, and setup of diving systems and equipment.
• Support salvage and wreck removal projects, both topside and subsea.
• Participate in port operations, fabrication, and equipment readiness during non-diving periods.

Required Qualifications

• Current ADCI Diver/Tender Certification (Surface Supplied Air) — must meet ADCI Consensus Standards, with documented experience as a working diver prior to promotion.
• Current Commercial Diver Certification from an ADCI-recognized or IMCA-accredited school.
• Valid Diving Physical (within 12 months) confirming fitness to dive.
• Valid Driver’s License, Passport, and TWIC (or ability to obtain).
• Demonstrated experience in commercial diving, marine salvage, and heavy rigging operations.
• Working knowledge of:
  • Diving systems and surface-supplied equipment
  • Underwater hydraulic and pneumatic tools
  • Hot tapping, fuel removal, and zero-visibility diving
• Strong team communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to travel for extended durations on domestic and international projects.
• Capable of lifting up to 50 lbs and working in all weather and marine conditions.
• Must pass pre-employment drug testing and background screening.

Preferred Attributes

• Experience in marine construction, vessel recovery, underway husbandry, and wreck removal.
• Experience in Underwater Survey and basic knowledge on general marine vessels and barges.
• Safety-oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Willingness to work collaboratively in dynamic and challenging marine environments.

Key Competencies

• Technical Proficiency
• Safety & Compliance
• Problem Solving & Decision Making
• Communication & Training
• Dependability & Adaptability
• Attention to Detail

If you are an ADCI-certified Diver looking to lead skilled professionals in complex marine salvage and diving operations, we invite you to join the Donjon Marine team.

Compensation and Benefits

Base Salary Range: $35-$45 dollars / hr.
(Actual compensation will depend on experience, education, and qualifications.)

Donjon Marine offers a comprehensive benefits package that ranks among the best in the industry, including:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents.
• Wellness and employee assistance programs.
• Life and disability insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company matching.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.