Home / Federal careers / GS-0017
Explosives Safety
Federal position ensuring safe handling, storage, transportation, and disposal of explosive materials, ammunition, and munitions at military installations, arsenals, and federal facilities.
What GS-0017 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0017, as written.
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0017
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Military jobs that map to this series
Explosive Ordnance Disposal
Direct translation to explosives safety. Highlight EOD operations, hazardous materials, and risk assessment.
Skills that carry over: EOD Operations, Hazardous Materials, Risk Assessment, Technical Procedures, Training.
Usually opens at: GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Technician
Explosives Safety. Direct match — EOD techs are the military's foremost explosives safety experts. DDESB, ammunition storage, and range safety roles.
Skills that carry over: Explosives handling, Safety protocols, Risk assessment, Regulatory compliance, Hazard classification.
Usually opens at: GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13.
Ammunition Specialist
Direct translation for explosives safety expertise. Army ammunition depots and defense agencies actively recruit 89Bs.
Skills that carry over: Explosives safety, Ammunition handling, Storage procedures, Inventory management, Fire protection.
Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9, GS-11.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Inspect explosive storage facilities
- Develop safety procedures for explosives handling
- Investigate explosive incidents
- Train personnel on explosives safety
- Review explosive operations for compliance
Key competencies
Explosives Knowledge
Expert knowledge of explosives characteristics, classifications, and hazards.
Risk Assessment
Ability to evaluate explosives safety risks and recommend mitigation measures.
Regulatory Compliance
Knowledge of DoD, OSHA, and other explosives safety regulations.
Inspection Skills
Ability to conduct thorough safety inspections of explosives facilities.
Incident Investigation
Skill in investigating explosives mishaps and determining root causes.
Quantity-Distance Analysis
Knowledge of explosives siting criteria and facility planning.
Training Development
Ability to develop and deliver explosives safety training programs.
Technical Writing
Skill in preparing safety reports, procedures, and documentation.
Problem Solving
Ability to analyze complex safety issues and develop practical solutions.
Communication
Skill in explaining technical safety requirements to diverse audiences.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0017
What is an Explosives Safety Specialist?
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.
How much does a federal Explosives Safety Specialist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0017 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0017?
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.
What is the career progression for Explosives Safety Specialist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0017 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to apply for GS-0017?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.