Overview
Data science and statistics careers in state government turn technical datasets into meaningful insights that guide public programs and policies. These roles allow agencies to understand trends and make recommendations that impact the public.
For students and job seekers, a career in data science and statistics can begin in areas like data analysis, statistical modeling, program evaluation, data visualization and more. These roles are a strong match for those interested in using quantitative skills to improve government services and solve problems impacting local communities.
What You Might Work On
In state government, professionals in this field often:
- Analyze program, operational or population data that will impact policy or resource decisions
- Build dashboards, reports or visualizations that help agencies and the public understand key metrics
- Develop statistical models and forecasting tools to support planning
- Support data governance and privacy efforts, helping agencies use data in compliance with state standards
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Like working with numbers, codes and large data sets
- Want to use data to improve public programs
- Value accuracy and have a strong attention to detail
- Can synthesize complex information into coherent storytelling
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 make (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:
- Student outcome and education data: Texas Education Agency
- Transportation planning: Missouri Department of Transportation
- Tax analysis: Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration
- Labor market statistics: South Dakota Department of Labor and Regulation
Sample positions
Data Governance Specialist
| Employer / agency | Office of Public Instruction |
| Location(s) | Helena, Montana |
| Mission context | Data governance specialists with the Office of Public Instruction support statewide educational advancement through the maintenance of dependable data systems. |
In this role, you may:
- Provide operational support for policies, processes, workflows and process improvements related to data governance and reporting
- Assist with ensuring data completeness, accuracy and integrity relative to data collection and utility
- Work closely with key IT staff to support the day-to-day operation and integrity of relevant systems, ensuring systems adhere to applicable standards and policies
- Prepare written communication, training materials and technical presentations
Informatician I
| Employer / agency | Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health |
| Location(s) | Lincoln, Nebraska |
| Mission context | This position works with program, finance, informatics and data partners to help explain where public funds are going, what activities they support and how those investments contribute to public health goals. |
In this role, you may:
- Collect, organize, validate and analyze financial, economic, programmatic and public health data from multiple sources
- Support the development and maintenance of dashboards, reports, maps, tables and other visualizations that explain funding distribution, spending trends, program activity and outcomes
- Assist in preparing regular and ad hoc reports for leadership, funders, public communication, grant reporting, legislative inquiries and other data requests
- Support continuous improvement of reporting tools by gathering user feedback, identifying gaps and recommending changes to improve accuracy, usability and clarity
Management Analyst I
| Employer / agency | Office of Management and Budget, Division of Facilities Management |
| Location(s) | Dover, Delaware |
| Mission context | This role strengthens statewide facilities operations by analyzing program data to help the state operate more effectively and efficiently. |
In this role, you may:
- Interview agency staff, observe work processes and gather data relating to operational and managerial practices and procedures for use in evaluating services provided and/or determining compliance to goals and objectives
- Review, perform statistical analysis and interpretation of collected data relating to policies, procedures, organization, managerial and operational practices; Define and may make recommendations for correcting problems
- Provide technical assistance in understanding and developing management objectives and controls for resolution of issues and concerns
- Make recommendations for and assists in the implementation of new techniques or procedures to improve methods of operations, strengthen controls and effectively utilize resources
Research/Data Analyst
| Employer / agency | Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development |
| Location(s) | Jefferson City, Missouri |
| Mission context | This position leads the Local Area Unemployment Statistics program to produce key economic data for Missouri. |
In this role, you may:
- Prepare and verify detailed statistical model data inputs
- Work with partners from other states to ensure quality and accuracy of cross-state data
- Create and review monthly and annual estimates of labor force data
- Work with the Bureau of Labor Statistics Regional and national offices to ensure data quality for the LAUS program and troubleshoot any program improvements, changes, or issues
