Oil Refinery Fire Watch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description

Ancon is seeking Seasonal Fire Watch Technicians! This is a seasonal role, currently expected to last six (6) months. Availability will be expected for the duration of the job; the project will be primarily based out of Vacaville, CA. Successful completion of this assignment may lead to consideration for permanent employment opportunities.

Who is the "Ancon Family"?

The "Ancon Family" is a team of highly competent and dedicated individuals who enjoy working together to "Get the Job Done!" Ancon is a third-generation, family-owned and operated business. We pride ourselves on creating an environment where all employees are encouraged and supported to develop their skills and abilities into a long-term career with Ancon. More than one in every four employees has been with Ancon over 5 years, and one in 10 over 10 years!

What is a Fire Watch Technician?

The Fire Watch Tech is a dedicated safety role responsible for continuously monitoring welding, cutting, grinding, and other spark- or heat-producing activities to prevent, detect, and control fires. This is a full-attention position: while on fire watch duty, the employee performs no other tasks and remains focused solely on surveying the work area and surrounding spaces for signs of ignition. The role is critical to protecting personnel, property, and equipment, and to maintaining compliance with OSHA and site safety requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Hot Work Monitoring

• Continuously monitor welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, and other spark- or flame-producing operations, watching for sparks, slag, embers, and smoldering materials.
• Watch for stray fire hazards in the work area and in adjacent, below, and above spaces where heat or sparks could travel.
• Maintain fire watch coverage throughout the entire duration of hot work and for a minimum of 30 minutes (or the site-required interval) after work is completed.
• Halt hot work if unsafe conditions develop, and confirm conditions are safe before work resumes.

Fire Prevention & Response

• Ensure fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment are present, charged, accessible, and in working order before hot work begins.
• Extinguish small, incipient-stage fires using available extinguishing equipment within the limits of training.
• Sound the alarm, notify emergency personnel, and assist with evacuation in the event of a fire that exceeds incipient stage.
• Verify that flammable and combustible materials are removed or protected within the required radius (typically 35 feet) of hot work.

Inspections & Documentation

• Conduct pre-work area inspections and verify hot work permits are in place and conditions match the permit.
• Maintain accurate fire watch logs, including observations, rounds, actions taken, and equipment checks.
• Report hazards, near-misses, and equipment deficiencies to the Safety Representative or Supervisor.

Communication & Compliance

• Maintain clear, constant communication with welders, cutters, and crew members throughout operations.
• Follow all Ancon safety policies, site rules, and applicable OSHA standards.
• Wear required PPE at all times and never abandon a post while hot work is active; if the post must be left, stop the job or ensure a qualified replacement is assigned.

Requirements

• Ability to remain alert, attentive, and focused for extended periods.
• Strong commitment to safety and willingness to follow protocols exactly.
• Clear verbal communication and ability to stay calm in emergencies.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality; comfortable working full shifts.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Valid, reliable transportation to assigned job sites.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior fire watch, hot work attendant, or industrial safety experience.

OSHA 10 or OSHA 30 certification.

Basic First Aid / CPR certification.

Experience in refinery, industrial services, construction, or utility environments.

Familiarity with hot work permit systems and confined space awareness.