State of Florida - Department of Education

Requisition No: 858302

Agency: Department of Education

Working Title: GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS CONSULTANT III - 48002595

Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 48002595

Salary: $50,584.67 - $60,000/annually

Posting Closing Date: 08/24/2025

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Florida Department of Education

Division of Early Learning

Location: Tallahassee Turlington Building

Position Title: Government Operations Consultant III (CS)

Salary Range: $50,584.67 - $60,000/annually

CANDIDATES ARE TYPICALLY HIRED AT THE MINIMUM SALARY

APPLICATION INFORMATION & HIRING REQUIREMENTS

Application Information:

• Your Candidate Profile (application) must be complete in its entirety.
• Work History (in easy to review chronological order) Consists of:
  • Any position held by a State of Florida Agency
  • Any position held by a Florida University
  • All periods of employment from high school graduation
  • All periods of current or prior unemployment
  • Gaps 3 months or more must be accounted for*
  • Any Education
  • Any Volunteer Experience
  • Your resume and application must match
• Gaps 3 months or more must be addressed – you will need to account for and explain any gaps in employment including unemployment. You can either list these in your application under Period of Employment or attach a word document listing your gaps.
• It is unacceptable to use the statement “See Resume” in place of entering work history. Your candidate profile will be converted to your official application.
• Include supervisor names and phone numbers for reference checks or the contact information for your Human Resources office to verify current or former employment.
• Experience, education, training, knowledge, skills and/or abilities as well as responses to pre-qualifying questions must be verifiable to meet the minimum qualifications.

Hiring Information and Requirements:

• The Bureau of Personnel Management reviews every application for prior State of Florida and Florida University work history in the People First system.
• If claiming Veteran’s Preference, the candidate MUST attach supporting documentation such as the DD214 and your VA Letter that reflects level of disability if applicable. Applicable to career service positions only.
• If claiming Right to First Interview, the candidate MUST attach a copy of your official layoff letter when applying. This only applies to employees laid off from Career Service positions. Applicable to career service positions only.

If you are missing any of the items above, your packet may be held up at the final review step.

NOTE: Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported by the state application and any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation in the answering of the qualifying questions will be cause for immediate elimination from the selection process.

OFFICE CONTACT:

Lourine Phillips: 850-717-8553

JOB DESCRIPTION:

This is a highly responsible, professional position in the Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) program that requires a substantial degree of independent activity to coordinate activities within the Program and Policy Units for the Deputy Director of Early Learning Programs and Policy. This position is a direct report to the VPK Early Learning Program Manager. Experience in and/or knowledge of early learning programs is preferred. The employee is expected to demonstrate knowledge, skills, and ability to prepare, provide, and deliver quality work products representative of the Department's commitment to quality, efficient services and practices. Where applicable, the employee will demonstrate quality document preparation and dissemination evidenced by accuracy, correct grammar and format, appropriate content, proper approvals, and timeliness.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

(Note: The omission of specific job duties does not preclude management from assigning specific duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.)

The Florida Department of Education (FDOE) has an open position that is responsible for executing the following functions:

• Manages VPK rule development activities including composing/revising draft rule language with DEL staff input, scheduling and facilitating rule workshops and completing all related rule forms while meeting tight timelines.
• Develop and/or revise program guidance, program instructions, training materials, brochures, fact sheets, technical assistance guides, and other resource material related to the Voluntary Prekindergarten program.
• Serve as a resource to provide credible and timely policy guidance to internal business units, statewide Early Learning Coalition staff and the general public.
• Serve as a liaison for the DEL on office, interagency and provider/community workgroups related to Voluntary Prekindergarten issues.
• Analyze proposed and finalized state legislation and policy changes to determine impact on Early Learning programs. Make recommendations on policy to DEL management.
• Prepare written reports, analyses, briefings, and memoranda for DEL Staff.
• Maintain daily contact with staff regarding substantive policy and related program issues. Provides consultation and technical assistance to ensure proper interpretations and implementation of legislation, rules, policies, and procedures related to the delivery of services to Voluntary Prekindergarten programs.
• Identify problem areas and provide technical assistance for problem resolution and possible corrective actions.
• Assists with development of new and review of existing professional learning initiatives and training.
• Assists with management of VPKQuestions email inbox, answer provider/coalition email and when appropriate, route emails to designated staff for resolution/response.
• Assists with VPK performance standards and curriculum review processes.
• Recommends improvements to ensure increased efficiency and productivity for the office.

Performs other duties as assigned.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR:

The ideal incumbent must be productive under tight timeframes, balance multiple and competing priorities, and maintain goal-directed behavior and performance sometimes under stressful conditions. The incumbent must interact courteously with others. The performance and behavior of all employees must demonstrate consideration of the workload concerns of others and must not negatively affect productivity and morale of unit. Attendance is an essential function.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Knowledge, skills and abilities, including utilization of equipment, expected to master in order for the position to meet expectations for evaluations and completion of probationary year:

• Knowledge of early learning programs or similar social services programs
• Knowledge of federal or state child care and early education programs or similar social services programs
• Ability to work independently while contributing to and valuing an overall team structure
• Ability to work collaboratively with Florida’s Division of Early Learning staff, field representatives, early learning coalitions, subcontractors, service providers, and service recipients to carry out continuous quality improvement practices
• Knowledge of administrative principles and practices
• Experience in policy analysis
• Strong written and oral communication skills and research skills
• Ability to provide excellent customer service and possess excellent organizational ability
• Excellent analytic skills: attention to detail and accuracy in data analysis
• Ability to translate complex information into non-technical terms for a wide variety of audiences
• Knowledge of principles and processes involved in business and organizational planning, coordination, and execution. This may include strategic planning, resource allocation, manpower modeling, leadership techniques, and production methods.
• Knowledge of MS Office, Excel, Word, etc.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Preferences will be given to:

• Applicants who meet both professional and educational experience.
• Applicants who have direct experience in administrative rulemaking procedures in accordance with Florida Administrative Code, state policy development, legislative analysis and early childhood education.
• Applicants who complete application information and hire requirements listed in the advertisement to completion.
• Applicants who have a bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or University.

EDUCATIONAL SUBSITITUIONS:

SB 1310: Substitution of Work Experience for Postsecondary Education Requirements.

• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university
• A master’s degree from an accredited college or university

Related work experience may not substitute for any licensure, certification, or registration required by an agency and indicated in the advertised job description.

NOTE: Responses to qualifying questions must be clearly supported by the state application and any omission, falsification, or misrepresentation in the answering of the qualifying questions will be cause for immediate elimination from the selection process.

LOCATION:

This position is located in the Turlington building at 325 W. Gaines Street, Tallahassee. No telework option.

Florida Division of Early Learning Mission Statement:

The Division of Early Learning will provide access to high-quality programs and services that build a solid foundation for Florida’s youngest learners to reach their highest potential. The division empowers early childhood educators and families by providing choice in education options, support, and provides resources to ensure Florida’s future leaders are ready to learn, graduate and succeed.

The Division of Early Learning (DEL) is dedicated to providing accessible, affordable, and quality early learning services for the state’s children and families. In partnership with 30 early learning coalitions and Redlands Christian Migrant Association, DEL delivers three programs:

1. The School Readiness Program (SR) offers financial assistance to low-income families for early education and care so they become financially self-sufficient, their young children can be successful in school in the future.
2. Voluntary Prekindergarten (VPK) is a free educational program that prepares 4-year-olds for success in kindergarten and beyond.
3. Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) is a network that helps families identify and select quality child care options that best meet their needs.

FDOE: Division of Early Learning Website

WORKING FOR THE STATE OF FLORIDA HAS BENEFITS!

• State Group Insurance coverage options+

(health, life, dental, vision, and other supplemental option)

• Retirement plan options, including employer contributions (www.myfrs.com)
• Nine paid holidays and a Personal Holiday each year
• Annual and Sick Leave Benefits
• Student Loan Forgiveness Program (Eligibility required)
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition Fee Waivers (Accepted by major Florida colleges/universities)
• Ongoing comprehensive training provided
• Career Growth
• Highly skilled, professional environment
• Maternity and Parental Leave Benefits

For a more complete list of benefits, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com.

• We care about the success of our employees.
• We care about the success of our clients.
• We are always improving our technology, our tools, our customer’s experiences and ourselves.
• A rewarding experience for reliable, compassionate and professional employees.

LEAVE INFORMATION:

• • Annual Leave - All full-time Career Service employees filling established positions earn annual leave in varying increments dependent upon years of creditable service. Employees with up to 5 years of creditable service earn 8.667 hours per month, with 5 to 10 years earn 10.833 hours per month and those with over 10 years of service earn 13 hours per month. Employees in Senior Management Service and Selected Exempt Service positions are credited with 176 hours of annual leave upon appointment. In subsequent years, the annual allotment is credited on the anniversary date of the initial appointment.
  • Sick Leave -. Career Service employees earn 8.667 hours of sick leave credits per month.

BACKGROUND SCREENING REQUIREMENT

It is the policy of the Florida Department of Education that applicants for employment/volunteer undergo Level 2 background screening in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 435, Florida Statutes, as a condition of employment or being permitted to serve as a volunteer. You will be required to provide your Social Security Number to conduct required verifications. No applicant for a designated position will be employed, contracted or permitted to volunteer until the level 2 screening results are received, reviewed, and approved by the Department. Level 2 background screening shall include, but not be limited to, finger printing for all purposes and checks under this requirement, statewide criminal and juvenile records checks through the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, federal criminal records check through the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and local criminal records checks through local law enforcement.

SELECTIVE SERVICE SYSTEM (SSS) AND REQUIREMENT

Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion in the Other Personal Services (OPS) or Career Service, or appointment in the Selected Exempt Service (SES) or Senior Management Service (SMS) unless they are registered with the Selective Service System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. Verification of Selective Service registration will be conducted prior to hire.

For more information, please visit the Selective Service website.

If you experience problems applying online, please call the People First Service Center at (877) 562-7287.

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.

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