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Fire Watch Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Fire Watch/Tank Watch

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18.53 - $20.53/hr

... help and activate a fire alarm. * Remain at the hot work site for a minimum of 30 minutes after all ... Tank Watch * Stand outside one or more confined and poorly ventilated enclosed spaces and monitor ...

Fire Watch/Tank Watch

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18.53 - $20.53/hr

... help and activate a fire alarm. * Remain at the hot work site for a minimum of 30 minutes after all ... Tank Watch * Stand outside one or more confined and poorly ventilated enclosed spaces and monitor ...

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

Fire Preventer

Chesapeake, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

Fire Preventer

Norfolk, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

Fire Preventer

Portsmouth, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

$16 - $20/hr

... and helping ensure a safe work environment aboard vessels and within shipyard facilities ... Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities.

Helper/Laborer

Norfolk, VA

$15.50 - $19.25/hr

If a fire occurs, they take appropriate actions to protect all workers. · Have a clear view of and immediate access to all areas included in the fire watch. · Be able to communicate with workers ...

Shipyard Helper Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Shipyard Helpers for work in Norfolk, VA ... with fire watch, hole watch, and safety-related duties when assigned. * Move materials through ...

Shipyard Helper Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Shipyard Helpers for work in Norfolk, VA ... with fire watch, hole watch, and safety-related duties when assigned. * Move materials through ...

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Fire Watch Helper information

What is a fire watch helper?

Fire Watch Helpers are personnel assigned to monitor areas where hot work, such as welding or cutting, is being performed. Their main responsibility is to look out for signs of fire or hazards and to take immediate action if a fire starts. They ensure that fire extinguishing equipment is readily available and that safety procedures are followed during potentially dangerous operations. Fire Watch Helpers play a critical role in maintaining workplace safety and preventing fire-related accidents.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fire watch helper, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Watch Helper, you need a basic understanding of fire prevention protocols, hazard recognition, and safety procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with safety equipment, incident reporting systems, and OSHA regulations is typically required, with some employers preferring OSHA safety certification. Strong attention to detail, reliability, and effective communication skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities are crucial for ensuring worksite safety, responding quickly to emergencies, and preventing fire-related incidents.

What are the typical challenges faced by a fire watch helper during construction or maintenance projects?

Fire Watch Helpers often work in environments where hot work, such as welding or cutting, is being performed, which requires constant vigilance to detect and respond to any early signs of fire or unsafe conditions. One common challenge is maintaining focus during long shifts, especially in areas with limited activity or visibility. Additionally, Fire Watch Helpers must be well-versed in emergency procedures and able to communicate quickly with supervisors and team members. Collaboration with welders, maintenance crews, and safety managers is essential to ensure a safe workspace for everyone involved.

What is the difference between Fire Watch Helper vs Fire Watch Technician?

AspectFire Watch HelperFire Watch Technician
Required CertificationsBasic OSHA, fire watch trainingOSHA, fire watch, and sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial facilitiesIndustrial, commercial, or construction sites
Employer & Industry UsageCommonly hired for temporary fire watch dutiesPerforms ongoing fire safety monitoring and inspections
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level fire watch rolesClarifying responsibilities and qualifications

Fire Watch Helpers typically perform basic fire safety monitoring on construction sites or industrial facilities, often as temporary staff. Fire Watch Technicians usually have more experience, perform detailed inspections, and may hold additional certifications. Both roles are essential for fire safety compliance, but the Technician role involves more responsibility and expertise.

What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Watch jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Fire Watch jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Watch Helper jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Watch Helper job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Watch Helper job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Fire Watch/Tank Watch

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Delphinus Engineering
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees

$18.53 - $20.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

About the Organization
Founded in 1994 as a small, diversified professional services company, Delphinus today employs more than 650 professional and technical personnel supporting a customer base that spans the Defense and Federal markets.
Headquartered in Newtown Square, PA, we have primary offices in Norfolk, VA; San Diego, CA; and Bremerton, WA.
Company Benefits*:
• Comprehensive health program for employee and dependents
• Company paid Dental and Vision
• 401(k) with company match
• Short-term and Long-term disability - Company paid
• Life Insurance and AD&D - Company paid
• Voluntary Spouse and Child Life Insurance
• Paid time off with company holiday
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
*Benefit eligibility is set forth in benefit plan documents and organization policies.
Description
GENERAL SUMMARY: Delphinus Engineering, Inc. is seeking qualified Fire Watch / Tank Watch personnel to support fire watch and tank watch touch-labor requirements aboard U.S. Navy vessels under Norfolk Naval Shipyard (NNSY) Naval Supervisory Authority (NSA) Lead Maintenance Activity (LMA) cognizance. Work directly supports shipboard and in-shop non-nuclear welding/hot work operations and confined/enclosed space entry operations.
LOCATION: Norfolk, VA
Minimum Qualifications:
  • High school diploma or GED equivalent.
  • Ability to perform fire prevention / tank watch standing in direct support of various shipboard and in-shop non-nuclear welding/hot work operations.
  • Ability to actively discharge a fire extinguisher and demonstrate use on both a flammable liquid and ordinary combustible type fire.
  • Capable of climbing vertical ladders; able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
  • Capable of working in confined and enclosed spaces.
  • Able to read and understand precautionary-type signage or postings.
  • May be assigned to work areas where potentially harmful physical and chemical agents are present (fumes, dust, noise, heat, chemicals, etc.)

Required Training (must be completed and documented; proof submitted per contract schedule):
  • Fire Watch / Tank Watch training "Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment,"
  • Confined and enclosed space safety
  • Welding and allied processes / fire watch
  • Respirators (negative pressure)
  • Hazard Communication

Contractor-Furnished Equipment: Each Fire Watch / Tank Watch must have and maintain in working order the required contractor-furnished tools upon arrival, including a fully charged and properly sealed fire extinguisher, fire watch instruction card, and fire watch identification badge or red armband issued by the fire/tank watch coordinator.
Duties and Responsibilities
Fire Watch
  • Maintain constant surveillance over the assigned hot work area and ensure no fire starts or damage occurs from the hot work operator's work.
  • Before hot work begins, inspect the work site with the NNSY hot work operator and/or NNSY supervisor and determine where and how to activate a fire alarm.
  • Station yourself as directed by the NNSY hot work operator/supervisor; keep a charged fire extinguisher, instruction card, and proper ID on your person.
  • Immediately notify the hot work operator if a fire starts and begin firefighting operations; if the fire cannot be extinguished, shout for help and activate a fire alarm.
  • Remain at the hot work site for a minimum of 30 minutes after all hot work is complete, or until the site is cooled to ambient temperature, whichever is longer.
  • Notify the hot work operator before leaving the station; return all fire watch material and tooling when duties are complete.
  • Support blind-side bulkhead inspections with the hot work operator and understand how to enter a confined/enclosed space safely and respond in an emergency.

Tank Watch
  • Stand outside one or more confined and poorly ventilated enclosed spaces and monitor authorized entrants; remain outside the space during entry unless relieved by another authorized tank watch.
  • Verify the NNSY confined space certificate (date posted, expiration, safe for hot work, safe for entry / not safe for entry) is current and enforce any restrictions before allowing entry. Entry is not authorized without a posted confined space certificate.
  • Maintain communication with entrants and keep an accurate log using the confined/enclosed space watch log sheet. Cell phones may not be used as a means of communication.
  • Never leave the tank unattended with personnel inside; coordinate relief through the NNSY supervisor via the contractor supervisor when necessary.
  • Prevent unauthorized entry into confined/enclosed spaces and turn in log sheets to the NNSY supervisor at end of shift.

General / Standby Duties
  • Perform general housekeeping ("GHK") as needed per shift, including removal of industrial debris (sheet metal, steel plate, structural shapes, piping, cable ends, hardware, spent welding wire, trash) from the assigned project - overhead to deck, pier, and dry-dock.
  • Perform "spotter" duties as assigned, coordinating pedestrian and vehicular traffic (typically at the head or foot of the ship's ramp) to maintain safety.
  • Follow hot work operator directions and comply with the hot work permit system.

Wage Range: $18.53 - $20.53 per hour
*In determining compensation, various factors will be considered, including but not limited to, educational background; relevant experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, market factors; and geographic location.
EOE Statement
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.
Exempt/Non-Exempt
Non-Exempt
Req Number
MAR-26-00009
This position is currently accepting applications.