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Fire Watch Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Tidewater Staffing

Fire Preventer

Chesapeake, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

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 ...

Tidewater Staffing

Fire Preventer

Norfolk, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

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 ...

Tidewater Staffing

Fire Preventer

Portsmouth, VA

$80K - $108K/yr

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 10, 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.

Are fire watch jobs still a thing?

Yes, fire watch jobs are still available and are often required in construction sites, industrial facilities, and during maintenance work to monitor for fire hazards. These roles typically involve standing watch, using fire detection tools, and may require certification in fire safety. They are usually temporary positions with specific safety protocols.

Are fire watch jobs hard to get?

Fire watch jobs are generally accessible but often require specific certifications such as OSHA training and a good understanding of safety protocols. Experience in construction or industrial environments can improve chances, but entry-level positions are also available for those willing to learn. Competition varies depending on location and demand for safety personnel.

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?

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.

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 a fire watch or fire safety permit. Employers often look for good observation skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work in various environments, often on a temporary or contract basis. Prior experience in safety or security roles can also be beneficial.

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.
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 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 2% Contract. 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 (Red Badge)

Labor One Staffing

Norfolk, VA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Job description

Labor One is seeking to hire Fire Watch / Tank Watch (Red Badge) The Fire Watch / Tank Watch Specialist ensures the safety of personnel and equipment during hot work, confined space, and preservation operations aboard U.S. Navy vessels and associated facilities. This position provides continuous monitoring of fire and confined-space hazards, enforces all NAVSEA, OSHA, and AMP United safety procedures, and maintains compliance with NAVSEA Standard Items 009-07 and 009-74, as well as 29 CFR 1915 Subpart P (Fire Protection in Shipyard Employment). Strong situational awareness and ability to remain focused for extended periods. Effective verbal communication with supervisors and entrants via radio or direct voice. Ability to enforce safety boundaries and take decisive action in emergency conditions. Accurate documentation and attention to detail when completing watch logs and checklists. Understanding of Navy ship compartments, labeling, and restricted-area protocols. Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
  • Maintain continuous watch at designated hot work or confined space locations for the full duration of the operation.
  • Verify that Hot Work Permits, Confined Space Entry Permits, and Gas-Free Certificates are valid, current, and posted.
  • Ensure that all required atmospheric testing has been performed and documented by a Shipyard Competent Person or Marine Chemist prior to entry and at required intervals.
  • Monitor atmospheric conditions and ensure proper ventilation and lighting are established and maintained throughout the job.
  • Control access to assigned areas, ensuring only authorized personnel enter the workspace.
  • Remain alert for signs of fire, smoke, fumes, or unsafe atmospheric changes; immediately stop work and notify supervision if unsafe conditions occur.
  • Know how to operate and inspect fire extinguishers; identify and use the correct extinguishing agent for each class of fire per NSTM 555 (V1/V2).
  • Understand procedures for sounding alarms, contacting the Officer of the Deck (OOD), and guiding response personnel back to the scene.
  • Remain on station for at least 30 minutes after completion of hot work to ensure no smoldering or re-ignition occurs.
  • Maintain accurate log entries for atmospheric readings, ventilation checks, personnel entry/exit times, and fire-watch intervals.
  • Participate in pre-job briefs, toolbox talks, and post-job debriefs with AMP United and NNSY Supervisors.
  • Comply with all PPE, respiratory protection, and fall-protection requirements.
  • Support AMP United's zero-incident culture through active participation in hazard identification and housekeeping.
Training and Certification Requirements:
  • Fire Watch Qualification Course
  • Hazard Communication
  • Respiratory Protection
  • Fall Protection
  • Fire Watch / Tank Watch
  • Shipyard Mandatory Annual Training
  • First Aid / CPR certification
Security and Access Requirements
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen and pass all background, drug, and security checks.
  • Must possess a Secret Clearance.
Education and Experience
  • High school diploma or equivalent.
  • Prior experience as a Fire Watch, Tank Watch, or Preservation Laborer in a shipyard or industrial environment. At least 1 year of experience.
  • Familiarity with NAVSEA Standard Items. Submit your resume to Lmorales@laboronetx.com or Ehinojosa@laboronetx.com
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About Labor One Staffing

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Labor One specializes in matching skilled craft laborers with marine and industrial services needs throughout Texas, Alabama, Florida, South Carolina, Virginia and California. We ensure our clients receive the right candidates they need, while providing reliable work to our wide network of talent. At Labor One, our mission is to create partnerships between clients and staff within the marine and industrial services fields in order to create greater productivity and satisfaction for both. By utilizing a unique recruitment process, our mission is to create a wide network of vetted and qualified talent from which we can draw in order to create these mutually beneficial relationships. We envision, and are implementing, staffing solutions that deliver skilled, timely, and affordable labor to our clients. We also envision, and are implementing, a recruitment process that prepares job candidates for placement in jobs where their skills and training are useful, valued, and rewarded.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

201 - 500 Employees

Headquarters location

Brownsville, TX, US

Social media

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