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Federal position ensuring safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of explosive materials, ammunition, and munitions at military installations, arsenals, and federal facilities.
2025 Base Pay (before locality adjustment)
| Grade | Step 1 | Step 2 | Step 3 | Step 4 | Step 5 | Step 6 | Step 7 | Step 8 | Step 9 | Step 10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
| GS-11 | $63,163 | $65,268 | $67,373 | $69,478 | $71,583 | $73,688 | $75,793 | $77,898 | $80,003 | $82,108 |
| GS-12 | $75,706 | $78,229 | $80,752 | $83,275 | $85,798 | $88,321 | $90,844 | $93,367 | $95,890 | $98,422 |
| GS-13 | $90,025 | $93,026 | $96,027 | $99,028 | $102,029 | $105,030 | $108,031 | $111,032 | $114,033 | $117,034 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0017
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal explosives safety position
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
Match your years of experience and education to the appropriate GS grade. Generally: GS-5 (entry), GS-7/9 (junior), GS-11/12 (journey), GS-13+ (senior).
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that transition to GS-0017
Direct translation to explosives safety. Highlight EOD operations, hazardous materials, and risk assessment.
Direct translation for explosives safety expertise. Army ammunition depots and defense agencies actively recruit 89Bs.
Direct translation. EOD experience is highly valued. Secret/TS clearance is major asset. Consider ATF, FBI, or DoD civilian positions.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Expert knowledge of explosives characteristics, classifications, and hazards.
Ability to evaluate explosives safety risks and recommend mitigation measures.
Knowledge of DoD, OSHA, and other explosives safety regulations.
Ability to conduct thorough safety inspections of explosives facilities.
Skill in investigating explosives mishaps and determining root causes.
Knowledge of explosives siting criteria and facility planning.
Ability to develop and deliver explosives safety training programs.
Skill in preparing safety reports, procedures, and documentation.
Ability to analyze complex safety issues and develop practical solutions.
Skill in explaining technical safety requirements to diverse audiences.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A GS-0017 Explosives Safety Specialist ensures the safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of explosive materials at federal facilities. These specialists inspect ammunition storage areas, develop safety procedures, investigate incidents, and train personnel on explosives safety at military installations, arsenals, and defense facilities.
Explosives Safety Specialists typically earn between $52,205 (GS-9 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Senior specialists and program managers at GS-14 can earn over $106,000 base pay. Locality adjustments add 15-30% depending on duty location.
GS-0017 positions require specialized experience in explosives safety, ammunition handling, or ordnance operations. While no specific degree is mandated, education in chemistry, physics, or engineering is beneficial. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of DoD explosives safety standards, quantity-distance calculations, and risk assessment methodologies.
Yes, military experience is ideal for Explosives Safety positions. Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians, ammunition specialists, weapons technicians, and ordnance handlers have directly transferable skills. Your military safety training, hands-on explosives experience, and understanding of DoD procedures provide excellent qualification for these positions.
Career progression typically moves from GS-9 (entry/developmental) through GS-11/12 (full performance) to GS-13/14 (senior specialist/program manager). Advancement requires demonstrated expertise in explosives safety program management, regulatory compliance, and complex facility evaluations. Opportunities exist across DoD, Department of Energy, and other agencies handling explosives.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Explosives Safety' or '0017' series. Positions are commonly found at military bases, ammunition depots, and defense agencies. Your federal resume should detail specific explosives handling experience, safety certifications, and knowledge of DoD 6055.09 standards. Veterans with EOD or ordnance backgrounds should highlight these specialties prominently.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.