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Positions that involve planning, coordinating, and directing emergency preparedness and response activities including disaster response, continuity of operations, and recovery operations.
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-0089
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 emergency management 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-0089
Emergency management.
Strong alignment. Emergency Management positions value DC emergency planning and response skills. Excellent fit for DCs interested in broader emergency preparedness.
Emergency Management path for continuity of operations roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to develop comprehensive emergency response plans.
Skill in coordinating response activities during emergencies.
Knowledge of hazard identification and vulnerability analysis.
Ability to develop continuity of operations plans.
Skill in working with federal, state, and local agencies.
Ability to develop and conduct emergency preparedness exercises.
Skill in crisis communication and public information.
Knowledge of emergency resource allocation and logistics.
Understanding of disaster recovery and mitigation strategies.
Knowledge of Stafford Act and emergency management regulations.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0089 Emergency Management Specialist plans, coordinates, and directs emergency preparedness and response activities. These professionals develop disaster response plans, manage emergency operations centers, coordinate with first responders, and ensure continuity of operations for federal agencies.
Emergency Management Specialists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale following two-grade intervals. Most full-performance positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually plus locality adjustments.
GS-0089 positions require education and/or experience in emergency management, homeland security, or related fields. Entry-level positions accept relevant degrees or experience. Higher grades require progressively more specialized experience in disaster planning, response coordination, or continuity of operations.
Yes, military experience is highly valued for Emergency Management. Operations officers, CBRN specialists, civil affairs, and those with tactical operations center experience have directly transferable skills. Military planning, coordination, and crisis response experience demonstrates the competencies needed for federal emergency management.
The career ladder follows two-grade intervals (GS-7/9/11/12/13). Entry-level specialists support planning and exercises. GS-11/12 specialists lead program areas. GS-13/14 positions involve directing agency emergency programs. FEMA, DoD, and DHS have the largest emergency management workforces.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Emergency Management' or '0089' series. Every federal agency has emergency management positions. Your federal resume should detail COOP planning, disaster response experience, ICS certifications, and exercise coordination. FEMA certifications (IS-100, IS-700, etc.) strengthen applications.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.