Home / Federal careers / GS-0410
Zoology
Performs professional zoological work including study of animal life, behavior, physiology, and classification.
What GS-0410 pays
2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.
| 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 |
Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for GS-0410, as written.
Degree: zoology; or a related discipline or field of science that included at least 20 semester hours in zoology and related animal sciences.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in zoology, or in a related discipline that included course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Graduate Education: To be qualifying, graduate study must have been in one of the major fields of zoology, or have followed a curriculum or pattern of training that placed major emphasis on one of these disciplines or subject-matter fields, such as nematology or parasitology.
Graduate study in related fields of science such as microbiology, medicine, veterinary medicine, or plant pathology that involved cross-training in zoology or one of the fields of zoology may also be qualifying, provided there was a sufficient amount of emphasis on zoology.
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for GS-0410
1Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
2Find Your Grade Level
Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.
3Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.
5Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
Typical duties
- Conduct zoological research
- Study animal behavior and physiology
- Classify and identify animal species
- Manage animal collections
- Prepare scientific publications
- Collaborate on conservation efforts
Key competencies
Zoological Knowledge
Understanding of animal biology and behavior.
Research Skills
Ability to design and conduct animal studies.
Field Work
Skill in wildlife observation and data collection.
Laboratory Techniques
Proficiency in zoological methods.
Taxonomy
Knowledge of animal classification systems.
Scientific Writing
Ability to document research findings.
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about GS-0410
What is a federal Zoologist?
GS-0410 Zoologists conduct professional research on animal life, behavior, physiology, and classification. They study wildlife, manage animal collections, support conservation efforts, and contribute to scientific publications. They work at Fish and Wildlife Service, Smithsonian, USGS, and other research agencies.
How much does a federal Zoologist make?
GS-0410 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) for entry-level to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior research scientists. Most journeyman positions are GS-11 to GS-13 ($63,163-$117,034). Field station chiefs and research leads reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay for metro areas.
What are the requirements for GS-0410 positions?
A degree in zoology, biology, or related field is required. Coursework in animal biology, ecology, and taxonomy is essential. Advanced degrees help for research positions. Field work experience, laboratory techniques, and scientific writing ability are key qualifications.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0410?
Partially. While a degree in zoology/biology is necessary, military experience in wildlife management, environmental compliance, or working with military working dogs/animals provides relevant background. Veterans with science degrees who served in environmental roles are well-positioned.
What is the career progression for Zoologists?
Entry at GS-5/7 with bachelor's, advancing to GS-9/11 with experience. Senior researchers reach GS-12/13, and research managers reach GS-14. Fish and Wildlife Service, Smithsonian, and USGS offer the most zoology positions. Publications and specialized expertise drive advancement.
How do I apply for GS-0410 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Zoologist' or 'Wildlife Biologist' (related series 0486). Primary employers are USFWS, USGS, Smithsonian, and state/tribal partnerships. Emphasize field research experience, taxonomic expertise, and scientific publications. Remote field locations are common for these positions.
Ready to apply for GS-0410?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.