Firefighter

Job Opportunities: Start Your Career as a Firefighter

Hiring Process

Step 1: Pass a Civil Service Examination
Apply to and pass a Civil Service Examination given by the State of Louisiana Office of State Examiner. You may take the test in-person or online. A study guide is provided on their website.

Step 2: Submit a OPFD Job Application
Download the job application for the Ouachita Parish Fire Department, and submit the completed form and required documentation to the Ouachita Parish Fire Department at 1000 New Natchitoches Rd., West Monroe, LA 71292 in person or by mail. You will be contacted by mail when we begin our hiring process. If your contact information changes, you are responsible for informing us.

Step 3: Pass a Candidate Physical Ability Test
Persons having passed the Civil Service Examination and with a complete valid application may be invited to take a candidate physical ability test (CPAT). The test is a series of physical maneuvers designed to ensure applicant possesses the strength and endurance necessary to perform his or her expected duties on the fire scene.

Step 4: Attend a Job Interview
Those applicants who successfully complete steps one through three may be invited to interview for the position of firefighter.

Step 5: Pass a Physical Examination
The overall results of steps one through four will be scrutinized by the department's hiring committee. Anyone offered a job would be required to pass a physical examination given by our physician to determine if the applicant has any medical condition that would prevent him or her from performing the job of a firefighter. The examination includes laboratory tests to detect the presence of drugs or alcohol in the applicant's system. Anyone deemed unfit medically, or those who test positive for drugs or alcohol, will not be hired.

Step 6: You're Hired! Off to the Fire Academy.
Once hired, you will be required to successfully complete the Ouachita Parish Fire Department's Recruit Fire Academy.

Requirements: Passing Civil Service Test Score, Valid Driver's License, U.S. Citizen with a Birth Certificate, High School/College/GED Diploma