Overview
Information technology and computer science roles help state governments build, maintain and improve the systems people rely on every day. These roles can include supporting agency technology, developing applications, managing data systems, strengthening cybersecurity, improving digital services and helping public programs use technology effectively.
This field matters because technology shapes how residents access services, how agencies manage information and how government responds to public needs. Whether the work is behind the scenes or directly connected to the public, IT and computer science professionals help make state services more secure, reliable and accessible.
What You Might Work On
In state government, professionals in this field often:
- Support, maintain or improve technology systems used by state agencies, employees and the public
- Develop, test or manage applications, databases, websites or digital tools
- Troubleshoot technical issues, analyze system needs and recommend improvements
- Protect sensitive information through cybersecurity, access management and secure technology practices
Is This a Good Fit?
While roles and responsibilities vary, you might enjoy this field if you:
- Like solving technical problems and learning how systems work
- Want to build, configure or improve technical systems, applications, databases or networks
- Want to make public services easier to access and use
- Can communicate technical information clearly to different audiences
- Enjoy work that requires attention to detail, adaptability and continuous learning
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 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 the mission area, including:
- Enterprise technology: New Jersey Office of Information Technology
- Digital services and modernization: California Department of Technology
- Public health and human services systems: West Virginia Office of Management Information Services
- Transportation technology and data systems: Connecticut Department of Transportation
- Environmental data and information systems: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy
Sample positions
Programmer Analyst 1
| Employer / agency | West Virginia Office of Management Information Services |
| Location(s) | Kanawha County, West Virginia |
| Mission context | Public servants in this role support application development and web systems used by state health and human services agencies to manage information, programs and services. |
In this role, you may:
- Support the design and maintenance of information systems, applications and websites used by health and human services agencies
- Use programming, database, documentation and troubleshooting skills to support software, web tools and team workflows
Distributed Computer Systems Analyst
| Employer / agency | State of Florida, Executive Office of the Governor, Office of Information Systems |
| Location(s) | Tallahassee, Florida |
| Mission context | Public servants in this role provide technology support that helps the Executive Office of the Governor maintain reliable systems, equipment and user services. |
In this role, you may:
- Install, configure and maintain desktop computers, laptops, printers, peripherals, user accounts and software licenses
- Troubleshoot hardware, software, network and mobile device issues while responding to support requests through phone, email and a ticketing system
Information Technology Analyst 2
| Employer / agency | New Jersey Courts, Administrative Director’s Office, Judicial Education |
| Location(s) | Trenton, New Jersey / Flexible hybrid |
| Mission context | Public servants in this role support the technology, data systems and training tools that help New Jersey’s court workforce deliver fair and effective service to the public. |
In this role, you may:
- Design, maintain and improve database applications, resource libraries and data tools that support judicial education and performance programs
- Provide technical, audiovisual and training support for judicial education programs, including conferences, continuing education and online research account management
Senior IT Business Analyst
| Employer / agency | Michigan Department of Technology, Management and Budget |
| Location(s) | Lansing, Michigan / Hybrid |
| Mission context | Public servants in this role support Michigan.gov websites so state agencies can share information and digital services with residents. |
In this role, you may:
- Support agency websites that use Michigan’s web content management system, including troubleshooting issues and working with developers to test improvements
- Create user documentation, provide technical training and help agency partners follow standards for maintaining state websites
