Overview
Information technology and computer science roles are central to how the federal government protects the public, delivers services and manages data and infrastructure. These roles help to design, secure and maintain systems that support a wide range of programs and services. This includes software development, data system management, cybersecurity, supporting technology operations and more.
This field matters because technology shapes how residents access services, how agencies manage information and how the government responds to public needs. Whether the work is behind the scenes or directly connected to the public, IT and computer science professionals help make state services more secure, reliable and accessible.
What You Might Work On
In the federal government, professionals in this field often:
- Maintain and secure agency technology systems that support mission‑critical operations
- Analyze data, systems or code to improve federal services and performance
- Assess emerging technologies to guide agency investment, policy or modernization efforts
- Implement and maintain technical solutions that ensure reliable agency operations
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Like solving technical problems and learning how systems work
- Want to build, configure or improve technical systems, applications, databases or networks
- Want to make public services easier to access and use
- Can communicate technical information clearly to different audiences
- Enjoy work that requires attention to detail, adaptability and continuous learning
Job Series Codes
What are job series codes?
In the federal government, most jobs are grouped into “job series” based on the type of work. Each series has a four-digit code (for example, computer science, 1550).
How to use them:
You can use job series codes to narrow your search on USAJOBS. Start with a keyword (like “program analyst”) and then add a series code for more targeted results. Here are a few examples to get you started — there are hundreds of job series codes across the federal government!
| Code | Series / category name | Common keywords | What you’ll do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0335 | Computer Clerk and Assistant | Computer Assistant, Office Automation, Administrative Services | Technical user support through data management, system access and documentation |
| 1224 | Patent Examining | Computer Engineering, Computer Science | Examine software and tech innovations to determine patent eligibility |
| 1550 | Computer Science | Computer Scientist, Software Developer, Systems Engineer | Apply computer science knowledge to build and optimize computing systems |
| 2210 | Information Technology Management | IT Specialist, IT Program Manager, Cybersecurity Specialist | Manage IT systems, security, applications and agency-wide technology services |
| 2299 | Information Technology Student Trainee | Student Trainee, Pathways | Develop IT and computer science-related skills through work-based training |
Where You Could Work
The federal government is big — so where do you start?
One approach is to focus on a type of role. Another is to focus on a mission area or the kind of impact you want to have (i.e., in public health, education, transportation or elsewhere).
Keep in mind: mission areas often span multiple agencies, so you may find relevant roles in places you wouldn’t expect!
Professionals in this field work across many federal agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Tech Innovation: National Institute of Standards and Technology
- International cybersecurity: Department of State, Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy
- Technical sustainability research: Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Research and Development
Sample Positions
IT Specialist (2210)
| Employer / agency | Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Prisons |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Houston, Texas |
| Mission context | IT Specialists at the Federal Bureau of Prisons maintain secure, reliable technology systems that support daily prison operations and communication |
In this role, you may:
- Oversee implementation of new system hardware and software by developing operating procedures
- Monitor the ongoing operation of a complex network environment with a large number of users in an installation
- Ensure corrective action to restore operational service is accomplished
Student Trainee (IT) – Pathways Internship (2299)
| Employer / agency | National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Langley Research Center |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Hampton, Virginia |
| Mission context | This role helps to strengthen NASA’s cybersecurity posture by safeguarding mission systems, data and IT infrastructure |
In this role, you may:
- Gain working experience and knowledge in support of information system security by assisting the Center Information Security Officer in the areas of policy compliance, penetration testing, incident response and security systems architectures
- Participate in the design and management of cybersecurity tools and processes involved in the identification of threats and risks, protection of assets, detection of vulnerabilities and reaction to information security breaches
- Assist with the creation and delivery of user communications designed to inform customers of IT security related issues and required actions
Top 10 agencies for this Field
Top 10 Most Common Jobs in this Field
Positions Currently Open on USAJOBS
Browse current federal job openings on USAJOBS and explore opportunities across agencies and career fields. Use the filters to find positions that match your skills, review requirements, and understand how to apply.
72 Results
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Permanent
Information Technology Specialist (Systems Analysis/Applications Software)
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Jul 15, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISORY IT SPECIALIST (PLCYPLN)
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Senior Technical Manager
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Information Technology Specialist (Systems Analysis/Applications Software)
Internal Revenue Service
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
-
Permanent
IT Project Manager
Electronic Health Record Modernization
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
IT Program Manager
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
Supervisory IT Specialist
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Information and Technology
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
-
Permanent
SUPERVISOR
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISOR
Commander, Naval Information Warfare Systems Command (NAVWARSYSCOM)
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
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Permanent
SUPERVISORY IT PROGRAM MANAGER (INFOSEC/PLCYPLN)
Naval Education and Training Command
- Closes Jul 16, 2026
