Fire Chief

 

Ascension Parish Fire District 3 in Prairieville, Louisiana, is a family-oriented community known for strong neighborhoods, excellent schools, and a proud public safety tradition. The District seeks a dynamic, forward-thinking Fire Chief to lead the department and continue strengthening a culture of service, professionalism, and community trust. The Fire Chief serves as the senior leader of the District, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and community leadership. The ideal candidate is a visible, approachable leader who values collaboration, innovation, firefighter safety, and high service standards.

 

 

Ascension Parish Fire District 3 (Prairieville Fire Department) holds a Class 2 fire protection rating from the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana. The District serves approximately 40,000 residents across 35 square miles and operates five fully staffed stations with 63 full-time firefighters.

 

Prairieville offers small-town values with modern convenience. Residents enjoy strong schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, civic pride, easy access to Baton Rouge and New Orleans, and a wide range of dining, recreation, and outdoor opportunities. The community values its first responders and takes pride in public service.

 

 

This position offers the opportunity to lead in a community that genuinely supports its fire department. Prairieville is a place where leadership really matters, relationships are valued, and the Fire Chief plays a vital role in shaping the future of public safety.

Ascension Parish Fire District 3 remains on the leading edge of innovation with the creation of the Ascension Parish High School Firefighter Program that started in the 2024 school year. This innovative program, one of only four in the state, is available to all Ascension Parish public high school seniors. High school seniors in this program will achieve four nationally accredited certifications in Firefighting and Hazardous Materials mitigation.  The incoming Fire Chief is expected to not only support current innovative programs but also lead the entire fire department team in the development of other innovative initiatives.

If you are a proven fire service leader ready to make a meaningful impact in a growing Louisiana community, Prairieville invites you to apply.

 

 

• Progressive leadership experience in a fire service organization

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

• A commitment to firefighter safety, training, and operational excellence

• Experience with budgeting, personnel management, and policy development

• A passion for community engagement and public service

 

1. The filing application for admission to the State of Louisiana examination must meet the qualifications. You must take the civil service exam for the position of Fire Chief. Information on how to apply for the civil service exam can be found on the Louisiana Office of State Examiners’ website:

https://ose.louisiana.gov/jurisdictions/Ascension-fpd-3/

2. Must meet all requirements of the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Law, including being a citizen of the United States and of legal age (no less than 18 years of age).

3. Must maintain current Louisiana State Certification and remain nationally recognized Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic or higher while working in the class of Fire Chief.

4. After offer of employment, but before beginning work as the Fire Chief, must pass a physical examination, the selection and admission of which shall be authorized by the appointing authority, designed to demonstrate good health and physical fitness sufficient to perform the essential duties of the position, with or without accommodation.

5. Must possess a current, valid driver’s license.

 

 

*Note:  For this exam only, Ascension Parish is waiving: Must have current Louisiana State Certification and be Nationally Registered as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Basic or higher prior to application.

 

** Please see attachment

 

The salary is from $100,000 to $130,000 (civil service). The State of Louisiana supplemental pay of $600 monthly ($7,200 annually) is available after one year, provided the Louisiana State guidelines are met.  Additional yearly salary incentives are available:

 

 

 

Ascension Parish Fire District 3 offers comprehensive benefits, including health, dental, and vision insurance with 100% paid by the department for the employee, plus retirement through Louisiana's State Firefighter Retirement System, and annual sick leave. 

 

Annual vacation is calculated at:

 

  Length of Service Annual Days Earned

 

                              0 – 5 years                        20 days

                              5 – 10 years                      25 days

                              10+ years                         30 days

 

Link to Ascension Parish Civil Service Rules and Benefits document: Click Here

 

2. Applicants must take the State civil service exam for the position of Fire Chief. Information on how to apply for the civil service exam can be found on the Louisiana Office of State Examiners’ website:

https://ose.louisiana.gov/jurisdictions/ascension-fpd-3/

Process Timeline (Dates are projections and subject to change)

• Position Advertisement Begins: Monday, January 19th 

• Position Closes: Wednesday, February 18th 

• Civil Service Certification of Qualified Applicants Monday, February 23rd 

• State Test Date (Administered in Prairieville):                TBD (Possibly 1st Week March)

• Review of Ure Consulting Group Applications: As received.

• Mgt./Leadership Questionnaire Deadline: March 13th (After State scores 

are certified by the Board.)

• Top Candidates Identified/Semi-Finalists Week of March 16th  

• Teleconference Calls: Week of March 30th 

• Final Ranking to Parish: April 3rd 

• FD and Community Meet and Greets April 7th  

• Finalists On-Site Board Interviews: April 8th  

 

Please print and complete the competitive application located under the Louisiana Testing and Employment tab. Completed applications and the required attachments must be received or postmarked by the Board Secretary, Julie Phillips ([email protected]), or mailed to 14517 Highway 73, Prairieville, LA 70769. Candidates will be notified of the exact date, time, and place of the examination at least ten (10) days before the examination date.