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Performs professional zoological work including study of animal life, behavior, physiology, and classification.
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 |
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-0410
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal zoology 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.
Understanding of animal biology and behavior.
Ability to design and conduct animal studies.
Skill in wildlife observation and data collection.
Proficiency in zoological methods.
Knowledge of animal classification systems.
Ability to document research findings.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.