12.1 Career Opportunities in State Government

Ohio’s state government operates through a wide range of agencies that deliver services, regulate industries, and support communities. Each offers distinct career opportunities for people interested in public service.

Department of Administrative Services (DAS)

Mission & Role: Provides centralized services to state agencies, including procurement, human resources, IT, and facilities management.

Public Service Opportunities: Organizational management, procurement, technology support, HR, and facilities administration.

Department of Agriculture (ODA)

Mission & Role: Oversees food safety, farming standards, plant and animal health, and even amusement ride inspections.

Public Service Opportunities: Food inspection, agricultural policy, consumer protection, and environmental compliance.

Department of Children & Youth (DCY)

Mission & Role: Coordinates services for Ohio’s children, youth, and families, including early childhood programs, foster care, and adoption.

Public Service Opportunities: Child welfare, program administration, case management, policy development, and family support services.

Department of Commerce

Mission & Role: Regulates businesses, financial institutions, and markets. Its Division of Unclaimed Funds helps Ohioans reclaim lost or forgotten assets.

Public Service Opportunities: Regulatory enforcement, consumer outreach, financial services, and licensing oversight.

Department of Development (ODOD)

Mission & Role: Promotes economic growth and community development through workforce initiatives, business support, and housing programs.

Public Service Opportunities: Economic development, grant administration, housing programs, and business outreach.

Department of Education & Workforce (DEW)

Mission & Role: Oversees Ohio’s public schools, curriculum standards, and assessments, while also connecting education to workforce development.

Public Service Opportunities: Policy analysis, curriculum development, workforce alignment, and data systems.

Department of Health (ODH)

Mission & Role: Protects and improves public health through disease prevention, emergency preparedness, health inspections, and community health initiatives.

Public Service Opportunities: Epidemiology, health education, emergency management, regulatory enforcement, and program coordination.

Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)

Mission & Role: Administers programs such as unemployment insurance, Medicaid, food assistance, child support, and workforce development.

Public Service Opportunities: Social services, benefits administration, workforce programs, and policy implementation.

Department of Natural Resources (ODNR)

Mission & Role: Manages parks, forests, waterways, wildlife, and oversees mineral resources, dam safety, and recreational programs.

Public Service Opportunities: Conservation, environmental planning, outdoor recreation, and regulatory roles.

Department of Public Safety (ODPS)

Mission & Role: Promotes safety through emergency response coordination, homeland security, licensing, and oversight of the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Public Service Opportunities: Law enforcement, emergency management, highway safety, homeland security, and licensing.

Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC)

Mission & Role: Oversees Ohio’s prison system and rehabilitation programs for inmates.

Public Service Opportunities: Correctional management, rehabilitation services, parole supervision, and facility operations.

Department of Transportation (ODOT)

Mission & Role: Maintains Ohio’s highway system and supports public transit, aviation, and other transportation infrastructure.

Public Service Opportunities: Civil engineering, project management, transportation planning, and operations management.

Environmental Protection Agency (Ohio EPA)

Mission & Role: Enforces state and federal environmental laws, regulates pollution control, and manages emergency environmental response.

Public Service Opportunities: Environmental regulation, compliance, water and air quality analysis, and emergency response.

Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSHP) (Division of Public Safety)

Mission & Role: Enforces traffic laws, investigates crashes, and provides emergency and investigative support services.

Public Service Opportunities: Troopers, investigators, aviation support, and public safety communications.