Program Specialist Jobs in California
Program Specialist jobs in California are among the most active in the country, concentrated in state and local government agencies, large healthcare systems, higher education, and nonprofits, with openings at every level from entry-level coordinators to senior program leads. The biggest hiring volume is in Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area, where organizations like Kaiser Permanente, the University of California system, and the California Department of Social Services maintain consistent program specialist headcount. The most in-demand specialties include workforce development, public health program administration, and grant-funded social services. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Appointments are hired at the first step of the range. The second step is paid after the first year of satisfactory service with subsequent steps annually thereafter to a maximum sixth step.
Workplace: COLUMBIA COLLEGE, SONORA CA
40 hours per week, 12 months per year
Monday through Friday: 8:00am – 4:30pm
(Evening and weekend hours may be required)
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED
Knowledge of:
- Advanced technical administrative practices and processes.
- Principles and practices of supervision and leadership.
- Advanced technical instructional and tutoring practices.
- Advanced public relations and marketing practices as they pertain to college programs.
- Specialized issues, procedures, and techniques pertaining to the operation of a specially funded student program.
- Complex and specialized laws, regulations and requirements of the assigned program.
- Modern use of publications to achieve marketing goals.
- College instructional goals and objectives.
- English usage, spelling, grammar, punctuation and arithmetical processes.
- Computerized data management, storage and retrieval systems.
Ability to:
- Plan, coordinate and perform advanced technical duties pertaining to the assigned student program.
- Interpret and understand the college mission and present that message effectively.
- Interpret and ensure the implementation of specialized laws, policies and regulations pertaining to the assigned program.
- Use proper English grammar, spelling and punctuation; perform arithmetical calculations with speed and accuracy.
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work.
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Pattern I
- Three years equivalent to a Program Technician at YCCD.
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Pattern II
- Education: Possession of an associate’s degree from an accredited college or university, with major course work in counseling, communications, sociology, marketing, business administration or a closely related field.
- Experience: Five years performing program administrative and related support duties, including at least three years of technical experience pertaining to specialized programs such as those offering disability services, employment assistance, academic enrichment and/or other services, and including direct interaction with program participants.
- Depending on the assignment of the position, it may be necessary for the above-required experience to have been in a specific program area.
- Plans, coordinates and performs advanced technical and administrative duties pertaining to specialized District programs; coordinates the technical administrative aspects of program planning and development.
- Coordinates and performs complex customer relations work to educate and market program services to businesses, organizations, potential program participants and the general public; performs needs assessments of organizational needs in order to develop and/or modify program goals; secures faculty and develops curriculum concepts; monitors progress and evaluates whether program outcomes meet customer needs.
- Serves as a lead worker; plans, coordinates and monitors the work of subordinate technical and clerical support staff; schedules, assigns and monitors the activities of part-time and/or student workers.
- Plans and coordinates special program events and activities such as field trips, tutoring sessions and cultural/educational enrichment activities; reviews and approves logistics and itineraries.
- Serves as a technical resource to others regarding the most complex program activities and issues; serves as the District liaison with outside agencies, groups and individuals regarding program issues and activities.
- Coordinates and/or oversees the day-to-day operations of a program office or site.
- Performs comprehensive case management services for program participants; matches students with program services; networks with other service providers and makes appropriate referrals.
- Plans and coordinates outreach programs and activities; plans and coordinates visits, as well as the use of office space, by employers, college representatives and others.
- Plans, presents and delivers oral and visual presentations, orientations, workshops and seminars to students or community members on behalf of the program; meets with employers to promote and offer job employment services from the college; participates on committees and task forces as assigned.
- Plans and coordinates special activities, field trips, job fairs, on campus recruitments and other events; maintains master calendars; prepares informational newsletters and bulletins, highlighting upcoming events.
- Oversees and monitors student participation in assigned programs and services; monitors and evaluates program activities and procedures; plans, develops and presents recommendations to improve technical methods and techniques of program administration.
- Performs complex research on internal and external data, methods, mechanisms and processes; performs advanced technical data analyses and comparisons; compiles, prepares and presents data to management for evaluation.
- Enters, maintains, tracks, evaluates and presents complex data maintained in manual and/or automated systems; develops and runs complex computerized queries; tabulates and summarizes data; identifies trends and concerns; prepares summary reports.
- Explains and interprets complex program policies, regulations and operational procedures to persons contacting the office such as faculty, students, staff and the general public.
- Reviews, verifies and processes program-related forms, applications and other documents based on applicable laws, regulations, policies and procedures; determines program/service eligibility; performs follow-up actions as needed.
- Meets with program participants to collect and review transcripts, test scores and other academic progress documents; provides technical information regarding transfer requirements and/or career goals; reviews and tracks progress related to educational and career plans; assists program participants in completing college enrollment, financial aid, scholarship and other applications.
- Organizes, plans and develops work accomplishment time lines.
- Develops, prepares, recommends and monitors budgets for assigned functions; initiates appropriation, expenditure and revenue transfers and budget revisions; monitors expenditures to ensure fiscal integrity; compiles, analyzes, calculates and retrieves budget reports.
- Maintains supply and equipment inventories; recommends needed purchases; prepares purchase requisitions; receives and processes invoices and forwards for payment.
- Establishes and maintains complex file and record systems, including those for confidential and sensitive materials.
- Independently responds to complex inquiries and correspondence; prepares information and data requested for administrative review; prepares reports, files, correspondence and other documents; may develop and prepare visual presentations, flyers, and graphic materials; may update web pages.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- A valid license to drive in California is required.
- Mobility: ability to sit for long periods, move about an office, stand occasionally, reach above and below desk level.
- Dexterity: fine manipulation sufficient to operate a keyboard, handle individual papers, write and take notes.
- Lifting: frequent lifting of papers, files, equipment and material weighing up to 10 pounds.
- Visual Requirements: close vision sufficient to read files, documents, and computer screens and do close-up work; ability to adjust focus frequently.
- Hearing/Talking: ability to hear normal speech, speak and hear on the telephone, and speak in person.
- Emotional/Psychological Factors: ability to make decisions and concentrate; frequent contact with others including some public contact; frequent deadlines and time-limited assignments.
TYPICAL WORKING CONDITIONS
- Work is generally performed in a standard office environment.
https://www.yosemite.edu/recruitment/employmentopportunities/
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Classified:
This is a classified bargaining unit position.
SELECTION PROCEDURES
Only online application packets will be accepted including:
- YCCD Administrative online application, including contact information for at least three professional references .
- Resume
- Personal letter of interest
Only online application packets will be accepted.
Applications will be reviewed by a screening committee which will select candidates to be interviewed.
Those applicants selected for personal interview will be notified by email or phone. In accordance with Board policy official offers of employment will be made only by the Chancellor or Vice Chancellor/Human Resources, YCCD. Final appointment is subject to confirmation by the Board of Trustees.
Federal law requires the District employ only US citizens and aliens authorized to work in the United States. Written verification of employment eligibility is required.
BACKGROUND CHECK: A background investigation of new employees is required, including reference checks and a state criminal history report. Employment will not begin until the history check has been cleared by Human Resources. The cost for the criminal history report will be the responsibility of the successful candidate.
The District may hire more than one applicant from this applicant pool.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.
The Yosemite Community College District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
It is the policy of Yosemite Community College District (Modesto Junior College and Columbia College) not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex or disability in its educational programs and its employment practices. YCCD BP 3410 Nondiscrimination can be found at: https://www.yosemite.edu/trustees/board_policy/3410%20Nondiscrimination.pdf
Title IX Sexual Harassment regulations define Title IX Sexual Harassment to include four terms “as defined in” the Clery Act and the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA): Sexual Assault, Dating Violence, Domestic Violence, and Stalking.
In accordance with 34 C.F.R. §§ 100.6(d), 104.8, and 106.9; and 28 C.F.R. § 35.106, the following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding Title IX, Section 504/Title II policies:
District Title IX/Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator
Yosemite Community College District
2201 Blue Gum Ave., Modesto, CA 95358
See All 138+ Program Specialist Jobs in California
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Specialist Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Medical Devices
- Science & Research
- Technology & Software
- Healthcare & Medical Services
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program specialist jobs across California.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, or a related field required
- Experience managing or coordinating government or nonprofit program operations in California
- Familiarity with California state reporting requirements and compliance documentation processes
- Proficiency with case management systems and database tools used in California agencies
- Strong written communication skills for grant reports, policy briefs, and stakeholder updates
- Ability to work across multiple California county or regional offices and partner agencies
Program Specialist Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in California?
Most program specialist roles in California require a bachelor's degree in public administration, social work, public health, or a related field, though many state agency positions accept equivalent experience. California state government positions are filled through the California Department of Human Resources exam and certification process, and candidates must pass the relevant civil service exam before being placed on an eligibility list. Roles in healthcare or behavioral health may also require licensure from the California Board of Behavioral Sciences or a comparable body.
Which companies hire program specialists in California?
Companies currently hiring program specialists in California include Booz Allen Hamilton, Children's Home Society of California, and L3Harris, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. California's large public sector, UC and CSU campuses, and major nonprofit and managed care organizations also account for a significant share of consistent statewide hiring.
Which California cities have the most program specialist jobs?
The California cities with the most program specialist openings are San Francisco, San Diego, and Los Angeles. Sacramento leads because of its concentration of state government agencies and regulatory bodies, Los Angeles draws volume from its large county health and social services departments and nonprofit sector, and the Bay Area reflects demand from public health agencies, tech-adjacent nonprofits, and the University of California system.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in California?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles. About 29% of program specialist openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, reflecting how much of the work centers on reporting, coordination, and stakeholder communication rather than in-person service delivery. Grant administration, data reporting, and policy coordination roles tend to offer the most remote flexibility, while positions tied to direct client services or field program oversight are more likely to require on-site presence.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through California's civil service system, where junior or associate-level program titles like Program Technician or Staff Services Analyst are specifically designed for candidates without direct program specialist experience. Large county health and social services departments in Los Angeles and Sacramento regularly hire entry-level coordinators, and UC and CSU campuses run coordinator and program assistant roles that feed into specialist tracks. A relevant bachelor's degree, volunteer work with California nonprofits, or experience in adjacent roles like case manager or grants coordinator strengthens an application significantly.
Where can I find and apply to program specialist jobs in California?
You can find and apply to program specialist jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across state agencies, healthcare systems, nonprofits, and private employers. Search the listings, find the roles that match your background and location, and apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 138+ Program Specialist Jobs in California
Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist Jobs