How easy is it to find a State or Federal IT Job in Sacramento? (Homeland: contractors)

[Downtown Dave]

I am thinking about moving from Texas to California.

My previous job was working as a basic System Administrator as a contractor for the Department of Homeland Security. I was not a federal employee.

I like working for the government because they treat you as a human being instead of some cost that needs to be slashed or eliminated.

My questions are:

1. How easy is it to get a State or Federal IT job in Sacramento? I have basic System/Network Administrator skills but if I have to do Desktop Support for a while that is fine.

2. Are State/Federal IT jobs in Sacramento government positions or are they contracted out to a private company. At my previous workplace, it was a mix of government/contractor - with the contractors doing all the work.

[MyNewsLogin]

For the State, jobs are available but the pay is below private industry, in some cases far below. Look at calhr.ca.gov for the Information Systems Analyst series (specifications can be found at Information Systems Analyst Series - CalHR) and the Systems Software Specialist series (specifications - Systems Software Specialist Series - CalHR). Exams for both are available on-line. The hiring process can take a long time so be prepared to be patient.


As for whether the duties are contracted out - that depends on the department. I have worked with departments with all contractors, with no contractors, and a mix of employees and contractors.


Good luck in your search.

[LakeLifePA]

Federal IT pays well, and the benefits are great. It's difficult to get into most agencies though unless you know someone or are at least a veteran. However, the US Courts have direct hire authority and often times will hire off the street. In fact, my agency just hired a position in Sacramento that paid to around 100k for an assistant computer administrator. Check out the judicial website here:

Search Judiciary Jobs | United States Courts

Good luck.