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Performs professional rangeland management work including conservation, restoration, and sustainable use of rangelands.
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.
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.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal rangeland management 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-0454
Experience in land management and construction can be useful in developing and implementing rangeland management plans.
Skills in environmental systems and resource management can be adapted to rangeland conservation and restoration tasks.
Engineering Aids with experience in surveying and environmental assessments can transition to rangeland management roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.