Chapter 21 – State Government Careers

21.1 Jobs Found in Most Agencies

Careers in Ohio state government often share themes across agencies. Most departments need employees who can manage programs, budgets, and staff. Administrative roles are common, with people coordinating operations.

Financial and human resources positions are found throughout state government. Budget analysts and accountants monitor how money is spent, while procurement officers handle the purchase of goods and services that agencies need to operate. Procurement means acquiring items such as technology, vehicles, or contracts with outside vendors in a way that is cost-effective and transparent.

Human resources professionals recruit and train employees and support the workforce. Policy and program staff also play a key role by turning state laws into services, whether through health programs, education initiatives, or safety standards.

These themes show that while each agency has its own mission, the types of jobs that support those missions are often similar. This makes it possible to build a career that moves across departments while continuing to serve the public.

Common job titles include:

  • Program Administrator – Oversees the daily operation of a program and ensures it meets agency goals.
  • Budget Analyst – Tracks spending, prepares reports, and helps plan how state funds will be used.
  • Procurement Officer – Purchases goods and services for agencies while following state rules for fairness and cost control.
  • Human Resources Specialist – Recruits employees, manages benefits, and supports training and development.
  • Policy Analyst – Studies laws and regulations and recommends how they should be implemented.

These positions appear in many different agencies, giving students flexibility to move across departments while building a career in public service.

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Public Service Careers by Clayton Wukich, Ph.D. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.

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