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Fire Watch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Delphinus Engineering

Fire Watch/Tank Watch

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$18.53 - $20.53/hr

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 ...

Tidewater Staffing

Fire Preventer

Portsmouth, VA · On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Conduct fire watch and fire prevention inspections before, during, and after hot work activities. * Identify and eliminate potential fire hazards within assigned work areas. * Maintain fire ...

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All JobsFire Watch JobsFire Watch Jobs in Virginia

Fire Watch information

See Virginia salary details

$30.7K

$75.4K

$115K

How much do fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire watch in Virginia is $75,382.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $91,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fire watch?

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 the duties and responsibilities of a fire watch?

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.

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.

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.

Are fire watch jobs hard to get?

Fire watch jobs are generally accessible but often require specific training, certifications, and adherence to safety protocols. Employers may prefer candidates with relevant experience or knowledge of fire safety procedures, which can influence the ease of obtaining such positions.

Do fire watch jobs still exist?

Fire watch jobs are still available and involve monitoring for fire hazards in construction sites, industrial facilities, or during maintenance work. These roles typically require safety training, fire extinguisher knowledge, and adherence to OSHA regulations. They are often temporary and scheduled around specific projects or inspections.

How do I get a job as a fire watch?

To get a fire watch job, candidates typically need to complete a fire watch training course and obtain any required certifications, such as OSHA or fire safety training. Employers often look for good observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work overnight or in hazardous environments. Prior experience in safety or construction sites can also improve chances of employment.
More about Fire Watch jobs

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 are popular job titles related to Fire Watch jobs in Virginia?

For Fire Watch jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Fire Watch jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Watch jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Fire Watch jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Fire Watch job openings:

Fire Watch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Watch job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $75,382 per year, or $36.2 per hour.

Fire Watch/Tank Watch

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Delphinus Engineering
Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Delphinus Engineeringexternal

$18.53 - $20.53/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 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.

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