Environmental Protection Specialist
Performs environmental protection work including environmental assessment, compliance monitoring, and program management.
💰GS-0028 Salary Information
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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0028
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.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0028
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal environmental protection specialist position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0028
Hazmat Coordinator
Environmental protection.
Damage Controlman NBC Specialist
Environmental protection for NBC.
CBRN Operations Officer
Direct match for environmental protection specialist. Focus on hazmat and CBRN expertise.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct environmental assessments
- •Monitor environmental compliance
- •Manage environmental programs
- •Review permits and plans
- •Develop environmental policies
- •Coordinate with agencies
🎯Key Competencies
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.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0028
What is an Environmental Protection Specialist?
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.
How much does a federal Environmental Protection Specialist make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0028 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0028?
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.
What is the career progression for Environmental Protection Specialist?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0028 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0028?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.