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Fire Watch Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

Red Cedar Consultancy

Junior Watch Officer

Alexandria, VA · On-site

$70 - $110/hr

A Junior Watch Officer shall have 3 years of experience in operation centers, emergency management, dispatch, first responder (law enforcement/fire/rescue) or related work * Minimum requirement of a ...

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All JobsFire Watch JobsFire Watch Jobs in Washington, DC

Fire Watch information

See Washington, DC salary details

$35.1K

$86.1K

$131.4K

How much do fire watch jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 2026, the average yearly pay for fire watch in Washington, DC is $86,104.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,900.00 and $104,700.00 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 Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Fire Watch jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Fire Watch jobs in Washington, DC?

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

What job categories do people searching Fire Watch jobs in Washington, DC look for?

The top searched job categories for Fire Watch jobs in Washington, DC are:

Fire Watch jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fire Watch job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 43% Full Time, 30% Part Time, and 27% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $86,104 per year, or $41.4 per hour.

Intermediate Watch Analyst (Senior Watch Officer)

SGI Global

Alexandria, VA

$90K - $116K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

SGI is seeking an Intermediate Watch Analyst to support the Department of Homeland Security, Federal Protective Service (FPS), under the FPS Incident Management Center (IMC) support contract. This position supports FPS watch operations by managing watch activities, maintaining situational awareness of operational events and incidents, and ensuring accurate and timely reporting to FPS leadership and stakeholders.

*Contingent on contract award*

Responsibilities
  • Manage watch functions, processes, and information flow
  • Ensure the quality of deliverables and performance of contract watch standers
  • Maintain situational awareness of DHS-related events, incidents, and threats
  • Prioritize tasks and coordinate information gathering and reporting
  • Review and approve reporting products prior to distribution
  • Brief senior leadership as required
  • Maintain and manage Requests for Information (RFI) databases
  • Assign and track RFIs to closure
  • Maintain the Common Operating Picture (COP)
  • Produce and brief the Daily Operations Summary Report (DOSR)
  • Maintain distribution lists and watch rosters
  • Produce limited GIS imagery
  • Access and utilize DHS and FPS law enforcement data systems and networks
Qualifications
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Active Secret security clearance
  • Minimum of a BA/BS degree
  • 5 years of experience in operations centers, emergency management, dispatch, first responder (law enforcement, fire, or rescue), or related work

SGI Global provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

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