12.3 Do I Have to Move to Columbus?

Not all state employees need to move to Columbus. While Columbus is the state capital and home to many state government offices, Ohio has a decentralized approach to state employment, with job opportunities spread across the state. Let’s explore opportunities in Northeast Ohio.  

State Jobs in Northeast Ohio  

• Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) – Positions for engineers, maintenance workers, and project managers in regional district offices and on infrastructure projects.

• Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – Roles in monitoring and enforcing environmental regulations, particularly in the region’s industrial areas.

• Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) – Jobs at state parks like Cleveland Lakefront State Park or in conservation efforts.

• Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) – Positions in workforce development, unemployment services, and social services.

• Ohio Lottery Commission – Headquarters in Cleveland, offering administrative and operational roles.

• Public Safety & Law Enforcement – Positions with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, parole officers, or roles in regional corrections facilities.

• Judicial Branch Opportunities – Clerk positions or legal staff roles in local courts connected to state systems.

State jobs outside Columbus allow residents to serve our state while benefiting from stable government employment.