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Performs environmental protection work including environmental assessment, compliance monitoring, and program 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 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
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-0028
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 environmental protection specialist 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-0028
Direct match for environmental protection specialist. Focus on hazmat and CBRN expertise.
Environmental protection for NBC.
Environmental protection.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Expert knowledge of environmental laws and regulations (NEPA, Clean Air Act, etc.).
Ability to monitor and ensure environmental regulatory compliance.
Skill in conducting environmental impact assessments and reviews.
Knowledge of environmental permitting processes and requirements.
Ability to evaluate sites for environmental contamination and hazards.
Skill in analyzing and developing environmental policies.
Ability to prepare environmental reports, permits, and documentation.
Skill in working with regulated entities and the public.
Ability to analyze environmental data and monitoring results.
Understanding of pollution prevention and remediation techniques.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0028 Environmental Protection Specialist ensures federal facilities and programs comply with environmental laws including NEPA, Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and RCRA. These specialists conduct environmental assessments, monitor compliance, review permits, and develop policies to protect air, water, and land resources.
Environmental Protection Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually. Senior specialists and program managers at GS-14 can exceed $106,000 plus locality adjustments.
GS-0028 positions require education and/or experience in environmental science, policy, or management. While no specific degree is required, backgrounds in environmental science, engineering, biology, or chemistry are beneficial. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in environmental compliance, permitting, and program management.
Yes, military environmental experience is highly relevant. Environmental Program Managers, hazmat specialists, and those who managed environmental compliance programs on installations have directly applicable experience. Military training in pollution prevention, waste management, and regulatory compliance translates well to federal civilian environmental positions.
The career ladder follows GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level specialists support compliance monitoring and assessments. GS-11/12 specialists lead environmental reviews and manage programs. GS-13/14 positions involve policy development, regional oversight, and managing large environmental programs across multiple facilities.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Environmental Protection Specialist' or '0028' series. Positions exist at EPA, DoD, DOE, and most federal agencies. Your federal resume should detail specific environmental regulations you've worked with, compliance experience, and any certifications. Highlight NEPA, hazmat, or environmental management system experience prominently.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.