Program Associate Jobs in Tallahassee, FL (NOW HIRING)

Requisition No: 877772 

Agency: Department of Law Enforcement

Working Title: SENIOR PROGRAM ANALYST - 71002361

 Pay Plan: Career Service

Position Number: 71002361 

Salary:  $57,457.66 

Posting Closing Date: 06/15/2026 

Total Compensation Estimator Tool

SENIOR PROGRAM ANALYST

INVESTIGATIONS & FORENSIC SCIENCE

VALIDATION & PROJECT COORDINATION

**Open-Competitive Opportunity**

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) is currently accepting applications for a Senior Program Analyst (SPA) on the Validation and Project Coordination Team (VPCT), which operates under the Office of Forensic Services. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity for a highly organized individual with strong computer skills, excellent communication abilities, and a passion for applying project management methodologies to the exciting field of forensic science. As a core member of a small, dynamic team, the SPA will help drive the validation and implementation of new forensic technologies, instrumentation, and methods across FDLE's statewide laboratory system - ensuring FDLE remains a leader in forensic innovation. The ideal candidate will thrive in both in-person and remote team environments, possess basic project management skills needed to orchestrate the delivery of mission-critical projects, and be adaptable to evolving software applications, as this new program develops.

Key Highlights of the Position:

• Minimum of two years of project management experience required. 
• Focused on improving efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards in forensic projects.
• Flexible location: Orlando (Lake Nona), Fort Myers, Tallahassee, or Jacksonville.

If you're ready to contribute to meaningful advancements in forensic science and enjoy working in a collaborative, forward-thinking environment, we encourage you to apply!

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include:

• Assisting in planning, organizing, and monitoring forensic validations and other projects that implement new methods, equipment, and technologies, or other changes;
• Creating and maintaining administrative documentation related to forensic validations and other projects such as meeting agendas and minutes, spreadsheets, timelines, status reports and visual aids, in various software applications;
• Engaging and updating project stakeholders in a variety of ways;
• Utilizing project management methods and tools to track project progress, collaborate with project teams, inform stakeholders, and ensure timely completion of forensic projects;
• Working with a variety of stakeholders within forensic services and other FDLE program areas to help ensure deliverables meet project requirements, and FDLE policies and procedures are met;
• Responding to requests for assistance from members with respect to VPCT procedures and forms;
• Assisting in tracking internal VPCT tasks to ensure timely completion;
• Assisting with the development of VPCT documentation and tools as the program develops; and 

• Performing other duties as assigned in support of the Office of Forensic Services and the mission of the VPCT. 

To be considered as a potential candidate, you must meet the minimum qualifications(s) listed below. Degrees must be from an accredited college or university as recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1.  A bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and four years of professional experience in project management, project coordination, program management, program analysis, systems analysis, management analysis, engineering, laboratory analysis, or related administrative work. Two of the four years must be in project management.
2.  Certification as a Project Management Professional (PMP) or Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) can substitute for one of the required two years of experience in project management.
3.  A master's degree from an accredited college or university can substitute for one year of the required experience.
4.  Professional or nonprofessional experience as described above can substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required college education.
5.  Any combination of professional or nonprofessional experience as described above and college education at the rate of 30 semester or 45 quarter hours per year can substitute for the required education.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of office procedures and practices including web-based meetings;
• Knowledge of basic project management principles and practices;
• Knowledge of basic forensic science laboratory operations;
• Knowledge of general FDLE organizational structure and programs;
• Skilled in organization, task prioritization and time management;
• Ability to operate computer hardware and software to organize information into logical formats for presentation in reports and other work product;
• Ability to work independently or collaboratively as needed; and
• Ability to communicate very clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing.

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.

BASE SALARY:

• $57,457.66

HOW YOU WILL GROW:

FDLE recognizes the importance of growth and success while fostering a family-oriented work environment. We encourage our members to seek opportunities for professional growth through training, team building, and mentoring. Our four Fundamental Values of Service, Integrity, Respect and Quality will guide you as you embark on a lifelong career at FDLE.

OUR SALARY & BENEFITS:

Starting salary will be the minimum of the class pay range, unless otherwise dictated by FDLE's pay policy. FDLE is a State of Florida Employer and offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• State of Florida Tuition Waiver Program;
• Paid holidays, vacation and sick leave;
• HMO and PPO health insurance options with premiums starting as low as $50 per month;
• $25,000 in automatic life insurance coverage;
• Multiple supplemental insurance options including: dental, vision, disability and more;
• Paid maternity leave and parental leave following the birth or adoption of a child;
• Pension and investment retirement plan options; and
• Tax deferred medical and child care reimbursement accounts.

ABOUT OUR AGENCY:

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) employs more than 1,900 members statewide - either at headquarters in Tallahassee or in one of seven regional operations centers (ROCs). Our mission is to promote public safety and strengthen domestic security. Click here for additional information about FDLE.

HIRING PROCESS:

You will be evaluated for this job based on your previous knowledge and experience. Additional reviews may be performed to screen for preferred qualifications, experience and education. Your qualifications will be based on knowledge, skills, and abilities and other elements relevant to this position supported by the information in your application. Qualifying questions will only be credited if verifiable by the information provided on your application including specifically required software/computer skills. You may be contacted to participate in a selection process which may consist of written exercises, work samples, skills tests, interviews, drug screen and fingerprinting.  You may be notified by email to participate in a selection process. Failure to reply within a designated timeframe may exclude you from further consideration. Future vacancies may be filled from this position advertisement.

BACKGROUND:

FDLE requires an extensive background process of all recommended applicants. The elements of a background include: financial credit check, criminal history of applicant and applicant's immediate family or roommates, personal references, employment and education verifications (which includes official transcript(s)), drug screen and fingerprinting.  This information will be utilized to make the final hiring decision.

NOTES:

Preference will be given to current FDLE members who have satisfactorily completed at least six months of the probationary period for their current position.

REMINDERS:

1. Male applicants born on or after October 1, 1962, will not be eligible for hire or promotion unless they are registered with the Selective Services System (SSS) before their 26th birthday, or have a Letter of Registration Exemption from the SSS. For more information, please visit the SSS website: http://www.sss.gov.
2. If you are a retiree of the Florida Retirement System (FRS), please check with the FRS on how your current benefits will be affected if you are re-employed with the State of Florida. Your current retirement benefits may be cancelled, suspended, or deemed ineligible depending upon the date of your retirement. 

The State of Florida hires only U.S. citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers.

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.