Rangeland Management
Performs professional rangeland management work including conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of rangelands.
💰GS-0454 Salary Information
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 |
Note: These are 2025 base pay rates. Most federal employees receive locality pay adjustments of 15-40%+ depending on location.
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-0454
Degree: range management; or a related discipline that included at least 42 semester hours in a combination of the plant, animal, and soil sciences, and natural resources management, as follows:
Range Management -- At least 18 semester hours of course work in range management, including courses in such areas as basic principles of range management, range plants, range ecology, range inventories and studies, range improvements, and ranch or rangeland planning.
Directly Related Plant, Animal, and Soil Sciences -- At least 15 semester hours of directly related courses in the plant, animal, and soil sciences, including at least one course in each of these three scientific areas, i.e., plant, animal, and soil sciences. Courses in such areas as plant taxonomy, plant physiology, plant ecology, animal nutrition, livestock production, and soil morphology or soil classification are acceptable.
Related Resource Management Studies -- At least 9 semester hours of course work in related resource management subjects, including courses in such areas as wildlife management, watershed management, natural resource or agricultural economics, forestry, agronomy, forages, and outdoor recreation management.
OR
Combination of education and experience: at least 42 semester hours of course work in the combination of plant, animal, and soil sciences and natural resources management shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for GS-0454
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal rangeland management position
- 1
Review Qualification Requirements
Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.
- 2
Determine Your 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).
- 3
Gather Documentation
Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
Create a detailed federal resume (2-5 pages) that addresses every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact info, and specific accomplishments.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-0454
Engineering Aid
Engineering Aids with experience in surveying and environmental assessments can transition to rangeland management roles.
Pest Management
GS-0454 Rangeland Management suits veterans from the vegetation, grounds, and noxious-weed side of the AFSC; heavily used by BLM and USDA.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop rangeland management plans
- •Monitor rangeland conditions
- •Coordinate grazing programs
- •Restore degraded rangelands
- •Assess environmental impacts
- •Work with stakeholders
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of rangeland ecosystems and management.
Ability to develop range management plans.
Understanding of range plant communities.
Skill in managing livestock grazing programs.
Ability to evaluate rangeland conditions.
Skill in working with ranchers and agencies.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0454
What is a Rangeland Management Specialist?
GS-0454 Rangeland Management Specialists manage federal rangelands for conservation and sustainable use. They develop grazing plans, monitor range conditions, restore degraded lands, work with ranchers, and balance livestock grazing with wildlife habitat. They work primarily for BLM and Forest Service in the western U.S.
How much does a federal Rangeland Management Specialist make?
GS-0454 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-13 ($90,025-$117,034) for senior specialists and supervisors. Most journeyman positions are GS-9 to GS-11 ($52,205-$82,108). District managers and program leads reach GS-12/13. Remote locations may qualify for additional pay.
What are the requirements for GS-0454 positions?
A degree in range management, range science, or related natural resource field is typical. Coursework in range ecology, plant science, and livestock management helps qualify. Experience developing range management plans, monitoring vegetation, and working with stakeholders is essential for higher grades.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0454?
Partially. While a degree helps, military experience in natural resources, environmental compliance, or land management provides relevant background. Veterans with agriculture, forestry, or environmental degrees who served in related roles are well-positioned. Western ranching backgrounds are valuable.
What is the career progression for Rangeland Management Specialists?
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, and senior specialists at GS-12. Supervisory and district manager positions reach GS-12/13. BLM and Forest Service offer the most positions, primarily in western states. Cross-training in wildland fire or recreation management expands opportunities.
How do I apply for GS-0454 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Rangeland Management Specialist' or 'Range Conservationist.' Most positions are with BLM and Forest Service in AZ, NM, NV, UT, CO, WY, MT, and ID. Emphasize your range science knowledge and stakeholder relations skills. Veterans preference applies and is valued in land management agencies.
Ready to Apply for GS-0454?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.