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Fire Watch Jobs in Canton, MS (NOW HIRING)

Fire Protection Engineer

Jackson, MS · On-site

$72K - $97K/yr

We're currently seeking a talented Fire Protection Engineer. In this role, you'll contribute to projects that protect lives and property while helping shape resilient and sustainable environments. We ...

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Security Officer II

Jackson, MS

$14 - $16.50/hr

Inspects all elevators and interior fire escape stairwells reporting any identified discrepancies to the Plant Operations and Maintenance Department personnel. Monitors surveillance equipment ...

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Showing results 1-20

Fire Watch information

See Canton, MS salary details

$26.4K

$64.7K

$98.6K

How much do fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire watch in Canton, MS is $64,660.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,000.00 and $78,700.00 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.

What cities near Canton, MS are hiring for Fire Watch jobs?

Cities near Canton, MS with the most Fire Watch job openings:

Infographic showing various Fire Watch job openings in Canton, MS as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 5% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $64,660 per year, or $31.1 per hour.

Fire Protection Engineer

Jackson, MS • On-site

CDM Smith
Civil Engineering Construction • 5 - 10K employees

$72K - $97K/yr

Other

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


CDM Smith rating

9.3

Company rating: 9.3 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Company Overview

Check out this video and find out why our team loves to work here! (https://www.cdmsmith.com/resources/videos/meet-cdm-smith)

Join Us! CDM Smith – where amazing career journeys unfold.

Imagine a place committed to offering an unmatched employee experience. Where you work on projects that are meaningful to you. Where you play an active part in shaping your career journey. Where your co-workers are invested in you and your success. Where you are encouraged and supported to do your very best and given the tools and resources to do so. Where it’s a priority that the company takes good care of you and your family.

Our employees are the heart of our company. As an employer of choice, our goal is to provide a challenging, progressive and inclusive work environment which fosters personal leadership, career growth and development for every employee. We value passionate individuals who challenge the norm, deliver world-class solutions and bring diverse perspectives. Join our team, and together we will make a difference and change the world.

Job Description

At CDM Smith, we’re committed to connecting you with work that inspires and challenges you. Our employees collaborate on meaningful projects that enhance communities and make a lasting difference in the world. We deliver legendary service and smart solutions for environmental and infrastructure challenges, creating an unmatched experience for both our clients and our team.

As a global engineering and construction firm, we partner with clients worldwide to develop innovative solutions that address today’s needs and anticipate tomorrow’s demands. We’re currently seeking a talented Fire Protection Engineer. In this role, you’ll contribute to projects that protect lives and property while helping shape resilient and sustainable environments.

We offer a hybrid work environment that allows our employees to balance time in the office with remote work from home. This position can be based out of our offices in Boston, MA, Fairfax, VA, Pittsburgh, PA, Maitland, FL, Raleigh, NC, or Dallas, TX.

Key Responsibilities Include:

  • Developing comprehensive fire protection engineering designs, including conceptual layouts, basis-of-design documentation, water supply and hydraulic analyses, and detailed plans for fire sprinkler and suppression systems, fire pumps, and fire alarm systems.

  • Acting as QFPE for work with federal projects, providing life safety, fire suppression and fire alarm analysis and design.

  • Reviewing draft designs to ensure compliance with federal, state and local regulations and signing off on completed designs.

  • Performing other duties of basic to high complexity as necessary to meet client requirements such as creating fire protection and life safety engineering designs and evaluations: egress analysis, fire separation requirements, fire hazard analysis, water supply evaluations, insurance provider recommendations.

  • Evaluating systems utilizing HydraCAD, HydraCALC, or similar software as required.

  • Reviewing draft designs for compliance with NFPA, UFC, national, state, and local regulations as applicable to project work and signing off on completed designs. Ensuring that firm policies and practices are followed on all designs.

  • Performing other duties of basic to high complexity as necessary to meet client requirements, such as creating fire protection and life safety engineering designs

  • Ensuring that firm policies and practices are followed

  • Collaborating with sales staff to create proposals in response to current and potential client requests for proposal (RFPs). Reviewing draft proposals for adherence to firm, industry, state, local, and federal regulations, and best practices.

  • Meeting with current and potential future clients to review their current and future design needs.

  • Performing site assessments and studies, as needed to ensure designs are aligned with industry standards and local requirements.

  • Attending conferences, symposia, etc. to improve the visibility of the firm's products and services in collaboration with applicable sales staff.

  • Providing technical guidance and training to more junior staff. Mentoring more junior staff and developing them for future growth within the discipline and firm. May supervise the work of junior engineers on project work.

#LI-hybrid

Skills & Abilities
  • Expert Knowledge of computer assisted design and drafting (CADD) 3D and 4D software and practices.

  • Expert Knowledge of engineer principles of design.

  • Expert Knowledge of Microsoft business software (excel, word, etc.).

  • Excellent verbal and written communications skills.

  • Expert knowledge of federal, state and local regulations.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Architectural or Chemical Engineering, or in Engineering Technology or related discipline.

  • Professional engineering (PE) license.

  • 7 years of related experience.

  • Equivalent additional directly related experience will be considered in lieu of a degree.

  • Domestic and/or international travel may be required. The frequency of travel is contingent on specific duties, responsibilities, and the essential functions of the position, which may vary depending on workload and project demands.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Fire Protection Engineering or related discipline.

  • Professional engineering (PE) license in Fire Protection.

  • Experience working with UFC criteria for federal work.

  • Experience working with FM Global datasheet requirements and other insurance provider requirements.

  • Experience with design of suppression system (wet-pipe, dry-pipe, preaction, deluge, foam, clean agent), fire alarm/mass notification system, smoke control system, fire pumps, water storage tanks.

  • Experience with life safety requirements, building code analysis, passive fire protection systems, performance-based designs

Amount of Travel Required

10% or less

EEO Statement

We attract the best people in the industry, supporting their efforts to learn and grow. We strive to create a challenging and progressive work environment. We provide career opportunities that span a variety of disciplines and geographic locations, with projects that our employees plan, design, build and operate as diverse as the needs of our clients. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, pregnancy related conditions, childbirth and related medical conditions, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, citizenship status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Background Check and Drug Testing Information

CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries (hereafter collectively referred to as "CDM Smith") reserves the right to require background checks including criminal, employment, education, licensure, etc. as well as credit and motor vehicle when applicable for certain positions. In addition, CDM Smith may conduct drug testing for designated positions. Background checks are conducted after an offer of employment has been made in the United States. The timing of when background checks will be conducted on candidates for positions outside the United States will vary based on country statutory law but in no case, will the background check precede an interview. CDM Smith will conduct interviews of qualified individuals prior to requesting a criminal background check, and no job application submitted prior to such interview shall inquire into an applicant's criminal history. If this position is subject to a background check for any convictions related to its responsibilities and requirements, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background investigation including criminal history. Criminal history will not automatically disqualify a candidate. In addition, during employment individuals may be required by CDM Smith or a CDM Smith client to successfully complete additional background checks, including motor vehicle record as well as drug testing.

Massachusetts Applicants

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Additional Pay Range Information

CDM Smith is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. This pay range is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels for the geographic location assigned to the position. In addition to geographic location, a candidate’s salary is determined by several other factors including, but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, relevant work experience, skills, required certifications, and education/training.

Additional Compensation

All bonuses at CDM Smith are discretionary and may or may not apply to this position.

Visa Sponsorship Available

No-We will not support sponsorship in the United States, i.e. H-1B or TN Visas for this position

Agency Disclaimer

All vendors must have a signed CDM Smith Placement Agreement from the CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Manager to receive payment for your placement. Verbal or written commitments from any other member of the CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries staff will not be considered binding terms. All unsolicited resumes submitted to CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries and any resume submitted to any employee outside of CDM Smith Talent Acquisition Team will be considered property of CDM Smith. CDM Smith Inc. and its divisions and subsidiaries will not be held liable to pay a placement fee.

Pay Range Max

USD $160,118.00

Pay Range Min

USD $91,478.00

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About CDM Smith

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

CDM Smith is a distinguished name in the engineering and construction industry, providing insightful consulting, designing, and execution services. Based in Boston, Massachusetts, US, this full-service engineering and construction firm was founded in 1947 and has been contributing to the national and global infrastructure ever since. Serving across diverse sectors like transportation, environment, water, energy, and facilities, they have built a reputation for excellence. The company firmly stands on its mission of delivering lasting, superior solutions to the world's complex challenges, thereby ensuring their clients create a transformative impact.

Industry

Civil engineering construction

Company size

5,001 - 10,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Cambridge, MA, US

Year founded

1947