1

Fire Tower Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Maintenance Supervisor

Roanoke, VA · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

... tower/chiller, air handlers, fire & safety system, inspections, contractor training, employee training, electrical, hot work, etc. * Responsible for the inventory/parts management of the facility ...

Showing results 21-31

Fire Tower information

See Virginia salary details

$15

$24

$28

How much do fire tower jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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.

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.

What is a fire tower?

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.

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:
Infographic showing various Fire Tower job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $50,749 per year, or $24.4 per hour.

Building Operating Engineer

Cushman & Wakefield

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 3 days ago

New


Cushman & Wakefield rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 158 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

110th of 202 rated real estate companies


Job description

Job Title

Building Operating Engineer

Job Description Summary

Responsible to ensure the efficient operation and maintenance of mechanical, electrical and plumbing equipment and systems for the assigned property(s). Responsibilities include (but are not limited to) maintaining a clean and safe working environment, performing rounds, conducting routine assessments, performance of day-to-day preventive and corrective maintenance, painting, and housekeeping for assigned properties

Job Description

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform all plumbing, electrical, or HVAC requirements of the building(s)
Maintain heating equipment, chillers (air and/ or water cooled), DX units, pumps, cooling towers, fan coil units, VAV, and air distribution systems, etc.
Monitor and adjust all mechanical/pneumatic equipment, steam stations, control gauges, distributor panels, valves, thermostats, diffusers, and other equipment necessary to provide a comfortable environment for the buildings
Verify field conditions and perform any necessary repairs or adjustments
Monitor Energy Management
Repair doors, ceilings, hand railings, and floors and other general repairs, adjustments and installations about the property
Perform repairs to plumbing fixtures (water closets, urinals, flush valve assemblies, lavatories, etc.)
Perform preventive maintenance duties in accordance with C&W standards, building protocol, manufacturer recommendations and industry best practices. including changing filters, cleaning coils, flushing condensers, punching tubes, greasing fan, pump and motor bearings as required, inspecting and adjusting belts, replacing motor bearings, aligning pulleys and shafts, monitor condenser, chilled, heating and secondary water chemical treatment and its associated feed equipment, clean and maintain cooling towers, and perform annual inspections and other scheduled routines as directed.
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 fixtures, reinstall or replace signage, verify rooms are clean and clear of obstructions and debris
Check for properly operating emergency exit signs and lights and ensure free and clear access to emergency stairs and exits. Perform additional fire and life safety inspections as per NFPA and local jurisdiction, C&W standards, building protocol and as directed by superiors and property management
Document and report activities to supervisor
Respond immediately to emergency situations (fire, evacuation, equipment failure, etc.) and customer concerns
Comply with all applicable codes, regulations, governmental agency, and company directives as relates to building operations and practice safe work habits
Complete all required C&W Safety Training as scheduled annually
Comply with C&W Uniform Dress Code while working and maintain a neat and clean appearance while on the property at times other than working hours
KEY COMPETENCIES
Technical Proficiency
Initiative
Flexibility
Multi-Tasking
Sense of Urgency
IMPORTANT EDUCATION
High School Diploma of GED Equivalent
Graduate of apprentice program or trade school preferred
IMPORTANT EXPERIENCE
5+ years of related work experience in operating mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems in a commercial property setting
ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITY QUALIFICATIONS
Appropriate license/permit for trade as may be required, i.e. Journeyman or Master Electrician License or City Licenses, such as Refrigeration Certificate of Fitness, High Pressure Boiler License, High Pressure Steam Operator, etc.)
May be required to have certification as a Universal Technician for CFC's depending on market licensure requirements
Possess and maintain a valid driver's license and good driving record with periodic checks (where applicable)
Basic Computing Skills in Outlook, Excel & Word
Experience in operation, maintenance and basic repair of HVAC, boilers, heaters, pumps, refrigerant systems, compressors, water systems, etc.
Knowledgeable in energy management systems, techniques and operations.
Thorough knowledge in all building systems operations, maintenance and repair.
May be only maintenance staff member on duty during certain shifts; may be required to work extended periods of time without relief when responding to priority/emergency situations (including overtime type assignments); may require shift work and/or on call duties
WORK ENVIRONMENT
This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines. Regularly required to travel outside between properties in varying weather conditions.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Must have ability to stoop, stand, climb, frequently lift a minimum of 50 lbs. of equipment (pumps, tools, ladders) and safely install rigging/lifting devices
Regularly required to crouch and reach to install/move equipment by bending forward at the waist or by bending legs and spine
Involves movement between departments, floors, and properties to facilitate work
Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
Ability to read and understand information presented orally and in writing
Regularly required to utilize vision abilities, allowing reading of printed material, drawings, and schematics
AAP/EEO STATEMENT
C&W provides equal employment opportunity to all individuals regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by state, federal, or local law. Further, the company takes affirmative action to ensure that applicants are employed and employees during employment are treated without regard to any of these characteristics. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.
OTHER DUTIES
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.


Cushman & Wakefield also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health, vision, and dental insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life, and disability insurance programs, and paid and unpaid time away from work. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, Cushman and Wakefield provide eligible employees with competitive pay, which may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, total hours worked, job type, business line, and applicability of collective bargaining agreements.
The compensation that will be offered to the successful candidate will depend on factors such as whether the position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement, the geographic area in which the work will be performed, market pay rates in that area, and the candidate's experience and qualifications.
The company will not pay less than minimum wage for this role.
The compensation for the position is: $32.30 - $38.00Cushman & Wakefield is an Equal Opportunity employer to all protected groups, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Discrimination of any type will not be tolerated.

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position at Cushman & Wakefield, please call the ADA line at 1-888-365-5406 or emailAccommodations@cushwake.com. Please refer to the job title and job location when you contact us.

INCO: "Cushman & Wakefield"

What Cushman & Wakefield employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom