Overview
The State of California offers a variety of security and protection careers to support agencies and safeguard communities across the state.
Security professionals in state government can uphold public safety, enforce laws and regulations, conduct investigations, respond to emergencies, protect state facilities and natural resources or support crime prevention efforts.
Did you know that you can work in law enforcement and protective services in many different capacities? Professionals in this field come from a variety of backgrounds, but they all share a commitment to public service and community safety. Whether you are a recent graduate, current student or experienced public servant, 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:
- Investigate crimes or criminal activity
- Provide patrolling and protection services to state buildings, institutions and land
- Collaborate with multiple law enforcement agencies to achieve their security goals
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Enjoy collaborating with internal and external stakeholders
- Want to use your analytical skills to solve problems
- Like being more physically active in a professional role
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, 00101985 is the code for Security Guard.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 00108979 | Firefighter | Firefighter; Fire | Firefighting personnel direct, supervise or perform fire prevention and suppression activities. Firefighters respond to fire alarms and take action to extinguish fires, minimize fire and water damage and prevent injury and loss of life. |
| 00108610 | Investigator | Investigator; Crime; Violations | Investigators conduct independent criminal, civil and/or administrative investigations to detect or verify suspected violations or provisions of federal, state and/or local laws, rules or regulations; obtain and verifying evidence to support administrative action and/or prosecution. |
| 00109662 | Correctional Officer | Correctional Officer; Corrections | Correctional officers are responsible for the custody, supervision, security, health and welfare of the incarcerated persons population and care of equipment, as well as the security coverage of the camp facility and boundaries. |
| 00101985 | Security Guard | Security Guard; Security | Makes rounds of inspection at fixed intervals and reports in by means of radio or other devices; sees that doors and windows are properly shut and locked; prevents the admittance to the premises of unauthorized persons |
| 00109776 | Parole Service Associate | Parole Service Associate; Parole | Provide casework services for a selected case load of clients in a program designed to assist in resolving the employment, social and community readjustment needs of parolees. |
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:
- Corrections: California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation
- Investigations: California Department of Justice
- Protective Services: California Department of State Hospitals
Examples of California Agencies with Security and Protection
Did you know you could have a security and protection 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 security career!
| Agency Name |
|---|
| California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation |
| California Department of Developmental Services |
| California Department of Justice |
| California Department of Social Services |
| California Department of State Hospitals |
| California Department of Veterans Affairs |
| California Secretary of State |
Sample Positions
State Park Peace Officer Supervisor (Ranger) [00100980]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Parks & Recreation |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | El Dorado County |
| Mission context | Provide for the health, inspiration and education of the people of California by helping to preserve the state’s extraordinary biological diversity, protecting its most valued natural and cultural resources and creating opportunities for high-quality outdoor recreation |
In this role, you may:
- Oversee visitor services programs including campground and day use operations, enforcement, visitor safety, special events and commercial filming
- Be responsible for the public safety and law enforcement functions
Special Agent [00109766]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Sacramento County |
| Mission context | The department aims to facilitate the successful reintegration of individuals in its care back to their communities equipped with the tools to be drug-free, healthy and employable members of society by providing education, treatment, rehabilitative and restorative justice programs, all in a safe and humane environment. |
In this role, you may:
- Participate in prison escapes and other criminal apprehension efforts for the department and in conjunction with other agencies
- Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships within the department as well as with other law enforcement and governmental agencies
Investigator [00108610]
| Employer / agency | California Department of Motor Vehicles |
|---|---|
| Location(s) | Los Angeles County |
| Mission context | The DMV provides quality licensing and motor vehicle-related services in its field offices located throughout California. |
In this role, you may:
- Conduct highly confidential and complex criminal investigations pertaining to internal security, employee misconduct, document integrity, public funds, burglary of offices and tampering with official records and systems
- Participate as a DMV law enforcement representative in multi-agency criminal investigations and assignments involving Department of Justice, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Department of Homeland Security and other law enforcement or allied agencies
