ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fire Tower Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Arlington, VA

$79K - $107K/yr

Inspect engine room equipment, fan room equipment, cooling tower, all motors, house pumps, electric rooms, back-up generator, fire pump(s), sump pump(s), and ejector pumps. Replace lamps, light ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Senior Maintenance Tech

Mclean, VA · On-site

... tower, all motors, house pumps, electric rooms, back-up generator, fire pump(s), sump pump(s), and ejector pumps. Replace lamps, light fixtures, reinstall or replace signage, verify rooms are clean ...

Cushman & Wakefield

Operating Engineer

Falls Church, VA · On-site

$74K - $100K/yr

... tower, all motors, house pumps, electric rooms, back-up generator, fire pump(s), sump pump(s), and ejector pumps. Replace lamps, light fixtures, reinstall or replace signage, verify rooms are clean ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFire Tower JobsFire Tower Jobs in Virginia

Fire Tower information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$24

$28

How much do fire tower jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for fire tower in Virginia is $24.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.44 and $26.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Firewatch lookouts get paid?

Firewatch lookouts typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, with annual salaries ranging from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 depending on experience, location, and agency. Many positions require outdoor skills, observation training, and sometimes certification in firefighting or safety procedures.

What are the major challenges faced by Fire Tower lookouts during a typical work season?

Fire Tower lookouts often work in remote locations, spending long hours alone while maintaining high levels of concentration to spot smoke or fire activity. They must remain vigilant despite changing weather conditions, limited amenities, and sometimes challenging terrain when accessing their stations. Communication with emergency response teams is essential, especially during critical situations when prompt reporting can make a significant difference. Overcoming isolation and managing the responsibility of early wildfire detection are among the primary challenges in this unique, impactful role.

Are fire lookouts in demand?

Fire lookouts are in steady demand in regions with active wildfire seasons, as they play a critical role in early fire detection. Employment opportunities often depend on government budgets, wildfire risk levels, and seasonal staffing needs, with some positions requiring certification in fire management or communication skills.

Do Firewatch jobs still exist?

Firewatch jobs, which involve monitoring forests for wildfires, still exist and are typically seasonal positions employed by government agencies or private contractors. These roles often require training in fire safety, communication skills, and sometimes certifications such as CPR or first aid. The demand for firewatchers depends on wildfire risk and forest management needs.

What is a Fire Tower job?

A Fire Tower job typically refers to the role of a fire lookout, where an individual monitors forests from a tower to detect wildfires. Lookouts use binoculars, maps, and communication equipment to report smoke or fire activity. The job often requires living in remote locations and working long hours alone. It plays a crucial role in early wildfire detection, helping to protect forests, wildlife, and communities.

Are fire lookout jobs hard to get?

Fire lookout jobs can be competitive due to limited positions and specific requirements such as good eyesight, physical fitness, and the ability to work alone for extended periods. Applicants often need relevant experience, certifications, or training in forestry or firefighting, and the hiring process may involve background checks and interviews.

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

To thrive as a Fire Tower lookout, you need strong observational skills, thorough knowledge of fire detection and reporting procedures, and in many cases, a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with radio communication equipment, GPS systems, and fire mapping tools is often required. Attention to detail, reliability, and the ability to remain calm and focused during long periods of solitude are important soft skills. These attributes are critical to accurately detecting early signs of wildfires and ensuring timely, effective communication with response teams.

What are popular job titles related to Fire Tower jobs in Virginia? For Fire Tower jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Tower jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Tower jobs in Virginia are:
Fire Tower jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Tower job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,749 per year, or $24.4 per hour.
Maintenance Director

Maintenance Director

Harmony Senior Services

Mechanicsville, VA

Full-time

Retirement

Re-posted 12 days ago

Harmony Senior Services rating

4.2

Company rating: 4.2 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

8203 Meadowbridge Road, Mechanicsville, Virginia 23116Job DescriptionThe Maintenance Director will maintain and repair physical structures and utility systems of the community and maintain the grounds. He/she will install, service, and repair mechanical equipment (electrical, plumbing, HVAC, etc.). Supervise support staff and contractors as applicable. Oversee housekeeping and maintenance assistant.
  • Maintains the preventative maintenance program for all equipment in the community
  • Checks, reads, and logs all gauges, thermometers, water gauges on boilers and thermometers in cooler and freezer daily
  • Responsible for maintenance of drains, access areas, grease traps, garbage cans, cooling tower and mechanical rooms
  • Responsible for overseeing grounds maintenance, refuse pick-up, and all outside appearances
  • Investigates mechanical breakdowns and failures of machinery and equipment to determine cause and prevent reoccurrence by including the occurrence in the preventative maintenance program
  • Repairs emergency breakdowns in shortest possible time
  • Initiates and maintains a program of overall efficiency designed to eliminate waste and reduce operating expenses
  • Maintains safe operating and fire prevention practices, including monthly fire drill
  • Replaces light bulbs throughout the community
  • Paints, plasters, and performs other work necessary to prepare rooms/suites for leasing
  • Maintains community furniture in good condition
  • Maintains a working knowledge of current information on building and equipment operation codes and regulations
  • Requisitions and picks up supplies as needed. Responsible for purchases not exceeding budgetary constraints
  • Maintains expenditures within budgetary limits
  • Oversees pest control program
  • Maintains a work-order log through TELS-checked daily
  • Performs other duties as assigned

Requirements:

  • Must have a High School Diploma or GED; Associates or Bachelor's Degree preferred
  • Must have a working knowledge of electrical, plumbing and A/C-HVAC equipment
  • Two years previous experience working in maintenance position, preferably in a large physical plant
  • Possess the ability to communicate verbally and in writing, and follow written and oral directions
  • Must be organized and willing to work well with residents, visitors, staff, and the management team
  • Possess the ability to push, pull, lift and carry heavy material and equipment. Also must be able to tolerate extreme heat, cold, wet, humid or noisy conditions
  • Must be in good physical and mental condition and have the ability to stand, walk, climb stairs and ladders
  • Certified in AC/Freon recovery, etc.
  • Ability to be available and on-call on a 24-hour basis in case of emergency
  • Must be in approved uniform, neat and clean appearance during working hours
Why Harmony?

  • 401k + Fulltime & Part-time Benefits Packages

  • Training, Development & Career Laddering

  • Great work-life balance

  • Flexible Scheduling

What Harmony Senior Services employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply