RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

Requisition No: 879477 

Agency: Department of Corrections

Working Title: RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 70019931 

Salary:  $61,100.00 (Annually) 

Posting Closing Date: 07/29/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS

We Never Walk Alone

ADVERTISING TITLE: RESEARCH AND TRAINING SPECIALIST

This open competitive advertisement is for a Career Service position located at Florida Corrections Academy in Baker Correctional Institution in the Office of Professional Development and Training department.

The purpose of this position is to coordinate, instruct, and evaluate the Correctional Officer basic recruit training program for the Florida Department of Corrections while managing statewide training records, regional instructor certifications, and compliance with department policies

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 instruct Correctional Officer basic recruit training, including general topics, first-aid, firearms, and defensive tactics.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of training practices and lesson plans, demonstrating proficiency and professionalism during training.
• Develop and manage training files, maintain instructor certifications, and ensure accurate data entry in training databases.
• Act as a mentor and leader to new officers, providing support and effective communication with institutional staff regarding recruit status.
• Assist in equipment and facility accountability, conduct training needs assessments, and prepare documents for budget requests and reports.
• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and training regionally and statewide, including in-service and specialized courses.
• Support institutions in ACA audits and management reviews, and participate in committees, task forces, and special projects.
• Ensure all training activities comply with relevant laws, rules, policies, and guidance, and stay informed on departmental changes through meetings and seminars.

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 valid driver’s license.
• Must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must possess one year experience as a Certified Correctional, Probation or Law Enforcement Officer.
• Must possess a CJSTC General Instructor Certification, CJSTC First Responder Instructor, CJSTC Defensive Tactics Instructor, and CJSTC Firearms Instructor certification or willing/ able to obtain these certifications within one year of hire.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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.

The Florida Department of Corrections does not currently support H-1B Visa Sponsorship. 

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.

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.