Shipyard Firewatch Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Role

JGM is looking for a dependable, alert Firewatch to support hot work operations on active structural steel erection sites across the country. Every day on an erection site involves welding, cutting, and grinding, and it's your job to make sure that work never turns into a fire. You'll stay close to the welders and burners, keep a charged extinguisher within reach, and never let your attention drift — this role only works if you take it seriously every single time.

What You'll Do

• Maintain continuous, uninterrupted observation of all hot work (welding, cutting, grinding, torch work) for the entire duration of the operation, per OSHA and JGM's fire prevention plan.
• Verify the work area is clear of combustible materials before hot work begins, and check adjacent and hidden areas — below, above, and on the other side of walls or decking — where sparks or slag could travel.
• Keep a charged, appropriate fire extinguisher within immediate reach at all times and know how to use it without hesitation.
• Immediately stop work and alert the crew the moment a fire hazard, spark migration, or ignition is spotted.
• Remain on watch at the work area for the required period after hot work concludes, checking for smoldering material or delayed ignition.
• Complete and sign hot work permits, JSAs, and fire watch logs accurately for every operation you cover.
• Communicate clearly and constantly with welders, burners, and ironworkers throughout the shift — you're part of their crew, not a bystander.
• Monitor more than one hot work operation at a time when assigned to cover multiple simultaneous work areas, without losing focus on any of them.
• Report unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents to the site safety coordinator or superintendent immediately.
• Support general site housekeeping — clearing debris and staging non-combustible barriers — to reduce fire hazards before they start.
• Travel continuously between active job sites nationwide as project schedules require, often on short notice and for extended durations.

What You Bring

• 0–2 years of experience: entry-level welcome. You'll need to show up alert, follow instructions closely, and stay focused for extended periods without distraction — JGM will provide site-specific fire watch and hot work training.
• 2+ years of experience: prior fire watch or hot work support experience on an industrial or construction site preferred, including familiarity with hot work permits, JSAs, and fire prevention plans.
• Basic understanding of fire extinguisher types, use, and fire behavior; willingness to learn site-specific requirements quickly.
• OSHA 10 preferred (OSHA 30 a plus for more experienced candidates); JGM will support certification for the right candidate without one.
• Comfortable standing, observing, and remaining vigilant for extended periods in an active industrial environment.
• Willing and able to travel 100% of the time, including extended overnight and multi-week assignments away from home, with a valid driver's license.
• Able to pass a background check and drug screen; JGM is a drug-free workplace.
• Dependable and safety-minded above all else — this role exists because the crew is trusting you to watch their backs.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Regularly works in both indoor and outdoor environments — active construction/erection sites, structural steel decking, and covered/indoor work areas — in varying weather and temperatures, at a different site or region as assignments rotate.
• Ability to stand, walk, and remain attentive for extended periods, including 10–12 hour shifts.
• Ability to climb, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, and move over uneven, cluttered ground and structural steel to reach hot work locations, including elevated areas and work at heights.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs., including fire extinguishers and fire watch equipment.
• Required to wear all applicable PPE (safety-toed footwear, gloves, safety glasses, hearing protection, hard hat, high-visibility vest, fire-resistant clothing where required, etc.).
• Regular exposure to welding fumes, smoke, sparks, heat, and noise typical of an active hot work environment.

Why JGM

JGM is an AISC-certified structural steel fabricator and industrial construction company with deep Pennsylvania roots and a national field footprint. Fire watch is one of the most trusted roles on an erection site — the crew is counting on you, and JGM backs that trust with real training, real support, and a path to grow into other field roles.

• Training and support toward OSHA and site safety certifications