Fire Protection and Prevention
Federal firefighting position involving fire suppression, prevention, rescue operations, and emergency response at federal facilities, military installations, and national forests.
💰GS-0081 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 |
| 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.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0081
Fire Protection and Prevention Series Requirements
Education:
- GS-5: Bachelor's degree in fire science, fire protection engineering, fire administration, or related field
- GS-7: 1 full year of graduate-level education OR bachelor's with Superior Academic Achievement
- GS-9: Master's degree or 2 full years of progressively higher graduate education
OR
Experience:
- GS-5: 3 years of progressively responsible experience in fire protection/prevention
- GS-7 and above: 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level
Special Requirements:
- Must meet medical/physical standards for firefighting duties where applicable
- May require certifications in fire inspection, fire investigation, or fire officer training
- Some positions require completion of National Fire Academy courses
🎖️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-0081
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal fire protection and prevention 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-0081
Firefighter
12Ms map directly to GS-0081 Fire Protection and Prevention. DoD Fire Academy certifications satisfy the qualification standards, and the work is often the same at the same installations, with 6(c) retirement coverage.
EOD Technician
EOD specialist.
Pararescue
Federal fire departments on military installations run fire-based EMS. PJ dual fire-medical readiness fits structured-firefighter and fire-medic billets.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Respond to fire emergencies
- •Operate firefighting equipment
- •Conduct fire prevention inspections
- •Perform rescue operations
- •Maintain firefighting equipment
- •Conduct fire safety training
- •Investigate fire causes
- •Develop fire prevention plans
- •Respond to hazmat incidents
- •Provide emergency medical care
🎯Key Competencies
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
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0081
What is a Federal Firefighter?
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.
How much does a federal Firefighter make?
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.
What are the requirements for GS-0081 positions?
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.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0081?
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.
What is the career progression for Fire Protection and Prevention?
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.
How do I apply for GS-0081 jobs on USAJOBS?
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.
Ready to Apply for GS-0081?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.