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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Overview

Open roles138+
Top employerBooz Allen Hamilton
Top citySan Francisco, CA
Cities hiring73
Work type71% On-site
Top industryEducation

Showing 5 of 138+ Program Specialist jobs

YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Program Specialist
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YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Added 1d ago
Program Specialist
YOSEMITE COMMUNITY COLLEGE DISTRICT
Modesto, California
Corporate Training
Educational Administration
Learning & Development
$5,576 - $7,124/yr
Associate's degree in communications
1,001-5,000

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YMCA of the East Bay
Administrative Specialist (Early Childhood Impact Program)
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YMCA of the East Bay
Added 1d ago
Administrative Specialist (Early Childhood Impact Program)
YMCA of the East Bay
San Pablo, California
Business Operations
Program Management
Project Management
$32 - $33.33/hr
High school diploma or GED

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AAA Mountain West Group
Marketing Program Specialist
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AAA Mountain West Group
Added 1d ago
Marketing Program Specialist
AAA Mountain West Group
Walnut Creek, California
Brand Marketing
Growth Marketing
Marketing
$77k - $96k/yr
Bachelor of Science
1,001-5,000

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San Diego State University
Program Specialist I
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San Diego State University
Added 1d ago
Program Specialist I
San Diego State University
San Diego, California
Compliance & Legal
Procurement & Purchasing
Project Management
Bachelor's degree
1,001-5,000

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Stanford Health Care
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CLS), Cancer Center – Cellular Therapy/BMT Program
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Stanford Health Care
Added 2d ago
Clinical Nurse Specialist (CLS), Cancer Center – Cellular Therapy/BMT Program
Stanford Health Care
Palo Alto, California
Business Strategy
Compliance & Risk
Consulting & Professional Services
$91.68 - $121.48/hr
Doctoral degree
10,000+

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See All 138+ Program Specialist Jobs in California

Find roles in California that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.

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Program Specialist Jobs by City in California

Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.

San Francisco
15 jobs
San Diego
14 jobs
Los Angeles
10 jobs
El Segundo
5 jobs
Oakland
4 jobs
Palo Alto
4 jobs
Orange
3 jobs
San Jose
3 jobs
Ukiah
2 jobs

Program Specialist Job Market in California

A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.

Who's Hiring

Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton6 open roles
Children's Home Society of California
Children's Home Society of California5 open roles
L3Harris
L3Harris3 open roles

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