People with STEM backgrounds have many relevant skills and experiences for local and state governments jobs, but it is not always clear how to find the right opportunities, translate skills, prepare to apply, and successfully showcase your talents in a sector that is very different from academia. This Playbook provides general information, tips, and resources that will help you bridge your understanding of government jobs and careers.
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.
Pro tip: 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.
Helpful resources: ESAL Playbook: Apply for a Local Policy Fellowship (a step-by-step guide) and the National Conference of State Legislature's list of active state fellowship programs
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:
Pro tip: 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.
Download the guide at the link below to guide you through finding jobs and building careers in local and state governments.
This July, ESAL is offering a way for you to take your learning to the next level by connecting with other civic-minded people in STEM. We will host our first learning cohort for The Toolkit from July 6th to 31st, 2026. Participants in the cohort get access to the course materials week by week and receive access to weekly discussion sessions to go deeper.
Share this with your networkTweetAs shifting federal priorities lead to widespread job displacement, STEM professionals have new opportunities to apply their expertise in local and state government roles. This webinar connects job seekers with expert career advisors who will share targeted strategies for navigating the public sector job market—from where to search and how to […]
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.
