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Fire Watch Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ancon Marine

Seasonal Fire Watch Technician

Vacaville, CA · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

Ancon is seeking Seasonal Fire Watch Technicians! This is a seasonal role, currently expected to last six (6) months. Availability will be expected for the duration of the job; the project will be ...

Labor One Staffing

Fire Watch

San Ysidro, CA

$17.25 - $21.50/hr

General Laborers Fire Watch Cable Pullers Trade Helpers Pay rate is based on experience. Work Tasks Include: Must be comfortable and willing to work in heights and confined spaces. Must be able to ...

ASL Construction Inc.

Be Seen First

Skilled Construction Laborer

Fontana, CA · On-site

$22 - $28/hr

Fire-watch * Grinding materials * Hand tool use * Loading and unloading materials * Power tool use * Scaffolding * Spotting equipment operators * Tying rebar * Work at heights * Work in confined ...

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All JobsFire Watch JobsFire Watch Jobs in California

Fire Watch information

See California salary details

$30.6K

$75K

$114.5K

How much do fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire watch in California is $75,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,200.00 and $91,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do Firewatch lookouts get paid?

Firewatch lookouts typically earn between $12 and $20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer. Some positions may offer additional benefits such as housing or overtime pay, especially during peak fire seasons.

What are the most common challenges faced by Fire Watch personnel on construction sites, and how can they be addressed?

Fire Watch personnel on construction sites often face challenges such as staying alert during long shifts, working in hazardous or changing environments, and effectively communicating with other site workers. To address these challenges, it's important to take scheduled breaks, use checklists to ensure thorough inspections, and participate in regular safety briefings. Building strong communication with the construction team helps ensure that any fire hazards are reported and resolved quickly, maintaining a safe work environment for everyone.

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

AspectFire WatchFire Extinguisher Technician
CertificationsOSHA, Fire Watch trainingFire Extinguisher, OSHA, possibly NFPA certifications
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, industrial areas, during hot workFire safety inspections, extinguisher maintenance, service centers
Employer & IndustryConstruction companies, industrial facilitiesFire safety service companies, maintenance providers

Fire Watch and Fire Extinguisher Technician roles both involve fire safety but differ in focus. Fire Watch primarily monitors for fire hazards during construction or hot work, requiring OSHA and fire watch training. Fire Extinguisher Technicians inspect, maintain, and refill fire extinguishers, often needing NFPA certifications. While both roles serve fire safety, Fire Watch is more about supervision during specific activities, whereas Fire Extinguisher Technicians focus on equipment maintenance.

What Is a Fire Watch Job?

The job of a fire watch professional is to monitor an area for a possible emergency. These roles are found anywhere there is a potential fire hazard, such as in welding or a shipyard, or in the absence of a sufficient emergency alert system. The job of a professional in welding is to monitor soldering or activities to ensure no smoldering fires break out. Other duties of someone in this role are to alert or notify emergency professionals if necessary, communicate with team members, and facilitate public or workplace safety. The qualifications you need to get a fire watch job vary, but specialized training may be required. Fire watch is subject to federal regulations through OSHA.

What are Fire Watch duties and responsibilities?

Fire Watch personnel are responsible for monitoring areas where hot work, such as welding or cutting, is being performed to prevent fires. Their main duties include identifying potential fire hazards, ensuring fire extinguishing equipment is available, maintaining a clear evacuation route, and sounding the alarm or taking action if a fire occurs. They must stay vigilant throughout their shift and cannot perform other tasks during their watch. Fire Watch is often required by safety regulations in environments with increased fire risk.

Do Firewatch jobs still exist?

Yes, fire watch jobs still exist and involve monitoring for fire hazards, especially during construction or maintenance projects where fire safety is critical. These roles typically require safety training, fire watch certifications, and the ability to work in various environments, often during overnight or extended shifts.

What qualifications are needed for fire watch?

Fire watch personnel typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete fire safety training, which covers fire prevention, use of fire extinguishers, and emergency procedures. Some positions require certification such as OSHA or fire watch training, and good communication skills are essential for monitoring and reporting hazards in the work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fire Watch, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fire Watch, you need a strong understanding of fire safety procedures, hazard identification, and often a valid occupational safety certification such as OSHA. Familiarity with fire suppression equipment, alarm systems, and standard reporting tools is typically required. Attention to detail, vigilance, effective communication, and the ability to remain calm under pressure are crucial soft skills for this role. These skills and qualifications are important to ensure rapid response to fire hazards, maintain workplace safety, and prevent accidents in high-risk environments.

How to get a job as a fire watcher?

To become a fire watcher, you typically need to complete safety training and obtain any required certifications, such as a fire watch certification or OSHA training. Employers often look for individuals with good observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in high-risk environments, usually on a temporary or contract basis during construction or maintenance projects.
More about Fire Watch jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Watch jobs in California? The most popular types of Fire Watch jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Fire Watch jobs in California? For Fire Watch jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Fire Watch jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Fire Watch jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Fire Watch jobs? Cities in California with the most Fire Watch job openings:
Fire Watch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Watch job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,039 per year, or $36.1 per hour.

Seasonal Fire Watch Technician

Ancon Services

Vacaville, CA

$22 - $24/hr

Other

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

Description

Ancon is seeking Seasonal Fire Watch Technicians! This is a seasonal role, currently expected to last six (6) months. Availability will be expected for the duration of the job; the project will be primarily based out of Vacaville, CA. Successful completion of this assignment may lead to consideration for permanent employment opportunities.


Who is the "Ancon Family"?


The "Ancon Family" is a team of highly competent and dedicated individuals who enjoy working together to "Get the Job Done!" Ancon is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where all employees are encouraged and supported to develop their skills and abilities into a long-term career with Ancon. More than one in every four employees has been with Ancon over 5 years, and one in 10 over 10 years!


What is a Fire Watch Technician?


The Fire Watch Tech is a dedicated safety role responsible for continuously monitoring welding, cutting, grinding, and other spark- or heat-producing activities to prevent, detect, and control fires. This is a full-attention position: while on fire watch duty, the employee performs no other tasks and remains focused solely on surveying the work area and surrounding spaces for signs of ignition. The role is critical to protecting personnel, property, and equipment, and to maintaining compliance with OSHA and site safety requirements.


Key Responsibilities


Hot Work Monitoring

  • Continuously monitor welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, and other spark- or flame-producing operations, watching for sparks, slag, embers, and smoldering materials.
  • Watch for stray fire hazards in the work area and in adjacent, below, and above spaces where heat or sparks could travel.
  • Maintain fire watch coverage throughout the entire duration of hot work and for a minimum of 30 minutes (or the site-required interval) after work is completed.
  • Halt hot work if unsafe conditions develop, and confirm conditions are safe before work resumes.

Fire Prevention & Response

  • Ensure fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment are present, charged, accessible, and in working order before hot work begins.
  • Extinguish small, incipient-stage fires using available extinguishing equipment within the limits of training.
  • Sound the alarm, notify emergency personnel, and assist with evacuation in the event of a fire that exceeds incipient stage.
  • Verify that flammable and combustible materials are removed or protected within the required radius (typically 35 feet) of hot work.

Inspections & Documentation

  • Conduct pre-work area inspections and verify hot work permits are in place and conditions match the permit.
  • Maintain accurate fire watch logs, including observations, rounds, actions taken, and equipment checks.
  • Report hazards, near-misses, and equipment deficiencies to the Safety Representative or Supervisor.

Communication & Compliance

  • Maintain clear, constant communication with welders, cutters, and crew members throughout operations.
  • Follow all Ancon safety policies, site rules, and applicable OSHA standards.
  • Wear required PPE at all times and never abandon a post while hot work is active; if the post must be left, stop the job or ensure a qualified replacement is assigned.


Requirements

  • Ability to remain alert, attentive, and focused for extended periods.
  • Strong commitment to safety and willingness to follow protocols exactly.
  • Clear verbal communication and ability to stay calm in emergencies.
  • Reliable attendance and punctuality; comfortable working full shifts.
  • Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
  • Valid, reliable transportation to assigned job sites.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior fire watch, hot work attendant, or industrial safety experience.

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Basic First Aid / CPR certification.

Experience in refinery, industrial services, construction, or utility environments.

Familiarity with hot work permit systems and confined space awareness.

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