Ascension Parish (LA) Fire District 3

Seeks Innovative, Forward-Thinking Fire Chief

Lead Where Community Comes First

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

The Agency

Ascension Parish Fire District 3 (also known as The Prairieville Fire Department) is rated by the Property Insurance Association of Louisiana as a Class 2 fire protection rating. The agency is located in Ascension Parish, Louisiana, and serves an area of 35 square miles with approximately 40,000 residents. The department currently employs 63 full-time firefighters across 5 fully staffed stations.

About Prairieville

Prairieville offers the best of Louisiana living—small-town values paired with modern convenience. Residents enjoy:

Highly regarded public schools and family-friendly neighborhoods
A strong sense of community involvement and civic pride
Easy access to New Orleans and Baton Rouge while maintaining a suburban, hometown feel
Abundant local dining, recreation, and outdoor opportunities

This is a community that values its first responders and takes pride in those who serve.

Why Ascension Parish Fire District 3?

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.

The Ideal Fire Chief Will Bring

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

State of Louisiana Qualifications

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.

Must Meet One of the Following Three State of Louisiana Qualifications

1. Must have a bachelor's degree in fire science, fire administration, business administration, public administration, or related curriculum, and at least (5) years of progressive, responsible experience in full-time fire service positions, and at least two (2) years of which must have been positions that include administrative or supervisory responsibilities. Fire service experience must include full-time experience with a paid fire department in fire suppression and rescue, and may include work in positions that would provide a background in fire prevention, investigation, fire training, or related areas of fire department operations and management.

2. Must have an associate degree in fire science, fire administration, or a bachelor’s degree in an unrelated curriculum and at least seven (7) years of progressive, responsible experience in full-time fire service positions, at least two (2) years of which must have been in positions that include administrative or supervisory responsibilities. Fire service experience must include full-time experience with a paid fire department in fire suppression and rescue, and may include work in positions that would provide a background in fire prevention, investigation, fire training, or related areas of fire department operations and management.

3. Applicant must possess one of the following: high school diploma, high school equivalency certificate, high school transcript, affidavit from the issuing high school, associate’s or bachelor’s degree, or college transcript, any one of which must indicate that graduation has occurred or a degree awarded. A certification of completion will not be sufficient to substitute for a diploma or equivalency certificate, and at least nine (9) years of progressive, responsible experience in full-time fire service positions, at least two (2) years of which must have been in positions that include administrative or supervisory responsibilities. Fire service experience must include full-time experience with a paid fire department in fire suppression and rescue, and may include work in positions that would provide a background in fire prevention, investigation, fire training, or related areas of fire department operations and management.

Compensation

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:

Paramedic $ 6,000

Advanced EMT $ 2,400

Bachelor's Degree $ 4,800

Associate's Degree $ 2,400

Benefits

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

Applicant Process

1. Applicants must submit an online Ure Consulting Group application (in addition to the State of Louisiana (PDF) testing application within 72 hours of State of Louisiana application submission, or sooner if possible.

https://ureconsultinggroup.applicantpro.com/jobs/

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 19^th

· Position Closes: Wednesday, February 18^th

· Civil Service Certification of Qualified Applicants Monday, February 23^rd

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

· Review of Ure Consulting Group Applications: As received.

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

are certified by the Board.)

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

· Teleconference Calls: Week of March 30^th

· Final Ranking to Parish: April 3^rd

· FD and Community Meet and Greets April 7^th

· Finalists On-Site Board Interviews: April 8^th

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 (jallmand@prairievillefire.com), 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.

Please note that applicants must upload a cover letter, resume, and relevant credentials as part of the application process. Only completed applications submitted through the above links will be considered.

Application Deadline: February 18, 2026

Ure Consulting Group

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