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Fire Watch Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Fire Alarm Designer

Odenton, MD · On-site

$35 - $45/hr

Design fire alarm systems in accordance with NFPA 72, NFPA 70 (NEC), IBC, IFC, and local AHJ requirements. * Prepare detailed fire alarm drawings, layouts, riser diagrams, and device calculations.

Showing results 21-40

Fire Watch information

See Washington salary details

$35.1K

$86.1K

$131.4K

How much do fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire watch in Washington is $86,117.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,000.00 and $104,800.00 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fire Watch jobs in Washington? The most popular types of Fire Watch jobs in Washington are:
What cities in Washington are hiring for Fire Watch jobs? Cities in Washington with the most Fire Watch job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Watch job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $86,117 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Fire Sprinkler Designer

Century Fire Protection

Ashburn, VA • On-site

$25 - $40/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago


Century Fire Protection rating

7.5

Company rating: 7.5 out of 10

Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

20th of 37 rated health and safety providers


Job description

Div. 136 - Ashburn, VA
Summary
Responsible for developing designs for fire sprinkler and suppression systems for commercial, industrial, and multi-family projects; ensures compliance with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications, while collaborating with project managers, engineers, and field teams to produce accurate, constructible designs.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
  • Create fire sprinkler system designs, including layout drawings, hydraulic calculations, and material specifications.
  • Ensure designs comply with NFPA standards, local codes, and project specifications.
  • Review construction drawings and coordinate with architects, engineers, and project managers.
  • Prepare design submittals, shop drawings, and permit packages.
  • Collaborate with field personnel to address constructability issues and design changes.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of designs and revisions.
  • Participate in design reviews and quality control checks.
  • Stay current with fire protection standards, codes, and industry best practices.

Education and/or Experience
High school diploma, technical or degree preferred, and 2-5 years of fire sprinkler design experience; experience in commercial, industrial, or multi-family projects; knowledge of fire sprinkler systems, hydraulics, and NFPA standards; proficiency with AutoCAD, Revit, or other fire protection design software; ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications, and project requirements; NICET Level II or III in Fire Protection Engineering preferred.
Computer Skills
Microsoft Office Applications; proficiency with CAD software.
Physical Demands
Primaily office based; occasional site visits may be required; prolonged periods of computer and desk work; walk, stand, climb stairs or ladders, bend, stoop, and navigate uneven surfaces, lift up to 25-30lbs.; visual acuity required to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications; may occasionally be exposed to varying weather conditions, dust, or noise while on job sites.
Chesapeake Fire Protection (formerly Chesapeake Sprinkler Company) was originally founded in 1978 as a small family-owned business to serve the fire protection needs of the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. areas. You can rely on our extensive experience, knowledge of the latest technologies, and first-class fabrication facility to meet your fire protection needs.
Chesapeake Fire Protection became a Century Fire Protection Company in 2022. This allowed us to further expand our resources, capacity, and skills to serve our clients. We are headquartered in Odenton, MD with an additional branch office in Ashburn, VA.
We believe our people are our biggest asset and as such, we offer the following:
  • Competitive pay w/ Performance Incentives
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • Voluntary Life Insurance, Short-term & Long-term Disability
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Paid Time Off & Paid Holidays
  • 401(K) with Company Match
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Employee Relief Fund Financial Grants
  • Supplemental Insurance including Critical Illness, Hospitalization & Accident
  • Company issued Laptop and/or Tablet
  • Company Paid Training and Certifications
  • Referral Bonus (Employees receive $1,000 referral bonus for each person they refer to work at Chesapeake Fire Protection)

What Century Fire Protection employees say

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