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Fire Watch Jobs in Semmes, AL (NOW HIRING)

Ship System Operator/Watch Stander I

Mobile, AL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Vessel Watch Stander Supervisor SUPERVISES: None AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a position ... Operator will continuously inspect all spaces to detect and prevent fire hazards, fire, flood ...

Ship System Operator/Watch Stander I

Mobile, AL · On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Vessel Watch Stander Supervisor SUPERVISES: None AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES: This is a position ... Operator will continuously inspect all spaces to detect and prevent fire hazards, fire, flood ...

Member Services or Child watch supervisor Position Summary The Child Watch Attendant provides a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for children while parents or guardians participate in YMCA ...

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Fire Protection Engineer

Mobile, AL · On-site

$82K - $111K/yr

Fire Protection Engineer, PE Duties/Responsibilities: * Provides professional fire protection engineering during design and in support of Construction Phase Services. * Serves as the subject matter ...

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Fire Watch information

See Semmes, AL salary details

$26K

$63.8K

$97.4K

How much do fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire watch in Semmes, AL is $63,830.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,400.00 and $77,700.00 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.
What cities near Semmes, AL are hiring for Fire Watch jobs? Cities near Semmes, AL with the most Fire Watch job openings:
Infographic showing various Fire Watch job openings in Semmes, AL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,830 per year, or $30.7 per hour.

Ship System Operator/Watch Stander I

Austal USA LLC

Mobile, AL • On-site

$17.25 - $20.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago


Austal USA rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 38 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

286th of 487 rated machine equipment manufacturers


Job description

REPORTS TO: Vessel Watch Stander Supervisor

SUPERVISES: None

AUTHORITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES:

This is a position as a system operator/watch stander for Naval and Commercial Ships under construction at Austal USA. Under close supervision, the watch stander will learn the various systems until he/she demonstrates their ability to stand a watch alone on a vessel in an early stage of construction. Operator will continuously inspect all spaces to detect and prevent fire hazards, fire, flood, theft, sabotage or other irregularities affecting physical security of the ship.

Monitors multiple systems, remote alarms, indicators and local conditions for fire, flooding, and operating machinery and responds to alarms or contra indicators as appropriate.

  • Diagnose and take immediate interim steps to mitigate hazardous conditions in accordance with established procedures and guidelines.
  • Reads and interprets DC plates and schematics to assess local operating conditions of machinery based on operating parameters recorded during scheduled monitoring.
  • Adjusts equipment settings and controls according to specifications, and in a timely fashion to prevent or mitigate fire hazards, fire, flood, theft, sabotage or other irregularities affecting physical security of the ship
  • Shift operating equipment configuration, read and record ship draft, obtain and record liquid load, and follow AUSTAL directives and instructions. Must be able to start and stop ship service diesel generators, shift shipboard electrical power source between ship and shore and restore electrical power in the event of a loss.

QUALIFICATIONS / KNOWLEDGE / EXPERIENCE: 535

  • Minimum 4 years Navy/ Coast Guard / Merchant Mariner experience in Engineering Watch Standing experience
  • Familiarity with machinery such as pumps, generators and engines.
  • Familiarity with shipboard compartmentalization to include types of fire, smoke boundaries, watertight integrity, and flooding control.
    • Must understand shipboard construction drawing, schematics, and operating procedures.
    • Must demonstrate knowledge of basic shipboard damage control (DC) systems and their use for different types of fires.
  • Must be able to operate standard communication equipment.
  • Must be knowledgeable with Lock Out Tag out procedures.

TOOLS:

  • Must be able to operate basic hand tools. ( i.e. Pliers, wrenches, measuring devices).
  • Must be knowledgeable in machinery operations, such as pumps, generators and engines.
  • Must have basic computer skills.

DIRECTION EXERCISED: None

DISCRETION EXERCISED:

  • Will typically work closely with supervisors and other watches until performance tests are completed satisfactory.
  • Must be able to make decisions based on protection and safety of personnel, equipment and ship.
  • Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

LIAISES WITH: Test Team, LOTO, and Production

ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain required Security Clearance.
  • Must be available to work nights, weekends, and holidays.

Candidates must meet the following employment eligibility guidelines to be considered for employment with Austal USA:

  • Fully vaccinated for COVID19
  • 18 years of age or older at time of application.
  • Able to provide proof of US Person Status
  • No felony convictions of Theft/Deception or Violent crimes within seven years from disposition date
  • No felony convictions of Drug crimes within three years from disposition date
  • Willing to submit to a drug screen
  • Willing to submit to a background check

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Must be able to tour all vessels and work sites.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, use hands to manipulate, handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to sit.

Specific physical requirements include the following:

  • Must have the ability to bend, squat, stoop, crawl, and kneel.
  • Perform prolonged standing.
  • Ability to turn head from side to side and about the vertical axis.
  • Ability to turn body at the waist from side to side and about the vertical axis.
  • Lift/push/pull 50lbs to 75lbs on an occasional basis.
  • Lift/push/pull up to 20lbs on a frequent basis.
  • Must have the ability to climb in a safe manner (climbing as a minimum includes stairs, scaffolding, ladders, and ramps).
  • Ability to work at heights above 12' while working from ladders, scaffolding and/or man lifts.
  • Able to work at a variety of levels (ex. waist, eye, overhead).
  • Demonstrate the ability to safely and appropriately use required tools and equipment.
  • Demonstrate good balance while working on uneven surfaces and maneuvering obstacles.
  • Possess sufficient handgrip and coordination to carry and operate tools and equipment.
  • Ability to utilize personal protective equipment (hard hat, safety glasses, steel-toes shoes, goggles, respirator, safety harness, safety line, flotation gear, etc.) safely per OSHA standards.
  • Ability to withstand cold and hot temperatures.
  • Ability to enter 18" x 36" openings and work in confined spaces for prolonged periods of time.
  • Able to respond to verbal and audible sounds/commands.
  • Able to utilize adequate visual skills.
  • Ability to fully extend the arm while reaching overhead, reaching out, reaching to the side and reaching down.
  • Ability to perceive attributes of an object/material such as size, shape, temperature and texture by means of receptors in the hands and fingers.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters whole performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to humid conditions, bright flashing lights, moving mechanical parts, high precarious places, outside weather conditions, and extreme heat. The employee is occasionally exposed to fumes and/or airborne particles at or below the PEL, toxic or caustic chemicals, and heat and cold. The noise level in the work environment is usually very loud, + 90 dB.

SAFETY

Must comply with company, federal, state, and local safety and environmental rules and regulations while performing daily job tasks.

Equal Employment Commitment

Any qualified individual with a disability who is having difficulty in completing an application because of incompatible technology or other disability-related application issues may contact us at the following phone number for assistance: 251-445-1932.

Austal's commitment to equal employment opportunity applies at all levels of employment, in all job titles, including the executive level, and to all employment actions, including but not limited to decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, training, and promotion.


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