Overview
The state of California offers various artificial intelligence careers to support agencies across the state.
An artificial intelligence professional in state government can use interdisciplinary skills to support technology modernization efforts, conduct data analysis, monitor investment markets, advance healthcare outcomes and research policy.
Artificial intelligence professionals come from many backgrounds, but they all share interest in using AI tools and trends to support agencies across California. Whether you are a recent graduate, current student or experienced professional, there are opportunities for an innovative career in California state government.
What You Might Work On
In California state government, professionals in this field often:
- Use chatbots and generative AI to improve citizen services
- Perform data collection and analysis to support agency programs
- Research AI trends and shifts and determine how they can be applied to daily operations
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy working with emerging technology in an evolving field
- Have an interest in solving complex problems
- Want to create efficient systems and improve processes
Job Classifications
What are job classifications?
Job classifications map to specific job titles found across California state government. A corresponding code maps to the required exam for that classification. For example, 00104870 is the code for student assistant.
How to use them:
You can use the job classifications to search for positions on CalCareers in the classification section within the advanced search filter. You can also use key words to find roles in the search bar on the home page. Below is a list of common examples, but additional roles and classifications can be found on CalCareers.
| Exam Code | Classification Name | Common Keywords | What You’ll Do |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00104870 | Student Assistant | Student Assistant, Artificial Intelligence | Perform meaningful tasks such as computation, programming and data analysis; gain practical experience in the professional or technical field of study; assist in research, analysis, review and other related activities |
| 00109928 | Program Technician II | Program Technician, Artificial Intelligence | This classification includes reviewing detailed technical forms or processes associated with departments or program areas, providing sensitive and detailed program information to the public, employees or clients as a significant part of their duties. |
| 00105729 | Research Data Analyst I | Research Data Specialist, Data, Machine Learning | Analysts perform quantitative and qualitative data-driven research and statistical analysis. The term research as applied to this classification series is defined as a systematic, critical, quantitative and qualitative analytical approach to data collection and querying, mining and manipulation, data quality determination and intensive investigation directed toward either a more comprehensive knowledge of the subject or for use in the resolution and operational improvement of program-related issues. |
| 00101401 | Information Technology Associate | Information Technology | This classification typically performs a variety of tasks requiring innovative problem-solving within guidelines for functions or processes in business technology management, client services or software engineering. Associates may execute guidelines for technology governance and process improvement, coordinate end user training, troubleshoot applications, implement software that adheres to organizational enterprise requirements and enhance software solutions. |
Where You Could Work
State government is broad — 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 state agencies depending on mission area, including:
- Climate Change Response: California Department of Water Resources
- Consumer Protection: California Department of Justice
- Digital Service Delivery and Implementation: California Department of Technology
- Financial Management: California State Teachers’ Retirement System
- Healthcare Workforce Development: California Department of Healthcare Access and Information
Examples of California Agencies with Artificial Intelligence
Did you know you could have an Artificial Intelligence career at one of these agencies? Note: This is not an exhaustive list of all the options in California state government, but a helpful starting place as you begin exploring your future Artificial Intelligence career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Cannabis Control |
| California Department of Health and Human Services |
| California Department of Justice |
| California Department of Technology |
| California Department of Water Resources |
| California Environmental Protection Agency |
| California Public Employees Retirement System |
| California Public Utilities Commission |
| California Secretary of State |
Sample Positions
Enterprise Data Services Manager (Information Technology Manager II)
| Employer / agency | California Health and Human Services Department, Office of Technology and Solutions Integration |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | CalHHS OTI expertise and experience uplifts California’s overall wellness through enhanced delivery of best-in-class IT and data strategy and solutions that fuel HHS delivery. |
In this role, you may:
- Build generative AI and other services for use by the agency and its department
- Integrate disparate data sources into valuable services, including managing identity resolution
- Provide technical and operational leadership and fill the project architect role for complex agency data exchange projects
Investment Associate, Global Public Equity (Student Assistant)
| Employer / agency | California Public Employees’ Retirement System |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | CalPERS is a global institutional investor and the nation’s largest public pension fund with assets of approximately $618.54 billion. Their mission is to deliver retirement and health care benefits to members and their beneficiaries. |
In this role, you may:
- Review trends such as artificial intelligence adoption and corporate oversight practices
- Build practical skills in finance, investments and research while gaining exposure to institutional asset management on a global scale
- Identify risks, opportunities and emerging themes across equity markets
Program Technician II (9928)
| Employer / agency | California Secretary of State |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Los Angeles County |
| Mission context | The Office of the Secretary of State consists of dedicated public servants who uphold the rights of Californians while also striving to make the state’s government, elections and businesses both accessible and transparent. |
In this role, you may:
- Deploy cutting-edge technologies like AI chatbots to support customers
- Retrieve information from databases to answer high-level customer questions and inquiries
- Understand and interpret laws and maintain familiarity with applicable codes, regulations, division policies and procedures pertaining to authentications and requests
