Are you a motivated military spouse looking for a stable job with a competitive salary? Are you a hard-working veteran who is planning to separate from military service this year and would like to live in Florida? Are you retiring from the military soon and searching for your second career?
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is currently hiring for state troopers and dispatchers. Since it is a para-military agency the FHP gives hiring preference to military veterans and their spouses. This state agency said it has an established career progression program. “We recognize and reward educational achievements and career advancements,” the agency said.
The annual starting salary for state troopers is $38,034.24.
The Florida Highway Patrol troopers actively enforce the state’s criminal, traffic, motor vehicle and driver’s license laws. The men and women serve the millions of residents and visitors of Florida using state-of-the-art training, equipment, technology and resources. The ideal job applicants are motivated individuals, hard-working employees and team players looking for a positive work environment.
Troopers with 2 years of experience (note that your active-duty military service is considered experience to be a state trooper) are eligible for specialty positions such as:
- contraband interdiction officer
- criminal investigations
- dignitary protection
- DUI patrol
- motorcycle patrol
- occupant protection specialist
- recruitment officer
- pilot
- public affairs officer
- special response team
- K-9 handler
Troopers with 5 years of experience are eligible to promote to supervisory positions. The agency said that “these promotional opportunities give troopers a chance to transfer to a different location in the state if they choose to and the agency will pay for the move.”
FHP troopers receive paid vacations, holidays, sick leave, military leave, extensive health and life insurance options, deferred compensation plan and a non-contributory retirement plan. Once hired, the agency will also pay up to 6 semester hours a year for a master’s degree.
What are the requirements to be a state trooper?
You must be a U.S. citizen who is 19 years or older. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license and have a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. Like the military, there are physical requirements for the job. An applicant’s weight must be in proportion to his or her height.
Do I need to live in Florida to become a state trooper?
No. You are not required to live in Florida when applying for a position with the Florida Highway Patrol. You are also not required to be a Florida resident. But applicants must be willing to serve anywhere in the state of Florida.
I’m planning to get out of the military, but I don’t have my DD214 yet? Do I need to wait for my DD214 before applying for a job with the FHP?
You can still apply for a position with the Florida Highway Patrol. If you are planning to separate from military service, but haven’t received your DD214 yet, ask your Company Commander to write a letter on official letterhead detailing your separation date, type of discharge expected and your character of service.
What are the requirements to be a dispatcher?
A Florida Highway Patrol dispatcher needs to have the ability to
- read maps
- speak clearly with good verbal communication skills
- multi-task
- work well in stressful situations
- maintain the confidentiality of information
- record relevant information correctly and completely
Applicants are given on the job training. This position is rotating days off and has permanent shifts. Applicants should be available to work on holidays and weekends.
The benefits are state health and life insurance, paid vacation time, free tuition to state universities and colleges and career advancement opportunities.
