Build Your Career in California State Government
Join over 240,000 Californians making a difference every day. From healthcare and technology to education, environmental protection and more, your skills can shape the future of the Golden State.
Now Hiring Across 200+ State AgenciesYour Future in California
Build your future in California state government
With roles spanning environmental protection, the arts, engineering, public health, education, technology and more, there are opportunities for people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds. The work happening across California reflects both the challenges and opportunities of serving a dynamic state.
Whether you are starting your career or making a career change, California offers pathways that allow you to do work that matters while enjoying job stability and benefits.
Why California? Why Now?
California state government offers more than a job. It offers a career with purpose, stability and the chance to serve nearly 40 million residents.
Job Security
Civil service protections and stable employment, even during economic shifts.
Comprehensive Benefits
Generous health coverage, CalPERS retirement and paid leave.
Career Growth
Clear advancement pathways with training and development opportunities.
Work-Life Balance
Flexible schedules and respect for personal time.
Meaningful Impact
Your career matters! Climate, health, education, environment, safety and equity.
Student Loan Forgiveness
Working for the state of California may qualify you for loan forgiveness. After 10 years of public service, many loans may qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness, for example.
Important Updates
What’s New in California State Government
July 24, 2026Youth Aid positions open in Orange County with the Department of Parks and Recreation.
Apply by 9/16/2026 to be considered.
Apply nowAugust 1, 2026Student Assistant (Engineering and Architectural Sciences) position open in the California State Water Resources Control Board.
Apply by 8/10/2026 to be considered.
Apply nowJuly 16, 2026California Correctional Training and Rehabilitation Authority offering weekly webinars on how to apply for a state job.
Join virtually every Friday (excluding holidays) at 11 AM, PST.
Learn moreLong-term careers in California pay off
A career in California state government is designed to support both your professional growth and your long-term financial stability. While starting salaries may vary, the total compensation package—including healthcare, retirement benefits, and paid time off—often provides significant value over time.
As you build your career, opportunities for advancement, skill development, and increased responsibility create a clear path forward. Many public servants find that their work not only supports their communities, but also helps them reach major life milestones with greater confidence and security.
What you can expect over time
- Comprehensive benefits and retirement support that grow in value year after year as your career progresses
- A stable career that supports long-term goals like homeownership, family planning, and work-life balance
- Clear pathways for advancement and skill development across departments and roles that you can expect and use to plan your future
- Additional employee wellness benefits that offer on-demand video classes for fitness and nutrition, as well as access to healthy recipes and guides for meditation and stress managementn
Quick Start
Pick Your Pathway
Choose the path that best describes you, and we’ll guide you to the right resources and opportunities.
I’m Exploring My First State Job
New to California state government? Start here to understand the basics of California careers.
Explore first state jobs
I’m a Student
Internships, fellowships and student assistant positions to launch your career in California.
Explore student opportunities
I’m Changing Careers
Ready for a change? Transitioning from the private sector or other public service sectors? Your experience counts.
Explore career changes
I’m Interested in Skills-Based Pathways
No degree? No problem. Discover positions that value skills and experience.
Explore skills-based pathways
I’m Interested in Political Careers
Appointed positions, the Governor’s Office, boards, commissions and policy-making roles.
Explore political careers
I’m a Career Advisor
Resources and tools to help your students and alumni find opportunities in state government.
Explore advisor resources
Find Your California State Internship
Explore internship opportunities across California state agencies and discover pathways to gain real-world public service experience in the Golden State. Whether you’re just starting to explore or ready to apply, the Public Service Internship Finder is a practical first step toward launching a career in California state government.
222 Results
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Internship
1L Summer Internship
Sonoma County
- Full-time
- Unpaid
- Apply in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
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Internship
2L Summer Clerkship
Sonoma County
- Full-time
- Paid
- Apply in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
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Entry-Level Role
Accountant Intern Program
San Francisco County
- Full-time
- Paid
- Apply in Winter
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Internship
ADEPT Internship Opportunities
Orange County
- Part-time
- Unpaid
- Apply in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
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Internship
Air Force Research Lab Scholars Program
Department of Defense (DOD)
- Full-time
- Paid
- Apply in Fall, Winter
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Entry-Level Role
Airway Transportation System Specialists (Gateways Program)
Department of Transportation (DOT)
- Full-time, Part-time
- Paid
- Apply in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
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Entry-Level Role
Attorney General’s Honors Program
Department of Justice (DOJ)
- Full-time
- Paid
- Apply in Fall
-
Internship
Behavioral Health Services Internship Program
San Francisco County
- Part-time
- Unpaid
- Apply in Winter
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Internship
Berkeley Lab Undergraduate Research (BLUR)
Department of Energy (DOE)
- Full-time
- Paid
- Apply in Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Quick Start
Your Next Steps
Ready to start your California state career? Follow these steps to begin.
Create Your CalCareers Account
Set up your profile on California’s official job site.
How to use CalCareers
Build Your California State Resume
Create a resume optimized for state job applications.
Build your resume
Learn About the Exams and Assessments
Many jobs in California state government require an exam or assessment.
Learn more about exams
Set Up Job Alerts
Learn how to get notified when positions matching your interests are posted.
Learn how to get alerts
For Advisors
Help students navigate California government careers with confidence
Are you an academic advisor or career coach? Learn how to get involved.
California Resources
All ResourcesCalifornia Internship Navigator
Find internships in California agencies and public sector organizations.
Use this resourceGuidance for Career Counselors
Support for advisors assisting students in California exploring state careers.
Use this resourceCalifornia Career Guides
Expert advice for California state roles, applications, and hiring.
Use this resourceCareer Progression Roadmap
Plan how California careers can bolster your long-term goals.
Use this resourceSkills-Based Pathways Guide
Positions in California that value skills and experience over degrees.
Use this resourceTransitioning to State Service
Guidance for transitioning to California public sector jobs.
Use this resource
