Position Summary
The Fire Watch Guard is responsible for ensuring a building’s or site’s fire protection when a fire
alarm or sprinkler system is temporarily out of service due to construction, maintenance, or system
failure. The role patrols assigned areas to detect fire, smoke, or hazardous conditions and initiates
immediate evacuation and emergency response if needed.
Core Responsibilities
1. Continuous Fire Patrol
- Conduct continuous, documented patrols of all occupied areas at intervals specified by the
Fire Marshal or client. - Actively look for signs of fire, smoke, unusual heat, open flames, or unsafe conditions.
- Maintain a written log documenting each patrol, time, location, and observations.
2. Emergency Response
- Upon discovery of fire or smoke, immediately:
- Activate the building’s manual fire alarm (if operational) or sound a loud verbal alarm.
- Call 911 and provide location and fire details.
- Initiate evacuation procedures and guide occupants to safety using designated exit
routes.
- Use portable fire extinguishers only for small, controllable fires.
3. Communication & Documentation
- Maintain radio or phone contact with the site supervisor and report any unsafe conditions
immediately. - Serve as a professional representative of K17 Security and maintain a sharp, professional
appearance in full uniform at all times. - Complete detailed reports at the end of each shift.
4. Compliance & Equipment
- Ensure all fire extinguishers, exit signs, and emergency lighting are accessible and functional.
- Wear high-visibility uniform or vest as required by OSHA and local fire codes.
- Never leave the post unattended; coordinate relief breaks with your supervisor.
- Conduct pre-shift inspections of all issued equipment and report any missing or broken
equipment. - Follow all K17 policies, including attendance standards. Read all Post assignment details at
the start of every shift and record all time worked accurately.
Essential Functions
- Vigilance: Ability to remain highly alert and attentive for subtle signs of fire or smoke in
repetitive patrol environments, and during long periods of observation. - Physical Fitness: Ability to stand, walk, and patrol for extended periods (8–12 hours), often
on stairs and uneven surfaces (construction sites). - Communication: Clear verbal English to issue evacuation commands and communicate with
First Responders. Ability to write reports. - Emergency Action and Decision Making: Ability to recognize fire conditions, raise the
alarm, and direct evacuations under stress and evolving situations.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent, preferably 1 year of steady work experience.
- Current Fire Watch or Fire Safety training certification.
- Alignment with K17s Mission, Vision, and Values.
- Demonstrated reliability and work ethic, with a track record of dependable attendance and
punctuality. - Clear, professional English communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Basic computer skills (email, timecards, post instructions, and incident report writing).
- Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and on‑call
coverage - Reliable transportation, a clean driving record, and a valid driver’s license (for roving posts or assignment-specific driving).
Physical Requirements
- Standing/Walking: Must be able to stand, walk, and patrol on foot for full shift (8–12 hours),
on various surfaces (concrete, stairs, uneven terrain) and often on construction sites. - Lifting/Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs. occasionally.
- Mobility: Must be able to climb stairs, run short distances for emergencies, crouch, kneel
stand, walk, and bend. - Sensory: Vision correctable to 20/20 with normal depth perception and night vision. Ability to
hear alarms and radio transmissions in noisy environments. - Environment: Work is done indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions (rain, snow, heat).
Disclaimer
This job description is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. K17 Security reserves the right to revise or change job duties as business needs require. This document does not create an employment contract and does not alter the at-will nature of employment. Employees must be able to perform the essential functions of this position, with or without reasonable accommodation.