Firewatch Coordinator (Job ID: 1576)

Colonna's Shipyard; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Colonna’s Shipyard in Norfolk, VA is hiring a Firewatch Coordinator to oversee fire watch activities during hot work, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and preventing incidents across welding, cutting, grinding, brazing and burning.

You will supervise firewatchers, verify permits, maintain housekeeping, and coordinate with production, safety and operations. The role requires extended hours and local travel.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of Firewatch Coordinator experience.
• Ability to stand for long hours.
• Plan, organize and prioritize effectively.
• Knowledge of shipboard compartments layout and adjacent areas.
• Ability to review safety/technical docs for accuracy and compliance.
• Strong written and verbal communications with supervisors and teams.
• U.S. Citizen.

Responsibilities

• Supervise Firewatchers and ensure compliance with safety standards during hot work.
• Maintain housekeeping and ensure hot work areas are clean and permitted.
• Inspect hot work permits for accuracy and ensure entry requirements are met.
• Maintain communication with workers in confined spaces.
• Monitor fire hazards and ensure proper PPE and extinguishers.
• Coordinate daily production with trade mechanics and safety staff.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Skills

Stand long hours

Planning / organizing

Prioritization

Written and verbal communication

Safety-critical judgment

Basic computer/documentation skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Position:Firewatch Coordinator (Job ID: 1576)

Location: Norfolk, VA

Job Id:1576

# of Openings:1

Firewatch Coordinator

The Firewatch Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and managing all fire watch activities throughout the shipyard to ensure compliance with safety regulations and prevent fire-related incidents during hot work operations, including welding, cutting, grinding, brazing, and burning. This role coordinates fire watch personnel, verifies safety requirements are met before, during, and after hot work activities, and serves as a key point of contact between production, safety, and operations teams.

The position is located onsite in Norfolk, VA and will often require hours beyond a standard work week with flexible schedule availability to support production/operations.Position will require frequent local travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

Key responsibilities include:

• Supervise Firewatchers as they perform their duties in accordance with Navsea Standard Items 009-007, Occupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR 1915, NFPA Standard 312, NFPA Standard 51 B.
• Establish and maintain good housekeeping in workspaces while not engaged in active hot work.
• Ensure designated hot work area is clean and free of combustible materials before hot work commences / inspect Hot Work permits to ensure their completion and accuracy before allowing entry/ Ensure that Hot Work Ticket system/process is fully operational.
• Always maintain communication with assigned employees while they are in the confined spaces.
• Monitor the combustible source of the hot work to ensure it is not in danger of causing fire.
• Maintain spark containment if required.
• Monitor the surrounding area to ensure there are no hazardous conditions that could harm the workers performing the hot work.
• Confirm all firewatchers have proper certifications and applicable PPE, and are assigned fully operational fire extinguishers.
• Coordinate daily production efforts with trade mechanics and safety personnel.
• Additional duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED and at least 2 years of experience as a Firewatch Coordinator.
• Must be able to stand for long hours.
• Possess the ability to plan, organize and prioritize well.
• Knowledge of shipboard compartment layout to include understanding of adjacent compartments
• Ability to review technical and safety documentation for accuracy, completeness, and compliance.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple authorizations and priorities simultaneously.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for coordination with supervisors, ship representatives, and work teams.
• Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment in a safety-critical environment.
• Proficiency with basic computer systems and documentation tracking tools.
• Must be an U.S. Citizen

PREFERRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous technical training highly preferred.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must be able to lift, carry and transport heavy equipment and boxes. The exact weight requirements will be determined by the specific job, but no less than 20 lbs.
• Must be physically agile to perform tasks in naval ships. Able to work on and climb ladders, work in extreme temperature environments, aboard ships, in shipyards, under industrial conditions and in confined spaces, including enter and moving through manholes.
• May ride ships at sea for extended periods
• Able to perform other duties as required which may involve high heat, humidity, noise and dirty conditions, working aloft or over the sides of vessels.
• Frequent exposure to noise due to machinery and equipment.
• Employee is required to operate trucks, forklifts & man-lifts.
• While performing the duties of this job, you may frequently be required to stand, walk & sit; use hands or fingers; handle or feel; talk and hear. Occasionally required to reach with hands and arms, climb and balance, stoop, squat, kneel, twist and crawl.
• Work in extreme temperatures and conditions. At times you will work in areas that have less adequate ventilation
• Frequent use of respirator.
• Protective clothing or equipment and face shields or goggles shall be worn when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.

Respect, Pride, Truth, Family – These are our VALUES and the guidelines that make us a leader in our industry. We are pleased and confident in stating that our skilled employees are among the most respected experts in the ship repair industry.

Colonna’s Shipyard, Inc. is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.

Pay Range: 25.79-34.89

Determination of base salary considers various factors, including but not limited to scope of responsibility, candidate’s relative and specific experience, education level, key skills, as well as other business considerations. The company also provides a variety of benefits to support employees’ best health and wellness. Additionally, the company offers a 401k retirement program with match, paid holidays, and competitive paid time off (PTO).