RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

Requisition No: 858211 

Agency: Department of Corrections

Working Title: RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 70021707 

Salary:  $57,698.42 Annual Rate 

Posting Closing Date: 08/14/2025 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

We Never Walk Alone

ADVERTISING TITLE: Research and Training Specialist

*Anticipated Vacancy*

This internal advertisement is for a Career Service position located at Desoto Correctional Institution in the Bureau of Professional Development & Training.

As a Research and Training Specialist at Florida Corrections Academy Desoto, our mission is to coordinate, deliver, and evaluate training programs to prepare correctional officers for their roles. We instruct the FDLE Basic Recruit Training curriculum, including first aid, firearms, and defensive tactics, ensuring compliance with department standards and certifications. We mentor new officers, maintain training records, and communicate with institutional staff to monitor recruit progress. Additionally, we support statewide training initiatives, collaborate with internal and external training partners, and assist in preparing for audits and evaluations.

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

JOB DUTIES:

• Coordinate and Deliver Training Programs: Plan, manage, and deliver exciting training programs for staff across the state, ensuring everyone is well-prepared and knowledgeable.
• Manage Training Budgets: Use your independent judgment to handle the Criminal Justice Standards and Training Trust Fund Budget, making sure funds are used effectively.
• Develop and Implement Policies: Work with management to create and implement training policies and procedures that keep our training top-notch and up to date.
• Support New Officers: Guide new officers through their training and certification process, acting as a mentor and ensuring they receive the best support and training.
• Maintain Training Records and Compliance: Keep detailed training records, conduct research, and ensure all training activities comply with laws and policies, using tools like E-Train and ATMSII.

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:

• Must possess a General Instructor Certification.
• Must possess a valid Driver’s License.
• Must possess at least three (3) years of experience in the field of corrections.

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.