RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

Requisition No: 861448 

Agency: Department of Corrections

Working Title: RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 70010992 

Salary: $61,100.00 Annually 

Posting Closing Date: 10/07/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator

We Never Walk Alone

WORKING TITLE: RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

***INTERNAL ADVERTISEMENT***

This internal advertisement is for a Career Service position located at FCA-Wakulla Training Academy in the Staff Development Section.

The mission of the Staff Development Section at the Wakulla Training Academy at the Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) is to provide comprehensive and high-quality training programs that enhance the knowledge, skills, and professionalism of correctional staff. The Staff Development Section aims to prepare staff to meet the challenges of their roles, promote a culture of continuous learning, and support the overall mission of the FDC to ensure a safer Florida for its citizens.

This position is not a telework position and is required to report to the FDC office in the area it serves.

JOB DUTIES:

• Coordinate Staff Development: Oversee all staff development and training activities within the service center, ensuring effective implementation and evaluation of statewide training programs.
• Manage Training Budget: Exercise independent judgment in managing the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund Budget, assisting in formulating training policies and procedures.
• Deliver and Evaluate Training: Plan, manage, and deliver officer training programs, including basic recruit, in-service, specialized, and advanced courses, while maintaining compliance with laws and policies.
• Support New Officers: Manage the in-processing, training, and certification of newly hired officers, acting as a mentor and coordinating with personnel and external training academies.
• Maintain Records and Compliance: Utilize E-Train and ATMSII to update and schedule training, maintain employee training records, conduct training needs assessments, and ensure equipment and facility accountability through inventories and audits.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of Defensive Tactics and/or Firearms
• Knowledge of principles and techniques of effective communication
• Knowledge of Automated Training Management Systems (ATMS)
• Knowledge of the principles, methods, and techniques of training or
• instruction
• Ability to plan, coordinate, conduct, and monitor training programs
• and activities
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
• others
• Experience in the field of correctional enforcement

BENEFITS:

• Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Comprehensive health insurance and life insurance with accidental death and dismemberment benefits.
• Supplemental Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and Hospitalization insurance.
• Tuition-Free college courses.
• Retirement Plans with the Florida Retirement System:

• • Pension Plan (Traditional Retirement Pension Plan)
  • Investment Plan (401(K)-Type Retirement Plan)
  • Deferred Retirement Option Program (Drop)
  • Deferred Compensation
  • Recently Retired? Beginning July 1, 2024, there is no longer a reemployment limitation; beginning with the 7th calendar month from the member's distribution date, there are no restrictions on working for an FRS employer. You will not be required to repay any prior distributions, and you may continue receiving distributions from the Investment Plan or Pension Plan without interruption.

REQUIREMENTS:

Please note, when submitting a college/university degree, if selected for this position official transcripts will be required.

• Must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent.
• Must possess a valid drivers license.
• Must possess a General Instructor Certification.
• Must have at least three years of experience in the field of corrections.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preference will be given to applicants possessing certification in the following areas: Defensive Tactics, Firearms, First Aid/CPR.

• CJSTC Defensive Tactics Instructor certification
• CJSTC Firearm Instruction Instructor certification
• CJSTC Medical First Responder Instructor certification

Support of knowledge, skills, and abilities should be demonstrated on the application, in the education, in the work experience, in the work sample, in the interview and/or during reference checks.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT

The Florida Department of Corrections requires all job applicants and volunteers to pass a Level 2 background check as per Chapter 435, Florida Statutes. This check must be completed before they can start working or volunteering.

EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

The Florida Department of Corrections (FDC) only hires U.S. citizens and those authorized to work in the U.S. FDC uses E-Verify to confirm an employee’s eligibility to work after completing the I-9 form.

For online application issues, call the People First Service Center at 1-877-562-7287. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.

The State of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer, and does not tolerate discrimination or violence in the workplace.

Candidates requiring a reasonable accommodation, as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act, must notify the agency hiring authority and/or People First Service Center (1-866-663-4735). Notification to the hiring authority must be made in advance to allow sufficient time to provide the accommodation.

The State of Florida supports a Drug-Free workplace. All employees are subject to reasonable suspicion drug testing in accordance with Section 112.0455, F.S., Drug-Free Workplace Act.

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE. Pursuant to Chapter 295, Florida Statutes, candidates eligible for Veterans’ Preference will receive preference in employment for Career Service vacancies and are encouraged to apply. Certain service members may be eligible to receive waivers for postsecondary educational requirements. Candidates claiming Veterans’ Preference must attach supporting documentation with each submission that includes character of service (for example, DD Form 214 Member Copy #4) along with any other documentation as required by Rule 55A-7, Florida Administrative Code. Veterans’ Preference documentation requirements are available by clicking here . All documentation is due by the close of the vacancy announcement.