Job Description

Firewatch

Job Description

Position: Fire Watch

Job Type: Full-time

Reports to: Firewatch contract supervisor 

Location: Kittery, Maine ( Portsmouth Naval Ship Yard Maine) 

Mills Marine 

A growing ship repair company focused on repairing and building ships to support the Military’s Mission. We are committed to providing Safe, Quality and Process Driven services for our customers in the ship new construction and repair.

Position Summary

The Fire Watch is a critical safety role. Fire Watch personnel are responsible for maintaining a safe work environment during hot work operations by identifying fire hazards, preventing ignition of combustible materials, and responding quickly to fire emergencies. This position plays a significant role in protecting personnel, equipment, and facilities while ensuring compliance with shipyard safety standards.

What will you Do?

Prepare work sites for work: identify work location, string welding leads/hose, stage fire extinguishers, tie/tape-up fire retarding blankets, remove burnable debris left by another trade, and identify equipment/services that shall be moved to avoid damage, locate ventilation lines and install metal preheating devices.

 Fire watch: receive brief from Hot Work Operator, observe hot work operations, be prepared to prevent a fire from occurring and/or sound a general alarm if danger presents.

 Once welding is complete, the worker will monitor components to ensure there is no flare up, then may be tasked to de-stage the area, restoring it to the way it was prior to hot work and clean up the area prior to turning space over to waiting trades.

Individual fire watch shall stay alert, and not engage in any other activity or work during the hot work operation.

Prior to starting hot work, the fire watch shall identify closest CASCON fire alarm pull station. Shall stop work and attempt to extinguish any fire that develops from hot work. If fire cannot be extinguished, the Firewatch will shout for help and activate alarm.

Laboring: The contractor’s workers may be required to perform nonskilled tasks (e.g., act as helping hands, perform tasks which do not require special trade training) to support accomplishment of work performed by other trades to ensure hot work operations execute on schedule.

Monitor hot work areas for fire hazards and unsafe conditions.

Prevent ignition of flammable and combustible materials.

Maintain accountability for assigned fire extinguishers and fire watch locations.

Inspect and verify fire extinguishers daily.

Respond immediately to fire incidents by using appropriate fire suppression equipment or activating the fire alarm.

Perform fire prevention duties throughout hot work operations.

Work safely in confined spaces when required.

Follow all safety procedures, company policies, and supervisor instructions.

Complete additional duties as assigned by the Foreman or Fire Watch Coordinator.

Qualifications

Ability to read and write effectively.

2 years general experience in heavy industrial work 

3 Months Experience fire watch for hot work operations in a heavy industrial work environment 

Ability to have or maintain a security clearance for work in controlled areas of a federally controlled environment 

Ability to work and make it to work in a consistent manor 

High school diploma or equivalent preferred 

Minimum of 6 months of Fire Watch, general labor, or related shipyard experience, preferably in a shipboard environment preferred 

Fire Watch Certification, or the ability to obtain certification 

Ability to wear required Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).

Strong attention to detail and commitment to workplace safety.

Physical Requirements

Ability to stand and walk for extended periods.

Lift and carry up to 60 pounds.

Ability to work in confined spaces.

Continuous visual awareness and mental focus.

Ability to work 8–12-hour shifts.

Availability to work 5–7 days per week, including overtime as needed.

Employment Requirements

Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening.

Required physical examination and respirator fit testing.

Subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

Background check, including verification of the past seven years of employment history.

Security Clearance: Not Required

Benefits

At Mills Marine, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset. We offer a competitive compensation package based on experience, along with industry-leading benefits that support you and your family.

Benefits Include

Competitive pay based on experience

Paid vacation accrual

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Company-paid life and accidental death insurance

Optional life and disability insurance

Legal Resource Benefit

401(k) Retirement Plan with Company Match

Full-time, long-term employment opportunities

Equal Opportunity Employer

Mills Marine is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering a workplace free from discrimination and harassment. Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs.

Proud V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) Certified Employer is proud to be a Virginia Values Veterans (V3) Certified Employer committed to hiring talented individuals who value safety, teamwork, and excellence. If you're dependable, safety-focused, and ready to work in a fast-paced shipyard environment, we encourage you to apply.