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 40000 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
- 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:
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).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.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.Must possess a current valid drivers 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
- Must have a bachelors 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.
- Must have an associate degree in fire science fire administration or a bachelors 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.
- Applicant must possess one of the following: high school diploma high school equivalency certificate high school transcript affidavit from the issuing high school associates or bachelors 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 $100000 to $ service). The State of Louisiana supplemental pay of $600 monthly ($7200 annually) is available after one year provided the Louisiana State guidelines are met. Additional yearly salary incentives are available:
Paramedic $ 6000
Advanced EMT $ 2400
Bachelors Degree $ 4800
Associates Degree $ 2400
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 Louisianas 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
- 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.
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: Timeline (Dates are projections and subject to change)
- PositionAdvertisementBegins: Monday January 19th
- PositionCloses: Wednesday February 18th
- Civil Service Certification of Qualified Applicants Monday February 23rd
- State Test Date (Administered in Prairieville): TBD (Possibly 1st Week March)
- Reviewof Ure Consulting Group Applications: As
- /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
- FinalRankingtoParish: 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 () 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
A Background Investigation Required for Lone Finalist.
Required Experience:
Chief
Ascension Parish (LA) Fire District 3Seeks Innovative Forward-Thinking Fire Chief Lead Where Community Comes FirstAscension 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 (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 40000 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
- 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:
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).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.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.Must possess a current valid drivers 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
- Must have a bachelors 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.
- Must have an associate degree in fire science fire administration or a bachelors 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.
- Applicant must possess one of the following: high school diploma high school equivalency certificate high school transcript affidavit from the issuing high school associates or bachelors 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 $100000 to $ service). The State of Louisiana supplemental pay of $600 monthly ($7200 annually) is available after one year provided the Louisiana State guidelines are met. Additional yearly salary incentives are available:
Paramedic $ 6000
Advanced EMT $ 2400
Bachelors Degree $ 4800
Associates Degree $ 2400
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 Louisianas 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
- 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.
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: Timeline (Dates are projections and subject to change)
- PositionAdvertisementBegins: Monday January 19th
- PositionCloses: Wednesday February 18th
- Civil Service Certification of Qualified Applicants Monday February 23rd
- State Test Date (Administered in Prairieville): TBD (Possibly 1st Week March)
- Reviewof Ure Consulting Group Applications: As
- /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
- FinalRankingtoParish: 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 () 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
A Background Investigation Required for Lone Finalist.
Required Experience:
Chief
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Yearly Salary:
USD 100000 - 130000
Posted on:
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Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
