Overview
The State of California offers a variety of data science and statistics careers to support agencies across the state.
Professionals in these fields help agencies use data to inform policy decisions, improve public programs, conduct research, evaluate outcomes and deliver better services to Californians. Data science and statistics professionals work on projects involving predictive analytics, public health trends, economic forecasting, environmental modeling, transportation planning and program evaluation.
Did you know that many state government data roles are open to candidates from a wide range of educational and professional backgrounds, including mathematics, computer science, economics and public policy? Whether you are a recent graduate, an early-career analyst or an experienced data professional, there are opportunities for a meaningful and impactful career in California state government.
What You Might Work On
In California state government, professionals in this field often:
- Design and conduct quantitative and qualitative data or statistical analyses
- Develop modeling frameworks to forecast trends within the state
- Make policy recommendations based on data outcomes
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy working with data to solve problems
- Like developing innovative tools to improve data access for the public
- Want to apply your analytical skills to a wide range of policy areas
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, 00105729 is the code for Research Data Analyst.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00105729 | Research Data Analyst | Data Analyst; Data | Perform basic research, data gathering, scheduled report maintenance and statistical work in one or more areas |
| 00101402 | Information Technology Specialist | Information Technology; IT | Perform feasibility studies and research analysis related to technology projects; provide information technology consultation in support of business programs |
| 00107861 | Research Specialist | Research Specialist; Research | Responsible for researching data analytic functions and serves as a research subject matter expert for projections and impact estimates |
| 00105553 | Statistical Methods Analyst | Statistical Methods; Statistics | Perform sampling design and data collection procedures, develop logical models for multivariable regression analysis and procedures for significance tests of statistics obtained in various sampling situations |
| 00105552 | Actuarial Analyst | Actuary; Analysis | Perform calculations using basic prescribed actuarial or statistical methodologies; manage data in databases; review/analyze data to identify trends or errors; compile data needed to perform analysis or validation |
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:
- Environment: California Natural Resources Agency
- Public Health: California Department of Health and Human Services
- Transportation and Infrastructure: California Department of Transportation
Examples of California Agencies with Data Science and Statistics
Did you know you could have a data science and statistics 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 data science and statistics career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation |
| California Department of Education |
| California Department of Public Health |
| California Department of Social Services |
| California Energy Commission |
| California Natural Resources Agency |
Sample Positions
Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Data Scientist [00104847]
| Employer / agency | California Energy Commission |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | The Energy Commission plays a critical role in creating the energy system of the future – one that is clean, modern and ensures the fifth largest economy in the world continues to thrive. |
In this role, you may:
- Conduct complex energy system modeling and develop data-driven strategies to inform infrastructure investments
- Develop modeling frameworks to forecast charging needs
Research Data Analyst [00105729]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Social Services |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Fresno County |
| Mission context | Serve, protect, and support the people of California experiencing need in ways that empower wellbeing and disrupt systemic inequities |
In this role, you may:
- Advance data-driven decision-making and continuous quality improvement aligned with policy goals and performance measures
- Develop research methodologies, statistical analyses, dashboards and reports that translate complex findings into actionable insights for leadership and stakeholders
Data Governance Analyst [00101402]
| Employer / agency | State of California Franchise Tax Board |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | Help taxpayers file timely and accurate tax returns and pay the correct amount to fund services important to Californians |
In this role, you may:
- Create data standards, manage metadata and data lineage and foster a culture of data stewardship
- Identify trends, patterns and anomalies in data and make recommendations based on your findings
