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Performs professional soil conservation work including erosion control, soil analysis, and conservation planning.
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-0457
Degree: soil conservation or related agricultural or natural resource discipline such as agronomy, soil science, forestry, agricultural education, or agricultural engineering. The study must have included 30 semester hours in a natural resource or agricultural field, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.
OR
Combination of education and experience: at least 30 semester hours in one or more of the disciplines as shown in A above, including at least 12 semester hours in a combination of soils and crops or plant science, plus appropriate experience or additional education. Of the 12 semester hours, a minimum of 3 semester hours must have been in soils and 3 semester hours in crops or plant science.
Evaluation of Education: Education that provided specialized knowledge and skills in soil and water conservation is more valuable than education that imparted broad but general knowledge and skills. Courses in soil fertility, soil chemistry, soil genesis, plant physiology, plant science, and field crops are examples of specialized courses that contribute towards meeting the required 12 semester hours as described above. Courses in the physical sciences or engineering such as geology, civil engineering, and hydrology also meet the soils, crops, or plant science course requirements where such courses included a complete introduction to the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils.
Evaluation of Experience: Experience that included the application of techniques, principles, and methods from a variety of agricultural and natural resource fields is appropriate, given the interdisciplinary character of the soil conservation occupation. For example, experience gained in a specialized field such as soil science, forestry, or agronomy is as fully acceptable as experience directly obtained in soil conservation work.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal soil conservation 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-0457
This role involves managing water resources and systems, which includes understanding soil interactions and erosion control measures.
Involves surveying and mapping, skills that are directly applicable to soil conservation and erosion control planning.
Experience in water resource management and environmental impact assessments provides a foundation for soil conservation roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of soil properties and conservation.
Ability to develop conservation plans.
Skill in advising landowners on practices.
Understanding of USDA conservation programs.
Proficiency with mapping and spatial analysis.
Ability to work with farmers and stakeholders.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-0457 Soil Conservationist helps landowners implement conservation practices to protect soil, water, and related natural resources. These professionals work primarily for NRCS providing technical assistance to farmers and land managers.
Soil Conservationists earn between $42,679 (GS-7 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) under the 2025 GS pay scale. Most positions are GS-9/11/12, earning $52,205-$98,422 annually.
GS-0457 positions require education in soil conservation, agronomy, or related natural resource fields. Higher grades require progressively more conservation planning and technical assistance experience.
Military experience cannot substitute for required conservation education. However, veterans with degrees who served in environmental roles have applicable field experience.
The career ladder follows GS-7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level conservationists assist with planning. GS-11/12 conservationists lead complex projects.
Search USAJOBS.gov for Soil Conservationist or 0457 series. NRCS is the primary employer with offices nationwide.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.