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Performs environmental protection support work including data collection, monitoring, and administrative support.
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-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-0029
Individual Occupational Requirements: There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Experience and Education Requirements by Grade Level:
| Grade | General Experience | Specialized Experience | Education |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1 | None | None | None |
| GS-2 | 3 months | None | High school diploma or equivalent |
| GS-3 | 6 months | None | 1 year above high school |
| GS-4 | 1 year | None | 2 years above high school |
| GS-5 | None | 1 year at GS-4 level | 4 years above high school |
| GS-6+ | None | 1 year at next lower grade | Generally not applicable |
General Experience: Progressively responsible clerical, office, or other work that indicates ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position to be filled.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled.
Education: One year of full-time academic study equals 30 semester hours, 45 quarter hours, or approximately 36 weeks at 20+ classroom hours per week. Education above high school is generally acceptable through GS-5; graduate education is rarely creditable above this level.
Combining Education and Experience: For grades GS-3 through GS-5, applicants may substitute education for experience. Express both as percentages; combined must equal at least 100%.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal environmental protection assistant 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-0029
Engineering Aides often assist with environmental surveys and data collection, providing a moderate fit for environmental monitoring roles.
Water Support Technicians have skills in water purification and environmental testing, which are relevant to environmental protection tasks.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Skill in collecting environmental samples (water, air, soil) using proper techniques.
Ability to operate environmental monitoring and testing equipment.
Skill in accurately recording environmental data and observations.
Knowledge of basic laboratory procedures and quality control.
Ability to conduct field work in various environmental conditions.
Skill in maintaining sampling logs and chain of custody records.
Knowledge of safety procedures for handling environmental samples.
Understanding of environmental regulations and compliance requirements.
Ability to assist in preparing environmental reports.
Proficiency in data entry and using environmental databases.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0029 Environmental Protection Assistant provides technical support for environmental programs including sample collection, monitoring, data recording, and laboratory assistance. These technicians support Environmental Protection Specialists by conducting fieldwork, maintaining equipment, and helping ensure regulatory compliance.
Environmental Protection Assistants earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-5/6/7, earning $34,454-$55,486 annually. Full-performance technicians at GS-8/9 can earn up to $61,449-$67,865 plus locality adjustments.
Entry-level GS-4/5 positions require general experience or relevant education/training in environmental science or laboratory work. Higher grades need progressively more specialized technical experience in environmental sampling, monitoring equipment operation, and data collection procedures.
Yes, military experience with environmental monitoring, water quality testing, hazmat handling, or laboratory work is directly applicable. NBC specialists, water treatment operators, and those who supported environmental compliance programs have relevant skills. Military attention to detail and procedural discipline are valued in these technical roles.
Environmental Protection Assistants progress from GS-4/5 (entry) through GS-7/8/9 (full performance). Strong technicians can advance to GS-0028 Environmental Protection Specialist positions with additional education and experience. The assistant track provides hands-on foundation for environmental careers.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Environmental Protection Assistant' or '0029' series. Positions exist at EPA, DoD facilities, national labs, and other federal sites. Your federal resume should highlight sampling experience, equipment operation, laboratory skills, and any environmental certifications. Field work experience and attention to documentation are important.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.