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Fire Boat Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

ICE FLOE LLC

PIPE FITTER JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels, tugs, ferries, fire boats ...

ICE CAP

PIPE FITTER JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB) has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels, tugs, ferries, fire boats ...

ICE CAP

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

We are in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels; tugs, ferries, fire boats ... Nichols Brothers Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre ...

ICE CAP

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are located in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels: tugs, ferries, fire boats ...

ICE FLOE LLC

ELECTRICIAN JOURNEYMAN NBB

Freeland, WA · On-site

$33.90 - $35.70/hr

Nichols Brothers Boat Builders has been building boats on beautiful Whidbey Island since 1964. We are located in Freeland, WA where we produce state-of-the-art vessels: tugs, ferries, fire boats ...

West Marine

Sales Associate (Seasonal)

Seattle, WA · On-site

$21.30/hr

At West Marine, our mission is to serve Boaters with a focus on "Know More, Get More, Boat More ... Battery systems or chemicals posing burn/fire/explosion risk * * Clean up, respond to, or manage ...

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All JobsFire Boat JobsFire Boat Jobs in Seattle, WA

Fire Boat information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$35.3K

$120.1K

$208.3K

How much do fire boat jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire boat in Seattle, WA is $120,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $141,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire boat?

A Fire Boat job involves operating and maintaining a specialized vessel equipped for firefighting on waterways. Fire boat crews respond to marine fires, assist in rescue operations, and support firefighting efforts in coastal, harbor, or riverfront areas. They often work alongside local fire departments and emergency services to control fires on ships, docks, and waterfront structures. The job requires training in firefighting techniques, maritime navigation, and vessel operation to ensure effective emergency response.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the fire boat position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Boat crew member, you need expertise in marine operations, knowledge of firefighting techniques, and relevant certifications such as Merchant Mariner Credential (MMC) and Firefighter I/II. Familiarity with navigation systems, marine communication equipment, and onboard firefighting systems is essential. Strong teamwork, quick decision-making, and effective communication are key soft skills in this position. These competencies are crucial for ensuring safe and efficient emergency response on the water, protecting lives and property during maritime incidents.

What are some common challenges faced while working on a fire boat?

Working on a fire boat often means responding to emergencies in unpredictable and challenging conditions, such as rough waters, strong currents, and restricted visibility. Crew members must be prepared to operate specialized equipment and execute complex rescues or firefighting operations in close coordination with other agencies, such as the Coast Guard and local fire departments. Physical stamina, adaptability, and a calm demeanor are essential due to the demanding and sometimes hazardous nature of the job. Despite these challenges, many fire boat professionals find the work highly rewarding, as it plays a vital role in marine safety and community protection.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Boat jobs in Seattle, WA?

For Fire Boat jobs in Seattle, WA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Boat jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Boat jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Fire Boat jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Boat job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $120,149 per year, or $57.8 per hour.

Marine Outside Machinist -- Propulsion & Alignment Specialist

Nichols Brothers Shipbuilding

Freeland, WA • On-site

$33.90 - $38/hr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description

Build the vessels that move the Pacific Northwest

Morning light hits Whidbey Island as you step aboard a newbuild ferry. Today you’ll dial in the final alignment on a pair of main engines, verify the shaft line is true, and lock down gear boxes ahead of sea trials. Tomorrow it might be a tug, a fire boat, or a dinner boat—each demanding the precision of a seasoned outside machinist.

Where you’ll work

Nichols Bros. Boat Builders (NBBB) has crafted state-of-the-art vessels in Freeland, WA since 1964—just a short hop from the Seattle metro. Alongside our sister companies Everett Ship Repair (ESR) and Shared Ice Services, we’re part of Ice Cap Holdings’ strong maritime presence in the Pacific Northwest.

What you’ll take on
  • Install and align major propulsion and auxiliary machinery: main engines, gear boxes, pumps, shafts, jet drives, propellers, rudders, and Z-drive systems.
  • Fabricate and fit structural machinery foundations in steel or aluminum from blueprints, including layout plus MIG and Arc welding/tacking.
  • Align and secure main engines and gear boxes during sea trials.
  • Lay out, cut, form, machine, and prepare parts for final assembly.
  • Operate lathes, milling machines, grinders, drills, dial calipers, torque wrenches, micrometers, and dial indicators.
  • Inspect parts and equipment to confirm tolerances meet owner specifications and regulatory requirements.
  • Work fluently in standard and metric units; convert SAE to metric and fractions to decimals.
  • Use metal-forming equipment (shear, brake, roll, press, band saw) as well as oxygen–propane torches and plasma cutters.
  • Keep the work area and tools clean and orderly; follow all shipyard safety practices and regulations.
  • Communicate clearly in writing and speech; work independently or as part of a crew, adapting and problem-solving as needed.
  • Occasionally support inside machining: turning, milling, drilling, molding, small/large assemblies, and machining steels/alloys/ship assemblies to blueprints on conventional lathes, mills, and grinders.
  • Champion safe work and housekeeping; contribute to NBBB’s strong safety culture.
  • Build cooperative relationships across crews and supervision; mentor apprentices and teammates by sharing trade knowledge.
  • Pitch in on additional tasks as they arise in our fast-paced yard.
What you bring
  • 3+ years as a Machinery Assembler or Journeyman Machinist.
  • High school diploma/GED or vocational training.
  • Working knowledge of shipyard safety practices and vessel terminology.
  • Ability to read specifications, drawings, and blueprints; apply basic math accurately.
  • Clear, concise communication—written and verbal.
  • Hands-on experience with basic hand/power tools; familiarity with lathes and mills.
  • Overtime availability as needed; experience working around heavy machinery.
  • Physical capability: lift/carry up to 50 lbs, work at heights up to 60 ft, enter confined spaces using a respirator, and work in tight/awkward positions.
  • Proficiency converting SAE↔metric and fractions↔decimals.
What sets you apart
  • Background in shipyard new construction/repair or marine construction.
  • Laser alignment experience (e.g., Rotoline, Pinpoint).
  • Certification as a Shipyard Competent Person.
  • Comfort working across multiple alloys/materials (steel and aluminum).
  • Working knowledge of applicable NAVSEA standard items.
  • OSHA 10 certification.
  • Certification/experience with forklifts and manlifts.
  • Interest and aptitude for future crew leadership roles.
Key proficiencies
  • Troubleshooting and mechanical troubleshooting
  • Mechanical assembly and machine building/assembly
  • Equipment installation and equipment installation & wiring
  • Manual machining and blueprint reading
  • Bearing installation and removal
  • Propulsion systems, shaft alignment, rotating equipment maintenance
  • Shipyard, maritime, and NAVSEA familiarity
Benefits
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Group life insurance plus optional supplemental life and disability
  • Paid time off and 9 paid holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Culture of learning with state-certified apprenticeship programs

Equal Employment Opportunity: Nichols Bros. Boat Builders is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate based on race, political affiliation, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, or the presence of any sensory, mental or physical disability.

Nichole Bros. Boat Builders is a drug free workplace, and all applicants are subject to a pre-employment drug screen and a background check.