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Fire Watch Helper Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Laborer (Marine)

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $19.25/hr

Will be required to Fire Watch so past experience is helpful. * Experience with ripout and installation of cabling and cableway banding is desired. GLOTECH, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ...

Will be required to Fire Watch so past experience is helpful. * Experience with ripout and installation of cabling and cableway banding is desired. GLOTECH, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ...

Laborer (Marine)

Chesapeake, VA · On-site

$14.50 - $17.75/hr

Will be required to Fire Watch so past experience is helpful. * Experience with ripout and installation of cabling and cableway banding is desired. GLOTECH, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative ...

EH&S Tank Cleaner

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$21.25 - $23/hr

... fire watch qualified within first 2 weeks of employment. Able to obtain access to military ... Performs accident investigations to help determine Root Cause and Corrective Actions. * Ability to ...

... fire watch qualified within first 2 weeks of employment. Able to obtain access to military ... Performs accident investigations to help determine Root Cause and Corrective Actions. * Ability to ...

$42K - $74K/yr

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

SHIPFITTERS

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$42K - $74K/yr

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

SHIPFITTERS

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$42K - $74K/yr

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

$42K - $74K/yr

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

SHIPFITTERS

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$42K - $74K/yr

OSHA 10, Fire Watch, Confined Space, or related shipyard certifications. * Ability to perform tack ... Opportunities supporting critical naval and maritime programs that help keep America's fleet ...

Laborer

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$19 - $24/hr

... helping or assisting mode. * Assists mechanic in simple repairs on machinery. * Perform ... Perform duties as Fire Watch. * Participates in special projects as required. * Employees may be ...

Showing results 21-40

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.
Tidewater Staffing
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 51 - 200 employees

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Shipyard Helper

Tidewater Staffing is currently seeking Shipyard Helpers for work in Norfolk, VA, Chesapeake, VA, and Portsmouth, VA shipyards.

Candidates with an Active Secret Security Clearance are strongly encouraged to apply. Active security clearances are a significant advantage for current and upcoming shipyard opportunities.

Job Duties
  • Assist skilled trades personnel including Shipfitters, Welders, Riggers, Electricians, Painters, Pipefitters, Machinists, and Mechanics with daily shipyard operations.
  • Gather, transport, and organize tools, materials, and equipment at job sites.
  • Clean and prepare work areas before, during, and after work is performed.
  • Remove debris, scrap material, and excess equipment from vessels, dry docks, and work sites.
  • Assist with material handling, loading, unloading, and staging of equipment and supplies.
  • Operate basic hand tools, power tools, and shop equipment under supervision.
  • Support confined space, tank, and compartment entry preparations as directed.
  • Assist with fire watch, hole watch, and safety-related duties when assigned.
  • Move materials through vessels, dry docks, shops, and shipyard facilities.
  • Follow established shipyard safety procedures, OSHA regulations, and customer requirements.
  • Work aboard ships, in dry docks, industrial facilities, confined spaces, elevated areas, and outdoor environments.
  • Perform general labor and support duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous shipyard, industrial, construction, manufacturing, warehouse, or general labor experience preferred.
  • Ability to work safely in physically demanding environments.
  • Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment throughout the workday.
  • Familiarity with hand tools, power tools, and industrial equipment.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions.
  • Reliable transportation and dependable attendance.
  • Ability to work overtime, weekends, and varying shifts as required.
  • Knowledge of OSHA safety practices and industrial work environments.
  • Candidates who currently hold an active Security Clearance or have previous experience working in secure shipyard, military, government, or defense-contractor environments are highly preferred.
  • TWIC card, DBIDS eligibility, OSHA 10, OSHA 30, or related certifications are a plus.
Physical Requirements
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds regularly.
  • Ability to climb ladders, work at heights, kneel, crouch, bend, and stand for extended periods.
  • Ability to work in confined spaces, aboard vessels, and in varying weather conditions.
  • Ability to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE), including hard hats, safety glasses, respirators, gloves, and hearing protection.

Tidewater Staffing is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes qualified candidates seeking opportunities within the Hampton Roads maritime and industrial workforce.


    Tidewater Staffing logo

    About Tidewater Staffing

    Sourced by ZipRecruiter

    Since 1992, Tidewater Staffing, Inc. (TSI) has been providing unrivaled workforce solutions for our clients in the ship repair, warehousing, and light industrial/manufacturing industries. Through the years, we’ve dedicated ourselves to solving staffing challenges efficiently, economically, and with integrity by embodying our mission statement: “Put people to work. Do the right thing every day.” Our deep industry experience and established local presence allow us to maintain a consistent, updated, and expansive network of skilled candidates, and our proprietary digital onboarding process. When you partner with Tidewater Staffing, you get employees who are trained, screened, supplied, and access to our proprietary digital onboarding process.

    Industry

    Recruiting and staffing services

    Company size

    51 - 200 Employees

    Headquarters location

    Virginia Beach, VA, US

    Year founded

    1992