Forestry
Performs professional forestry work including forest management, timber sales, and forest resource protection.
💰GS-0460 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-0460
Degree: forestry; or a related subject-matter field that included a total of at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours of course work were in forestry. The curriculum must have been sufficiently diversified to include courses in each of the following areas:
Management of Renewable Resources -- study of the science and art of managing renewable resources to attain desired results. Examples of creditable courses in this area include silviculture, forest management operations, timber management, wildland fire science or fire management, utilization of forest resources, forest regulation, recreational land management, watershed management, and wildlife or range habitat management.
Forest Biology -- study of the classification, distribution, characteristics, and identification of forest vegetation, and the interrelationships of living organisms to the forest environment. Examples of creditable courses in this area include dendrology, forest ecology, silvics, forest genetics, wood structure and properties, forest soils, forest entomology, and forest pathology.
Forest Resource Measurements and Inventory -- sampling, inventory, measurement, and analysis techniques as applied to a variety of forest resources. Examples of creditable courses include forest biometrics, forest mensuration, forest valuation, statistical analysis of forest resource data, renewable natural resources inventories and analysis, and photogrammetry or remote sensing.
OR
Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in forestry, or at least 30 semester hours in any combination of biological, physical, or mathematical sciences or engineering, of which at least 24 semester hours were in forestry. The requirements for diversification of the 24 semester hours in forestry are the same as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Applicants for Forester (Administration) or Research Forester (Administration) must have completed either the requirements described in A or B above; or the minimum educational requirements established for other forestry-related professional disciplines, e.g., Range Conservationist, GS-454; Soil Scientist, GS-470; Wildlife Biologist, GS-486; Geologist, GS-1350; Landscape Architect, GS-807; Hydrologist, GS-1315; or the full 4-year college requirements described for All Professional Engineering Positions, GS-800, provided that the basic professional training was supplemented by a sufficient amount of professional experience gained in a forestry work situation. The supplemental experience must have been gained in a work situation where the program or project required the joint application of full professional knowledge of forestry and the related professions in the solving of highly technical and complex problems; where the work was largely concerned with the planning, developmental, and administrative phases of multiple-use, forest land management programs; or with the carrying out of related research or special projects of a similar nature.
🎖️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-0460
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal forestry 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-0460
Geospatial Engineer
Geospatial Engineers have experience in land analysis and resource management, which aligns well with forest management tasks.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Operator
UAV Operators' skills in aerial surveillance and data analysis can be leveraged for monitoring forest health and planning reforestation activities.
UAV Sensor Operator
While primarily focused on aerial reconnaissance, UAV Sensor Operators gain skills in environmental monitoring that can be applied to forest health assessments.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Develop forest management plans
- •Administer timber sales
- •Monitor forest health
- •Plan reforestation activities
- •Assess environmental impacts
- •Manage wildfire risks
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of forest management principles.
Skill in timber cruising and assessment.
Understanding of wildfire prevention and suppression.
Knowledge of forest ecology and health.
Ability to develop forest management plans.
Understanding of forest management laws.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-0460
What is a Forester?
A GS-0460 Forester manages forest resources including timber, wildlife habitat, recreation, and watershed protection. Federal foresters work primarily for the Forest Service and BLM, managing millions of acres of public lands.
How much does a federal Forester make?
Foresters 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. Remote duty stations may include additional benefits.
What are the requirements for GS-0460 positions?
GS-0460 positions require a bachelor's degree in forestry or related natural resource field with specific coursework requirements. SAF-accredited forestry programs meet requirements. Higher grades require progressively more specialized forest management experience.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-0460?
Military experience cannot substitute for required forestry education. However, veterans with forestry degrees who served in environmental or natural resource roles have applicable backgrounds. Military leadership and outdoor skills complement academic credentials.
What is the career progression for Forester?
The career ladder typically follows GS-7/9/11/12/13 intervals. Entry-level foresters manage timber sales and surveys. GS-11/12 foresters manage ranger districts. Senior foresters lead forest-wide programs and supervise multiple districts.
How do I apply for GS-0460 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for 'Forester' or '0460' series. The Forest Service is the largest employer. Your federal resume should detail specific forestry experience, silviculture knowledge, and resource management skills. Be prepared for positions in rural areas.
Ready to Apply for GS-0460?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.