Overview
The State of California offers a variety of information technology and computer science roles to support agencies across the state.
An IT role in state government can support business technology management, client services, information security engineering, project management, software engineering and systems engineering.
IT professionals come from many backgrounds, but they all share interest in using technology to advance critical initiatives across California. Whether you are a recent graduate, current student or experienced professional, there are opportunities for a meaningful career in California state government.
What You Might Work On
In California state government, professionals in this field often:
- Work within the Systems Development Life Cycle including gathering, analysis, developing, testing, training and implementation
- Coordinate multiple networking disciplines like firewalls, switches, routers, virtual private networks and technical documentation
- Use computer programming fundamentals and full stack development
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Like to communicate technical documentation that helps clients understand how to use products
- Enjoy using programming languages to create tools and resources for the public
- Want to protect digital information systems and citizens from bad actors
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, 00101401 is the code for Information Technology Associate.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00101400 | Information Technology Technician | Information Technology | This classification may install or repair hardware or peripheral equipment; manage user accounts and technology inventory; resolve client incidents or requests; ensure software/hardware compliance with security policies; create, test, maintain and deploy desktop products; configure and/or modify software programs; perform data import and export activities; monitor information technology systems to ensure integrity and tune the system to meet performance requirements; troubleshoot routine issues; and other related activities. |
| 00101401 | Information Technology Associate | Information Technology | This classification may execute guidelines for technology governance and process improvement; track, monitor and audit information technology assets; analyze, develop and document business processes; formulate, deliver and coordinate end user training; resolve client incidents or requests; install, configure, maintain and troubleshoot applications; research and analyze new client technologies; develop and update controls to ensure availability of systems and databases; maintain software product documentation; design, develop and implement software that adheres to organizational enterprise requirements; create, enhance and maintain information technology software solutions; gather, document and review system requirements and specifications; and test, debug and evaluate software systems functionality. |
| 00101402 | Information Technology Specialist I | Information Technology | This classification may perform feasibility studies and research analysis related to technology projects; provide information technology consultation in support of business programs; establish inventory management guidelines; provide metrics on service level agreements; install or repair hardware or peripheral equipment; develop, implement and maintain security and privacy training; investigate security incidents; develop and/or review data sharing agreements prior to release of confidential information; analyze business impact and exposure based on emerging security threats; monitor project milestones and deliverables; coordinate and consult with users, administrators and engineers to identify business and technical requirements; develop and sustain cooperative working relationships with project stakeholders and act in a lead role over lower-level staff. |
| 0010403 | Information Technology Supervisor | Information Technology | This is the working supervisory level. Under direction, incumbents plan, assign and review the work of an information technology program or unit and personally perform the most difficult or sensitive work. This level may supervise lower-level information technology and support staff. |
| 0010405 | Information Technology Manager | Information Technology | This is the managerial level. Under general direction, this classification may have significant responsibilities for formulating or administering organizational information technology policies and programs and for planning, organizing and directing the work of one or more information technology programs or units, typically through subordinate supervisors. This level may manage the work of lower-level information technology and support staff. This classification may manage work in any domain or combination of domains. Incumbents at a small or medium department may serve as the department’s chief information officer. |
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:
- Emergency Management: Governor’s Office of Emergency Services
- Land Resources: California Department of Conservation
- Tax and Financial Services: State of California Franchise Tax Board
- Transportation: California Department of Transportation
Examples of California Agencies with Information Technology and Computer Science
Did you know you could have an information technology and computer science 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 information technology and computer science career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Education |
| California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection |
| California Department of Justice |
| California Department of Motor Vehicles |
| California Department of Public Health |
| California Department of Real Estate |
| California High Speed Rail Authority |
| California State Controller’s Office |
| California State Highway Patrol |
| California State Lottery |
Sample Positions
Service Desk and Field Support Associate (Information Technology Associate) [00101401]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Food and Agriculture |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Fresno County |
| Mission context | The Information Technology Services Division is responsible for the oversight and management of all information technology and telecommunications activities including, but not limited to, information technology, information security and telecommunications personnel, contractors, systems, assets, projects, purchases and contracts. |
In this role, you may:
- Deliver essential technical support to CDFA locations throughout the Central Valley region, which includes Fresno, Kern, Mono, Stanislaus and Tulare counties
- Provide user support, troubleshoot IT systems and repair and maintain IT equipment such as personal computers, peripherals, and productivity software
Security Operations Specialist (Information Technology Specialist I) [00101402]
| Employer / agency | California Department of General Services |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Yolo County |
| Mission context | DGS delivers results by providing timely, cost-effective services and products that support its customers while protecting the interests of the state of California. |
In this role, you may:
- Be responsible for various tasks related to enterprise endpoint security system administration, leading implementations, configurations, maintenance and monitoring
- Work closely with stakeholders to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the organization’s information assets
Network Engineering Specialist (Information Technology Specialist I) [00101402]
| Employer / agency | California Employment Development Department |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | The Employment Development Department is one of the largest state departments with employees at hundreds of service locations. For more than 70 years, the EDD has connected millions of job seekers and employers in an effort to build the economy of the Golden State. |
In this role, you may:
- Support the EDD’s enterprise IT Network engineering and operations, including hardware and software components and the confidential data managed by the organization
- Be responsible for the implementation, maintenance and operations of statewide IT network systems
