Helpline Operator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 882238 

Agency: Agriculture and Consumer Services

Working Title: OPS HELPLINE OPERATOR - 42913163

 Pay Plan: Temp

Position Number: 42913163 

Salary:  $15.00 Hourly 

Posting Closing Date: 09/03/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

OPS HELPLINE OPERATOR

(CLASS TITLE: OPS INFORMATION SPECIALIST I)

FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES

DIVISION OF PLANT INDUSTRY

***OPEN COMPETITIVE OPPORTUNITY --
THIS IS A FULL-TIME OTHER PERSONAL SERVICES (OPS) POSITION***

CONTACT:

Paris Grey, Phone (352) 395-4604

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: 

A high school diploma or its equivalent and four (4) years of experience in call centers or phone-based customer service, public relations, public information, mass communications, technical support, telecommunications, receptionist, or clerical support; or

A bachelor's degree (4 years) from an accredited college or university.  

EDUCATIONAL NOTE: Graduates utilizing education attained in the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position will not be appointed until verification of the applicable degree has been obtained. Foreign trained graduates utilizing a degree attained outside of the United States to meet the minimum requirements of a position must be prepared to provide a copy of a credential evaluation conducted by an Approved Credential Evaluation Agency.  A list of approved agencies can be viewed at "Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies, Florida Department of Education." Approved Credential Evaluation Agencies (fldoe.org) 

Possession of a valid driver license.

***ATTENTION CANDIDATES***

To be considered for a position with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services:

• All fields in the Candidate Profile must be completed (an attached resume is not a substitution for the information required on the candidate profile).
• Work history, hours worked, and formal education fields must be filled out to determine qualifications for this position.
• Responses to Qualifying Questions must be verifiable in the Candidate Profile.
  

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services values
and supports employment of individuals with disabilities. Qualified
individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

NOTES:

To maintain fairness and integrity, applicants are required to provide honest and authentic responses during all stages of the evaluation and selection process. Applicants must rely on their own personal knowledge, thoughts, and impressions. A candidate's use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools to answer qualifying questions or participate in interviews will be taken into consideration when determining qualification for the position.

Benefits include optional insurance coverage and a LinkedIn Learning training account.

This is not a telework position and is required to report to the office at 1911 SW 34th Street, Gainesville, FL 32609.

Work hours will be Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

JOB DUTIES:

Computer Skills:

• Researching division and department programs and services with internal and external resources to assist with customer inquiries.
• Entering customer service tickets, routing them to appropriate contact, and following up to ensure ticket completion.
• Database entry for triaging to department programs and public records purposes.
• Emailing customers with relevant information. 

Customer Service:

• Take inbound and outbound calls to provide customers with information and assistance for our ongoing programs and taking messages for pertinent parties utilizing the database and email.
• Serves as back up receptionist for daily breaks and gaps in coverage. 

Outreach Assistance:

• Assists with inventory and the distribution of materials for the division, the public and our stakeholders.
• Mails program information to the public as requested.

Other Duties:

• Provides support as directed by management.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of telecommunication and computer skills including, but not limited to multi-line phone systems, call center software, Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel, Outlook and Word.
• Knowledge of database structures and fields.
• Skill with computers and data processing operations.
• Skill in customer service and/or call center experience.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and critical thinking.
• Ability to process information logically, prioritize, and solve problems.
• Ability to plan, organize, multi-task, utilize various web resources/conduct web research, and coordinate work assignments.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing in a courteous and professional manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with coworkers and the public.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  

The Benefits of Working for the State of Florida

Working for the State of Florida as an OPS employee is more than just a paycheck. 

• Participation in state group insurance (must meet eligibility requirements*);
• Participation in the Florida Deferred Compensation Plan (457b).  For additional details and online enrollment visit MyFloridaDeferredComp.com;
• State of Florida 401(a) FICA Alternative Plan (tax deferred Retirement Savings Plan). For more information visit Social Security Alternative Plan (aigrs.com) and read OPS Social Security Alternative Plan (Does not apply to previous FRS Retirees);

• Flexible Spending Accounts; For a more benefits information, visit www.mybenefits.myflorida.com;
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  

*Seasonal and part-time OPS employees (less than 30 hours average per  week) refer to People First at 877-562-7287 or go to: https://www.mybenefits.myflorida.com/myhealth/eligibility_and_enrollment/ops_employees

SPECIAL NOTES:

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.