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Performs professional community planning work including land use planning, zoning, and urban development.
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 |
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-0020
Degree: community planning; or related field such as urban affairs, architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, sociology, geography, economics, political science, or public administration that included at least 12 semester hours in the planning process, socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, urban and regional economic analysis, and development finance.
Note: Applicants with degrees in related fields, such as those listed above, who do not have the 12 semester hours of specified course work must have had at least 1 year of work experience in community planning acquired under the supervision and guidance of a community planner.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in one of the above disciplines, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the above disciplines of which at least 12 semester hours were in the planning process, and socioeconomic and physical elements of planning, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal community planning 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-0020
Civil Affairs Specialists are involved in planning and executing civil-military operations, which include community engagement and development planning.
Engineering Assistants in the Air Force are involved in site development and planning, which includes aspects of land use and zoning.
Engineering Aids assist in planning and executing construction projects, which involves skills applicable to community planning.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of community planning theories, principles, and practices.
Ability to analyze land use patterns and development proposals.
Understanding of zoning codes and land use regulations.
Knowledge of environmental impact assessment requirements.
Skill in facilitating public meetings and gathering community input.
Ability to use geographic information systems for planning analysis.
Skill in preparing planning reports and recommendations.
Ability to work with developers, agencies, and community groups.
Skill in analyzing and developing planning policies.
Knowledge of transportation systems and their impacts on communities.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0020 Community Planner performs professional planning work for federal agencies, including land use analysis, zoning review, urban development planning, and community impact assessments. These planners work on military installations, national parks, federal facilities, and support community development programs.
Community Planners earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most full-performance positions are GS-11/12, earning $63,163-$98,422 annually. Senior planners and program managers at GS-13/14 can exceed $90,000-$130,000 with locality adjustments.
GS-0020 positions require education and/or experience in community planning, urban planning, or related fields. A degree in urban planning, geography, or public administration qualifies for entry-level positions. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in land use planning, environmental review, or community development.
Military experience in facilities management, base planning, civil affairs, or engineer units can support Community Planner qualifications. Installation Master Planners, civil affairs officers, and those involved in base realignment have relevant experience. Combined with relevant education, military planning experience demonstrates the analytical and coordination skills needed.
The career ladder typically follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level planners assist with studies and analysis, while GS-11/12 planners lead projects and coordinate with stakeholders. GS-13/14 positions involve program management and policy development. Opportunities exist at DoD, Interior, HUD, and other agencies with land management responsibilities.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Community Planner' or '0020' series. Positions are found at military installations, national parks, and agencies like HUD. Your federal resume should emphasize planning projects, GIS skills, public engagement experience, and environmental review knowledge. Include any AICP certification or relevant master's degrees.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.