Human Resources

VETERANS’ PREFERENCE


St. Johns River State College is committed to honoring the preference given by Florida law to U.S. Veterans. In compliance with Chapter 295, Florida Statute, St. Johns River State College is committed to providing preference to U.S. veterans and spouses of veterans in hiring, promotion, and retention for all qualified positions as prescribed by the Chapter (Full-time Career Service positions and Full-time Professional Support positions). Faculty, Administrative and part-time positions are exempt. Applicants claiming veterans’ preference must submit appropriate documentation (Form DD214) in the attachments section of the application system.

Only those positions listed in F.A.C. Rule 55A-7 are considered for veterans’ preference. Human Resources will identify the veterans’ preference covered positions in the job postings.

The following changes to Veterans' Preference in Florida were effective July 1, 2007:

  1. Preference in eligibility no longer expires upon appointment of the eligible person to a position with the state or any political subdivision of the state.
  2. Persons who were previously ineligible because they held or are currently holding a position with a public employer are now eligible to use their veterans’ preference again with all employers covered by law.
  3. Persons who were previously ineligible for preference because they did not serve during an eligible wartime period may now be eligible for Veterans’ Preference if they served during Operation Enduring Freedom (October 7, 2001-present) or Operation Iraqi Freedom (March 19, 2003- present).

Eligible categories for Veterans’ Preference effective July 1, 2014:

  • Disabled Veterans who have served on active duty in any branch of the Armed Forces and who presently have an existing service-connected disability which is compensable under public laws administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA) or are receiving compensation, disability retirement benefits, or pension by reason of public laws administered by the DVA and the Department of Defense.
  • The spouse of a veteran:
    • who has a total and permanent service-connected disability and who, because of this disability, cannot qualify for employment; or
    • Who is missing in action, captured in line of duty by a hostile force, or detained or interned in line of duty by a foreign government or power.
  • The un-remarried widow or widower of a veteran who died of a service-connected disability.
  • The mother, father, legal guardian, or un-remarried widow or widower of a service member who died as a result of military service under combat-related conditions as verified by the U.S. Department of Defense.
  • A veteran of any war who has served on active duty for one day or more during a wartime period to be eligible for veterans’ preference or who has been awarded a campaign or expeditionary medal. Active duty for training shall not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph.
  • A Veteran as defined in section 1.01(14) Florida Statutes. Active duty for training shall not be allowed for eligibility under this paragraph. The term “veteran” is defined as a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released therefrom under honorable conditions only or who later received an upgraded discharge under honorable conditions.
  • A current member of any reserve component of the U.S. Armed Forces or the Florida National Guard.

The service dates are defined as follows:

  1. World War II – December 7, 1941 to December 31, 1946.
  2. Korean Conflict – June 27, 1941 to January 31, 1955.
  3. Vietnam Era - February 28, 1961 to May 7, 1975.
  4. Persian Gulf War – August 2, 1990 to January 2, 1992.
  5. Operation Enduring Freedom – October 7, 2001 to date to TBD.
  6. Operation Iraqi Freedom – March 19, 2003 to date to be TBD.
  7. Operation New Dawn: September 1, 2010 to TBD.

As stated on Florida Administrative Code Rule 55A-7.009, an applicant claiming preference is responsible for providing required documentation at the time of making application. In order to claim Veterans’ Preference, the applicant must:

  • Be sure to indicate his/her status on the Veterans’ Preference section of the application.
  • Submit a copy of the DD-214 for each eligible position for which applicant applies which shows “Character of Service” by the closing date of the position. Applicants may attach the form in their application. The Applicants may alternatively contact HR for assistance in uploading the form by calling 386-312-4070.

Additional Resources: