Government Jobs in California with H-1B Sponsorship
Government H-1B sponsorship jobs in California span federal agencies, state departments, research institutions, and public universities. Major employers include NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, UC system campuses, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and California state agencies. Sacramento, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area concentrate the most opportunities, particularly for engineers, scientists, IT specialists, and policy analysts.
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Company Description
Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below.
Application Opening: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
The application filing period will be open at least through Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM and will close at any time thereafter.
Compensation Range: $223,860 to $285,610 annually (Range A)
Recruitment ID: RTF0164867/PEX 0954-01156013
Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt
This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive civil service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the appointing officer.
Public Works currently has a vacancy for the position of Deputy Director of Support Services (0954 Deputy Director IV)
San Francisco Public Works has a far-reaching portfolio with a $453 million annual operating budget, an active capital portfolio that exceeds $3 billion and a workforce of 1,700-plus employees. The department operates around the clock, touching every neighborhood in San Francisco. The staff designs and manages the construction of civic buildings and streets; cleans and greens the right of way; maintains civic buildings; manages multi-million-dollar bond programs; trains people for jobs; keeps the right of way free of hazards; paves the roads; repairs bridges and public stairways; expands accessibility; and works at the forefront addressing some of San Francisco’s biggest challenges. With a mission to enhance the quality of life in San Francisco for residents, visitors and business owners, Public Works is committed to providing outstanding public service through an equity lens.
Please visit the “About Us” section of our website to learn more about the department’s core values, Racial Equity Initiative, leadership team, history, budget and more.
Job Description
The Deputy Director of Support Services for San Francisco Public Works serves under the broad direction of the Director of Public Works and assists with developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan and ensuring that the goals, vision, mission and values of the department are aligned and advanced throughout the department. The role of the Deputy Director of Support Services is to responsibly carry out complex assignments from the Director of Public Works to accomplish the most vital objectives. The ideal candidate will be able to research and analyze multifaceted municipal policy issues with a deep understanding of the City’s political landscape; the needs and demands of a diverse constituency, including residents, partner City departments, businesses, advocacy groups, elected officials and organized labor; the legal and financial complexities of local government; and the evolving post-COVID economic environment. The Deputy Director of Support Services must be a collaborative team player who can manage varied and complex assignments with minimal supervision. Strong communication skills are key.
The Deputy Director of Support Services must be a good listener who is curious, open to new ideas and a strong implementer of process and organizational changes. The ability to make tough decisions based on sound reasoning is essential to advance the strategic goals of the department and the City and County of San Francisco. The Deputy Director of Support Services must be able to implement difficult and unpopular decisions that may not always have full support from staff.
The Deputy Director of Support Services must embody the highest ethical standards to champion good governance and earn the public's trust. The Deputy Director of Support Services should be a willing and exceptionally well-informed champion of San Francisco Public Works, value public service and lead with empathy in what often can be a high-demand, fast-paced work environment packed with both challenges and opportunities.
Important and Essential Duties:
As the Deputy Director of Support Services your duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Act as a key strategic partner to the Director with developing and identifying solutions to challenges.
- Work effectively with the Public Works Director and be able to independently develop consequential policies and procedures and ensure implementation.
- Provide strategic oversight of the Human Resources division to ensure it provides exceptional services and supports our core business goals.
- Manage large, often cross-functional, organization-wide projects or initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with the Executive Team to set strategic priorities, identify areas where leaders should direct their focus and set metrics for success, and then revisit those metrics regularly and evaluate progress based on them.
- Create and improve processes and operations within the organization. Analyze current procedures, structures and policies to determine the overall effectiveness of bureaus within the department.
- Discuss operational objectives with managers to make informed recommendations to improve the bureaus.
- Contribute to creating a high-performing organization by successfully engaging with staff and managing key projects on behalf of the Executive Team.
- Serve as a strategy partner to the Director and the Executive Team, providing insight that is both analytical and qualitative on the organization’s operations and key decisions.
- Bring together important stakeholders and help drive decisions, ensure alignment with department and City goals and objectives and follow up on action items to ensure timely progress; track impact on department operations.
- Support the Director to ensure execution of the department’s collaboration with other City departments and government agencies to address challenging street conditions, including unhoused populations.
- Serve as liaison between Public Works and Commissions, the Mayor’s Office, the Board of Supervisors, government panels and agencies, community organizations, business interests and other stakeholders.
- Assist the Director in implementing and supporting the department’s Racial Equity Action Plan and empower racial equity leaders on staff to ensure that action items are performed, tracked and transparent.
- Support the strategic planning of the department’s organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems required to accomplish the department’s mission effectively and efficiently.
- Oversee the department’s employee and organizational development group, University of Public Works.
- Provide strategic leadership for the staff within the Human Resources, Training & Development, and Workforce Development sections.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in coursework such as public administration, public policy, social work, urban planning, business management, or a related field.
Experience:
Six (6) years of management experience leading organization-wide initiatives, directing cross-departmental operations, and implementing strategic priorities within a large government organization. All of the qualifying experience must include supervisory.
Education Substitution:
Qualifying experience as described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two (2) years. (One year of work experience is equal to 30 semester or 45 quarter units).
Desirable Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in business administration, finance, public administration, public policy, or related field.
- Prior public sector management experience including familiarity with the public budgeting process, human resources management, public contracting process, construction and operational delivery, and working in a unionized workplace bound by civil service rules.
- Prior experience working within or in partnership with the City & County of San Francisco.
- Experience managing or working with Human Resources programs.
- Experience with staff and organizational development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience with public speaking and making public presentations; strong group facilitation skills.
- Organized, self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to effectively manage competing priorities to meet external timelines.
- Able to quickly pivot with changing priorities and maintain a professional and calm demeanor under pressure and amid high-stress situations.
- Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with high emotional intelligence and diplomacy.
Verification:
Please make sure your application is complete and demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#verification
All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included in your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.
Note:
Any misrepresentation or falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Additional Information
What else should I know?
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About The Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Veterans Preference
- Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the analyst Reshma Shelke at reshma.shelke@sfdpw.org
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

Company Description
Specific information regarding this recruitment process is listed below.
Application Opening: Wednesday, April 1, 2026
Application Deadline: Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM PST
The application filing period will be open at least through Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 5:00 PM and will close at any time thereafter.
Compensation Range: $223,860 to $285,610 annually (Range A)
Recruitment ID: RTF0164867/PEX 0954-01156013
Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt
This position is excluded by the Charter from the competitive civil service examination process and shall serve at the discretion of the appointing officer.
Public Works currently has a vacancy for the position of Deputy Director of Support Services (0954 Deputy Director IV)
San Francisco Public Works has a far-reaching portfolio with a $453 million annual operating budget, an active capital portfolio that exceeds $3 billion and a workforce of 1,700-plus employees. The department operates around the clock, touching every neighborhood in San Francisco. The staff designs and manages the construction of civic buildings and streets; cleans and greens the right of way; maintains civic buildings; manages multi-million-dollar bond programs; trains people for jobs; keeps the right of way free of hazards; paves the roads; repairs bridges and public stairways; expands accessibility; and works at the forefront addressing some of San Francisco’s biggest challenges. With a mission to enhance the quality of life in San Francisco for residents, visitors and business owners, Public Works is committed to providing outstanding public service through an equity lens.
Please visit the “About Us” section of our website to learn more about the department’s core values, Racial Equity Initiative, leadership team, history, budget and more.
Job Description
The Deputy Director of Support Services for San Francisco Public Works serves under the broad direction of the Director of Public Works and assists with developing and implementing the department’s strategic plan and ensuring that the goals, vision, mission and values of the department are aligned and advanced throughout the department. The role of the Deputy Director of Support Services is to responsibly carry out complex assignments from the Director of Public Works to accomplish the most vital objectives. The ideal candidate will be able to research and analyze multifaceted municipal policy issues with a deep understanding of the City’s political landscape; the needs and demands of a diverse constituency, including residents, partner City departments, businesses, advocacy groups, elected officials and organized labor; the legal and financial complexities of local government; and the evolving post-COVID economic environment. The Deputy Director of Support Services must be a collaborative team player who can manage varied and complex assignments with minimal supervision. Strong communication skills are key.
The Deputy Director of Support Services must be a good listener who is curious, open to new ideas and a strong implementer of process and organizational changes. The ability to make tough decisions based on sound reasoning is essential to advance the strategic goals of the department and the City and County of San Francisco. The Deputy Director of Support Services must be able to implement difficult and unpopular decisions that may not always have full support from staff.
The Deputy Director of Support Services must embody the highest ethical standards to champion good governance and earn the public's trust. The Deputy Director of Support Services should be a willing and exceptionally well-informed champion of San Francisco Public Works, value public service and lead with empathy in what often can be a high-demand, fast-paced work environment packed with both challenges and opportunities.
Important and Essential Duties:
As the Deputy Director of Support Services your duties may include but are not limited to the following:
- Act as a key strategic partner to the Director with developing and identifying solutions to challenges.
- Work effectively with the Public Works Director and be able to independently develop consequential policies and procedures and ensure implementation.
- Provide strategic oversight of the Human Resources division to ensure it provides exceptional services and supports our core business goals.
- Manage large, often cross-functional, organization-wide projects or initiatives.
- Work collaboratively with the Executive Team to set strategic priorities, identify areas where leaders should direct their focus and set metrics for success, and then revisit those metrics regularly and evaluate progress based on them.
- Create and improve processes and operations within the organization. Analyze current procedures, structures and policies to determine the overall effectiveness of bureaus within the department.
- Discuss operational objectives with managers to make informed recommendations to improve the bureaus.
- Contribute to creating a high-performing organization by successfully engaging with staff and managing key projects on behalf of the Executive Team.
- Serve as a strategy partner to the Director and the Executive Team, providing insight that is both analytical and qualitative on the organization’s operations and key decisions.
- Bring together important stakeholders and help drive decisions, ensure alignment with department and City goals and objectives and follow up on action items to ensure timely progress; track impact on department operations.
- Support the Director to ensure execution of the department’s collaboration with other City departments and government agencies to address challenging street conditions, including unhoused populations.
- Serve as liaison between Public Works and Commissions, the Mayor’s Office, the Board of Supervisors, government panels and agencies, community organizations, business interests and other stakeholders.
- Assist the Director in implementing and supporting the department’s Racial Equity Action Plan and empower racial equity leaders on staff to ensure that action items are performed, tracked and transparent.
- Support the strategic planning of the department’s organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems required to accomplish the department’s mission effectively and efficiently.
- Oversee the department’s employee and organizational development group, University of Public Works.
- Provide strategic leadership for the staff within the Human Resources, Training & Development, and Workforce Development sections.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
Education:
Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in coursework such as public administration, public policy, social work, urban planning, business management, or a related field.
Experience:
Six (6) years of management experience leading organization-wide initiatives, directing cross-departmental operations, and implementing strategic priorities within a large government organization. All of the qualifying experience must include supervisory.
Education Substitution:
Qualifying experience as described above may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-for-year basis, up to a maximum of two (2) years. (One year of work experience is equal to 30 semester or 45 quarter units).
Desirable Qualifications:
- Advanced degree in business administration, finance, public administration, public policy, or related field.
- Prior public sector management experience including familiarity with the public budgeting process, human resources management, public contracting process, construction and operational delivery, and working in a unionized workplace bound by civil service rules.
- Prior experience working within or in partnership with the City & County of San Francisco.
- Experience managing or working with Human Resources programs.
- Experience with staff and organizational development.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; experience with public speaking and making public presentations; strong group facilitation skills.
- Organized, self-directed, detail-oriented, and able to effectively manage competing priorities to meet external timelines.
- Able to quickly pivot with changing priorities and maintain a professional and calm demeanor under pressure and amid high-stress situations.
- Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with high emotional intelligence and diplomacy.
Verification:
Please make sure your application is complete and demonstrates how you meet the minimum qualifications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. More information can be found at: https://sfdhr.org/information-about-hiring-process#verification
All work experience, education, training and other information substantiating how you meet the minimum qualifications must be included in your application by the filing deadline. Information submitted after the filing deadline will not be considered in determining whether you meet the minimum qualifications.
Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.
Note:
Any misrepresentation or falsifying one's education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco.
Additional Information
What else should I know?
Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:
- Information About The Hiring Process
- Conviction History
- Employee Benefits Overview
- Equal Employment Opportunity
- Disaster Service Worker
- ADA Accommodation
- Veterans Preference
- Seniority Credit in Promotional Exams
- Right to Work
- Copies of Application Documents
- Diversity Statement
Statement on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion:
At the City and County of San Francisco, we share a commitment to a diverse, inclusive and equitable community. Each member of our organization is responsible and accountable for what they say and do to make San Francisco an inclusive and equitable place to live and work by employing fair and just practices to and for all.
Applicants will receive a confirmation email that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the analyst Reshma Shelke at reshma.shelke@sfdpw.org
The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.
Job Roles in Government in California
See all 765+ Government California jobs
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Get Access To All JobsFrequently Asked Questions
Which government employers in California sponsor H-1B visas?
Federal agencies with major California operations frequently sponsor H-1B workers, including NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Lawrence Berkeley and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratories, and various Department of Defense installations. The University of California and California State University systems are also consistent H-1B sponsors, as are state-level agencies in information technology and public health. National laboratories are particularly active sponsors for research and engineering roles.
Which cities in California have the most government H-1B sponsorship jobs?
Sacramento has the highest concentration of state government H-1B positions, housing California's executive agencies and major IT departments. The Bay Area follows closely, anchored by federal research institutions and UC Berkeley. Los Angeles offers significant opportunities through federal agencies, JPL, and the UC system. San Diego's strong federal defense and research presence also generates consistent H-1B sponsorship activity across government-affiliated organizations.
What types of government roles in California typically qualify for H-1B sponsorship?
Roles that qualify as specialty occupations are the most commonly sponsored. In California's government sector, these include software engineers and IT specialists in state technology agencies, research scientists at national laboratories, biostatisticians and epidemiologists in public health departments, environmental engineers at regulatory agencies, and data analysts supporting policy functions. Positions requiring at least a bachelor's degree in a specific technical or scientific field are the strongest candidates for H-1B sponsorship.
How do I find government H-1B sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate is built specifically for international job seekers and filters government H-1B sponsorship jobs in California by employer, role type, and location. Rather than manually researching which agencies sponsor visas, you can browse verified sponsorship opportunities directly. Searching for government and public sector roles in California on Migrate Mate surfaces employers with documented H-1B sponsorship histories, saving significant time in your job search.
Are there any state-specific considerations for H-1B sponsorship in California's government sector?
California's public universities, including the UC and CSU systems, are cap-exempt H-1B employers, meaning they can file petitions year-round without being subject to the annual H-1B lottery. Federal agencies and national laboratories are similarly cap-exempt. This is a meaningful distinction for international workers who missed a lottery cycle, as these institutions can hire H-1B workers at any point during the year rather than waiting for the next registration period.
What is the prevailing wage for H-1B government jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.
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