Loading...
Loading...
Performs outdoor recreation planning work including park planning, recreation program development, and resource management.
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-0023
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Major study -- outdoor recreation planning or a related field such as: sociology, forestry, landscape architecture, economics, biological science, park administration, earth science, natural resource management and conservation, civil engineering, urban planning, or recreation.
Graduate work in one of the above related disciplines is creditable for positions involving recreation planning (but not outdoor recreation specialization) provided it included one or more courses in outdoor recreation.
OR
Experience:
General Experience (GS-5): Experience that provided knowledge of the requirements and practices of outdoor recreation planning or natural resource utilization and conservation.
Specialized Experience (Above GS-5): Experience that demonstrated ability to plan and coordinate the use of land, water, and related resources for recreation and conservation purposes. Examples include:
Pilot Duty (Department of Interior positions): Applicants must possess:
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
| Grade | Education | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in outdoor recreation planning or related field | 3 years progressive experience in recreation planning/natural resource conservation |
| GS-7 | 1 year graduate education in outdoor recreation or related field OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's in outdoor recreation or related field | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. in outdoor recreation or related field | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 |
| GS-12+ | N/A | 1 year specialized experience at next lower grade |
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal outdoor recreation 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-0023
Engineer Officers often engage in planning and managing construction projects, including outdoor facilities, which aligns with outdoor recreation planning.
Engineering Technicians in the Air Force are involved in planning and designing facilities, which can translate to designing outdoor recreation facilities.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of outdoor recreation planning principles and practices.
Understanding of natural resource management and conservation.
Ability to plan facilities and services for outdoor recreation users.
Skill in assessing environmental impacts of recreation activities.
Ability to work with communities and stakeholder groups.
Knowledge of trail system planning and design standards.
Skill in planning campgrounds, picnic areas, and recreation facilities.
Ability to develop budgets for recreation programs and projects.
Skill in using GIS for recreation planning and analysis.
Knowledge of environmental laws affecting recreation development.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0023 Outdoor Recreation Planner develops and manages recreation programs on federal lands. These professionals plan trails, campgrounds, visitor facilities, and recreation areas for agencies like the Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and Army Corps of Engineers.
Outdoor Recreation Planners earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-9/11/12, earning $52,205-$98,422 annually. Senior planners and program managers can reach GS-13 levels with significant experience.
GS-0023 positions require education and/or experience in outdoor recreation, park management, natural resource management, or related fields. A degree in recreation management, forestry, or natural resources qualifies for entry-level positions. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in recreation planning and program management.
Military experience in Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR), outdoor recreation programs, or natural resource management can support these positions. Those who managed base recreation facilities, outdoor recreation equipment, or similar programs have relevant experience. Combined with outdoor skills and resource management knowledge, military service provides a strong foundation.
The career ladder typically follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level planners assist with facility planning and visitor services. GS-11/12 planners lead recreation projects and manage programs. Senior positions involve regional planning, policy development, and program oversight for large recreation areas or multiple sites.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Outdoor Recreation Planner' or '0023' series. Positions are common at Forest Service, NPS, BLM, and Army Corps facilities. Your federal resume should highlight recreation program experience, facility planning projects, public engagement skills, and knowledge of environmental regulations. Outdoor certifications and GIS skills are beneficial.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.