Overview
Mathematics careers in California state government support data-informed decision making, public policy, forecasting, planning and technical problem solving across a wide range of agencies and mission areas. While some mathematics-related work may overlap with fields like engineering, business and finance, or data science and statistics, professionals with strong quantitative and analytical skills are needed throughout government.
These careers can include mathematical modeling, actuarial analysis, forecasting, budgeting, operations analysis, education and quantitative research. Opportunities exist for professionals who enjoy solving complex problems, working with data and applying mathematical reasoning to real-world challenges that impact Californians.
What You Might Work On
In California state government, professionals in this field often:
- Analyze quantitative data to support planning, policy and operational decisions
- Develop models, projections and forecasts related to public programs and services
- Support budgeting, risk assessment and financial analysis activities
- Conduct research and evaluation using statistical or mathematical methods
- Help agencies improve systems, resource allocation and program effectiveness
- Collaborate with scientists, engineers, economists, public health professionals and policy teams
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy solving complex or technical problems
- Like working with numbers, patterns, models or quantitative data
- Are detail-oriented and analytical
- Enjoy research, forecasting or strategic planning
- Want to apply mathematical reasoning to public challenges and decision making
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, 00104947 is the code for Energy Commission Specialist I (Forecasting).
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00105436 | Actuary | Actuarial analysis, risk modeling, forecasting | Analyze financial and statistical data to assess risk, develop projections and support long-term planning and policy decisions. |
| 00100108 | Measurement Standards Specialist I | Measurement standards, calibration, technical inspection | Inspect and test commercial weighing and measuring devices, support compliance with measurement standards and ensure accuracy in trade and consumer transactions. |
| 00909075 | Risk Manager – Finance | Risk management, financial oversight, compliance | Evaluate financial and operational risks, develop risk management strategies and support organizational compliance and planning efforts. |
| 00104698 | Associate Portfolio Manager | Portfolio management, investments, financial analysis | Monitor investment portfolios, analyze financial performance and support investment strategy and portfolio reporting activities. |
| 00104552 | Accounting Administrator I (Specialist) | Investment management, portfolio oversight, financial strategy | Oversee investment portfolios, supervise portfolio management activities and support long-term investment and financial planning strategies. |
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:
- Education Research and Assessment: California Department of Education
- Environmental and Climate Analysis: California Environmental Protection Agency
- Insurance and Risk Analysis: California Department of Insurance
- Public Health Research and Forecasting: California Department of Public Health
- Transportation Planning and Modeling: California Department of Transportation
- Workforce and Economic Analysis: California Employment Development Department
Examples of California Agencies with Mathematics
Did you know you could have a mathematics 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 mathematics career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Education |
| California Department of Health Care Access and Information |
| California Department of Insurance |
| California Department of Public Health |
| California Department of Transportation |
| California Employment Development Department |
| California Environmental Protection Agency |
| California Public Employees’ Retirement System |
| California State Compensation Insurance Fund |
| State of California Franchise Tax Board |
Sample Positions
Business Process Analyst [00105731]
| Employer / agency | California State Teachers’ Retirement System (CalSTRS) |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Yolo County |
| Mission context | CalSTRS provides retirement, disability and survivor benefits to California’s public school educators while supporting long-term financial sustainability and organizational performance. |
In this role, you may:
- Analyze operational data and identify opportunities to improve business processes and organizational efficiency
- Support process improvement initiatives using research, statistical analysis and business process reengineering methodologies
Casualty Actuary [00105436]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Insurance |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Los Angeles, Oakland or Sacramento |
| Mission context | The California Department of Insurance protects consumers by regulating the insurance industry and overseeing one of the largest insurance markets in the world. |
In this role, you may:
- Conduct complex actuarial analyses related to property and casualty insurance rate regulation
- Develop and evaluate predictive models, risk assessments and statistical projections used in insurance policy and rate review activities
Risk System Analyst [00105758]
| Employer / agency | California Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | The Office of Energy Infrastructure Safety advances utility infrastructure safety and wildfire mitigation through data-driven analysis, compliance oversight and collaboration across government agencies. |
In this role, you may:
- Analyze complex data models to support utility safety initiatives and infrastructure risk assessment efforts
- Collaborate with policy teams and government partners to support data analysis, reporting and quantitative decision-making projects
