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Federal position providing information, interpretation, and guided tours to visitors at national parks, monuments, historic sites, museums, and federal facilities across the United States.
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-0090
Education:
OR
Experience:
Special Requirements:
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal guide 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-0090
Public Affairs Specialists are skilled in delivering information to the public and can effectively communicate complex topics, making them well-suited for guiding and interpreting roles.
Air Force Public Affairs personnel are adept at communicating with the public and interpreting information, aligning well with the duties of a guide.
Mass Communication Specialists are trained in conveying information to diverse audiences, a key skill in providing engaging and informative tours.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to deliver engaging presentations to diverse audiences.
Expert knowledge of site history, natural features, or collections.
Skill in making complex information accessible and interesting.
Ability to adjust presentations for different age groups and backgrounds.
Skill in providing excellent visitor experiences.
Knowledge of visitor safety and emergency procedures.
Ability to answer questions accurately and professionally.
Skill in managing tour groups and maintaining engagement.
Understanding of accommodating visitors with disabilities.
Knowledge of protecting resources while facilitating access.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A GS-0090 Guide provides information, interpretation, and guided tours to visitors at national parks, monuments, museums, and federal facilities. Guides share knowledge about history, science, and natural resources while ensuring positive visitor experiences at America's treasured sites.
Federal Guides earn between $27,434 (GS-3 Step 1) and $49,927 (GS-6 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-4/5, earning $30,795-$44,786 annually. Many guide positions are seasonal, with permanent positions at major facilities.
Entry-level positions require general experience or education demonstrating ability to communicate effectively. Higher grades need experience in interpretation, public speaking, or education. Knowledge of history, natural science, or the specific resource being interpreted is valuable.
Military experience with training, briefing, or public speaking supports Guide positions. Drill instructors, training NCOs, and those who conducted military briefings have relevant communication skills. Military history knowledge and experience interacting with diverse groups translates well to interpretive work.
Guides progress from GS-3/4 (entry) through GS-5/6 (senior). Many advance to GS-0025 Park Ranger (interpretation) or GS-1001 General Education positions. Guide experience provides foundation for careers in interpretation, education, and visitor services throughout the federal system.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Guide' or '0090' series. National Park Service, Smithsonian, and other agencies hire guides. Your federal resume should highlight public speaking experience, subject matter knowledge, and customer service skills. Seasonal experience often leads to permanent appointments.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.