Here’s Where the Jobs Are, How to Apply, and LookyLOO Reviews of Each State.
As the impact of federal budget cuts, hiring freezes, and layoffs is increasingly felt, some state governments are seizing the moment — offering options for laid-off federal workers to use their skills in a continuing public service capacity. With experience in everything from policy analysis to cybersecurity, displaced federal employees bring a unique skill set that states are eager to tap. The result? A wave of state-led recruitment efforts aimed squarely at federal workers facing job loss and insecurity.
If you’re a federal employee bracing for change — or you’ve recently been laid off — several states are making it easier to transition into state government work. Below, we’ve rounded up which states are actively recruiting, what kinds of jobs they’re offering, and where to apply.
Virginia — "We Value Your Federal Experience" Program
Website: Virginia Has Jobs. The state is home to thousands of federal workers and has launched a dedicated initiative to recruit laid-off federal employees into state roles. The Commonwealth is targeting areas like IT, finance, engineering, healthcare, and public safety — all sectors where federal expertise translates directly.
Opportunities Highlight:
- IT & Cybersecurity (Virginia Information Technologies Agency)
- Healthcare Administration (Department of Health)
- Public Safety and Corrections
- Environmental Policy and Transportation Planning
The state’s website also offers a skills-matching tool to align your federal experience with current state job openings.
Check out LookyLOO's Review of Virginia to learn more about living in the state that Is For Lovers!
Maryland — Priority Hiring for Federal Employees
Website: Response Maryland: is giving federal workers a fast track into state jobs by offering "priority applicant" status. This can give laid-off federal employees an edge in hiring pools, especially for positions in healthcare, education, transportation, and environmental management.
Opportunities Highlight:
- Public Health Roles
- Education Program Management
- Environmental Science and Regulation
- Transportation Engineering and Infrastructure
Federal workers should flag their status when applying for access priority consideration.
Check out LookyLOO's Review of Maryland to learn more about living in "Little America".
North Carolina — Federal to State Career Bridge
Website: Join North Carolina: North Carolina’s Office of State Human Resources has set up a dedicated “Federal to State Career Bridge” program. The initiative includes resume workshops, virtual job fairs, and job listings designed for federal transition candidates.
Opportunities Highlight:
- Cybersecurity and IT roles
- Disaster Recovery and Emergency Management
- Healthcare and Public Health
- Economic Development and Planning
NC’s site also provides information on pension portability and benefits comparison to help federal employees evaluate the move.
Check out LookyLOO's Review of North Carolina to learn more about living in the Tar Heel State.
Colorado — State Careers for Federal Talent
Website: Careers Colorado is actively promoting its openings to federal employees, focusing on natural resources, environmental agencies, and technology roles. The state highlights work-life balance and hybrid/remote options.
Opportunities Highlight:
- Environmental Science and Parks Management
- IT Systems and Cloud Infrastructure
- Transportation Planning and Safety
- Public Health and Behavioral Health Services
Check out LookyLOO's review of Colorado to learn more about living in the Rocky Mountain State.
Washington State — From Federal to State: Continue Your Service
Website: Work That Matters: Washington State emphasizes continuity of public service with targeted outreach to federal workers in defense, tech, and environmental fields. The state is also offering special information sessions and hiring fairs.
Opportunities Highlight:
- Aerospace and Defense Industry Support Roles
- Cybersecurity and Digital Services
- Climate and Environmental Policy
- Healthcare, including behavioral health and public health nursing
Applicants can filter roles tagged as "federal transition-friendly" directly on the job portal.
Check out LookyLOO's Review of Washington to learn more about living in the Evergreen State.
Considering a Move? States Are Competing for Your Skills
With several states making it easier to jump from federal to state service, this could be an opportunity to rethink where you live and work — especially if you’re open to relocating for the right role. Many of these states also offer relocation assistance or flexible remote options.
Bookmark this guide and check back — we’ll update as more states roll out federal worker transition programs. If you're weighing your options, LookyLOO is here to help you find the right city, culture, and lifestyle fit alongside your next job.