Landing a job in local government can be a rewarding path for people who are interested in a career in policy or public service. According to the U.S. census, there are over 90,000 different local government organizations in the U.S., including states, counties, municipalities, school districts, special districts and townships. As a local government employee, you can help inform and enact policy decisions within these organizations, and can contribute to public programs that have a huge impact on people's’ everyday lives. Scientists and engineers are often strong candidates for positions in state and local government, bringing not just deep expertise, but also skills in analyzing and synthesizing information, managing multi level projects, and communicating complex content to a variety of audiences.
Many state and local governments are organized similarly to the federal government structures. Before you apply, though, consider reviewing ESAL's Civics 101 highlighting basics of local governments. Research some of the current work your local governments are implementing and follow work that interests you.
If you do not see an opportunity that directly aligns with your interests but want to stay informed about openings with governments, consider researching your state or municipality's civil service exam. By taking the exam, what opportunities open up for you? People who take and pass these exams and placed onto civil service lists, which make you eligible for various openings in local governments.
Review and update your CV or resume to align with what your government is seeking. Once you identify an opportunity, review the tasks listed in the job description, identify your relevant skills and experiences, and feature them in a concise resume.
Related, customize your cover letter to explain how your STEM training uniquely prepares you for filling a specific role with your local government.
When you can, seek another opinion. Ask a colleague to review the job description and your application materials together.
Fellowships are one option for launching a career in public service. Local science and technology policy fellowships typically place scientists and engineers in legislative committees, policymaker's offices, executive branch departments, or governmental advisory bodies to work as expert staff. For more information check out the following resources:
As a scientist or engineer, you already have a wealth of skills and expertise that you can leverage to apply directly to jobs in state and local government. Start by exploring what opportunities are out there that match your interests and experience. Places to look include:
Find additional local organizations and STEM professionals with whom you might network on ESAL’s Local STEM Database and Local Engagement Map.
For additional advice on finding and applying to jobs, and transitioning to a career in science policy or public service, see:
For more inspiration, check out the blog articles below, which feature a variety of people with backgrounds in STEM who have built their careers in state or local government.
ESAL interviews James Nachbaur, the Director of the Office of Research, Planning, and Performance within California State's Water Resources Control Board about his involvement with environmental policy and clean energy policy and the steps that brought him to this point in his policy career.
Julie Palakovich Carr is the only biologist with an advanced degree in the Maryland General Assembly, where she has been a representative since 2019. Learn more about the high-impact role of an elected official and the advantages that a scientific background affords policy makers.
Learn about how, founder and executive director of the Illinois Science Council, Monica Metzler uses her legal training and writing background from working with the Illinois House of Representatives and Democratic National Convention to make science concepts clear and accessible to the public.
Share this with your networkTweetJoin Engineers & Scientists Acting Locally and the Ecological Society of America to learn how science and policy intersect to protect waterways, hear from local advocates for ecologically sound practices, and discuss the potential impact of an ongoing Supreme Court Case. Rain fills our rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, but how does it get there? Wetlands […]
Information technology PhD student Xu Han recalls his experience building a data processing pipeline for analyzing data from the Office of Recovery Services at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and to better serve the people of Virginia.
Aimee Bailey's interest in climate change took her from a Ph.D. in condensed matter physics to the local energy utility sector. She now leads a portfolio of electrification initiatives as the director of decarbonization and grid innovation at Silicon Valley Clean Energy.
Nigel Jacob, a Ph.D. computer scientist, co-chairs the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM) where he oversees local initiatives and innovative projects in Boston's mayoral office. Jacob spoke to ESAL about how MONUM brings an entrepreneurial spirit to Boston’s local bureaucracy.
