Loading...
Loading...
Federal firefighting position involving fire suppression, prevention, rescue operations, and emergency response at federal facilities, military installations, and national forests.
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 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
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-0081
Education:
OR
Experience:
Special Requirements:
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal fire protection and prevention 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-0081
Direct translation to fire protection roles. Highlight firefighting, crash rescue, and hazmat response.
EOD specialist.
Good fit for fire protection roles. Highlight aircraft firefighting, emergency response, and safety coordination.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
controlling or extinguishing fires as a member of an organized military, industrial, volunteer, or governmental fire department or brigade
rescue operations
detection, reduction, or elimination of potential fire hazards
operation of fire communications equipment
controlling hazardous materials incidents
developing, implementing, or providing training in fire protection and prevention
possess and maintain a valid State motor vehicle operator's license of the appropriate classification or kind
operation of specialized firefighting pumping equipment, mounted pressurized systems, dispensing devices, and/or rescue tools
satisfactory performance of the minimum physical abilities necessary to perform safely and efficiently the essential tasks of a particular position
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0081 Fire Protection and Prevention Specialist performs firefighting, fire prevention, rescue operations, and emergency response at federal facilities. Federal firefighters serve at military installations, national forests, VA hospitals, and other government properties, protecting lives and property.
Federal Firefighters earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Fire chiefs and senior positions reach GS-11/12. Firefighters also receive overtime, hazard pay, and special pay differentials that can significantly increase total compensation.
Entry-level GS-5 positions require firefighting experience or relevant education/training. Candidates must meet physical fitness standards, pass medical exams, and often need EMT certification. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in fire suppression, prevention, or command.
Yes, military firefighting experience is directly applicable. Air Force and Navy firefighters, Army firefighters, and crash rescue specialists have immediately transferable skills. Military fire training meets federal requirements, and veterans often enter at GS-5 or higher based on experience. Physical fitness from military service is an advantage.
Federal firefighters follow one-grade intervals from GS-5 to GS-9 for firefighters, with officers and chiefs reaching GS-10/11/12. Career paths include fire prevention, training, hazmat, and command positions. The DoD and Forest Service have the largest federal firefighting workforces.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Firefighter' or '0081' series. Major employers include military installations, Forest Service, and VA. Your federal resume should highlight certifications (EMT, Firefighter I/II), specialized training, and experience with specific apparatus. Pass the CPAT or agency-specific physical tests before applying.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.