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Performs professional biological science work including research, analysis, and application of biological principles.
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-0401
Degree: biological sciences, agriculture, natural resource management, chemistry, or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience: Courses equivalent to a major, as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general biological science 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-0401
Biomedical research. Highlight research, laboratory science, and program management.
General Biological Science for environmental science focus.
Biomedical sciences. Highlight biomedical sciences, research, and healthcare support.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Understanding of biological principles and methods.
Ability to design and conduct biological studies.
Ability to analyze biological data.
Proficiency with biological research methods.
Skill in preparing scientific reports.
Ability to address complex biological questions.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0401 General Biologist studies living organisms and their relationships to the environment. Federal biologists work at agencies like Fish & Wildlife Service, USDA, NIH, and EPA conducting research, managing natural resources, and developing science-based policies.
General Biologists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-11/12/13, earning $63,163-$117,034 annually plus locality adjustments.
GS-0401 positions require a bachelor's degree in biological science with specific coursework in biology (min 24 semester hours). Higher grades require progressively more specialized research or management experience in biological sciences.
Military experience cannot substitute for required biology education. However, veterans with biology degrees who served in environmental roles, CBRN, or natural resources management have applicable experience that complements academic credentials.
The career ladder typically follows GS-7/9/11/12/13/14 intervals. Entry-level biologists conduct research support. GS-11/12 biologists lead studies independently. Senior biologists direct research programs and advise on scientific policy.
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Biologist' or '0401' series. Major employers include USFWS, Forest Service, USDA, and EPA. Your federal resume should detail research experience, fieldwork, and specialized biological expertise. Transcripts verifying coursework are required.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.