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Positions involving professional work in soil science including surveys, classification, and land use 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 |
| GS-14 | $106,382 | $109,928 | $113,474 | $117,020 | $120,566 | $124,112 | $127,658 | $131,204 | $134,750 | $138,296 |
| GS-15 | $125,133 | $129,304 | $133,475 | $137,646 | $141,817 | $145,988 | $150,159 | $154,330 | $158,501 | $162,672 |
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-0470
Degree: soil science or a closely related discipline that included 30 semester hours or equivalent in biological, physical, or earth science, with a minimum of 15 semester hours in such subjects as soil genesis, pedology, soil chemistry, soil physics, and soil fertility.
or
• Combination of education and experience: courses equivalent to a major in soil science or a related discipline that included at least 30 semester hours in the biological, physical, or earth sciences. At least 15 of these semester hours must have been in the areas specified in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal soil science 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.
Knowledge of soil properties and classification.
Skill in conducting soil surveys.
Proficiency in soil testing methods.
Ability to interpret soil data for applications.
Proficiency with mapping technologies.
Ability to prepare soil survey reports.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0470 Soil Scientists conduct professional work in soil survey, classification, and land use planning. They map soils, analyze samples, assess land capabilities, and provide technical advice for agriculture, construction, and conservation. They work primarily for NRCS, Forest Service, and BLM.
GS-0470 positions follow a two-grade interval: GS-5/7/9/11/12+. Entry at GS-5 ($34,454), journeyman at GS-9/11 ($52,205-$82,108), senior scientists at GS-12/13 ($75,706-$117,034). State Soil Scientists and regional leads reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay.
A degree in soil science, agronomy, or related field with courses in soil genesis, chemistry, and physics is required. Experience in soil mapping, classification, and laboratory analysis is essential for higher grades. GIS and remote sensing skills are increasingly important.
Partially. A degree in soil science or related field is necessary, but military experience in construction, engineering surveys, or environmental work provides relevant background. Veterans with agriculture or environmental science degrees who served in related roles are well-positioned.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-9/11, and senior scientists at GS-12. State Soil Scientists reach GS-13/14. NRCS offers the most soil science positions. Specializing in wetland delineation, construction assessment, or GIS mapping enhances advancement opportunities.
Search USAJOBS for 'Soil Scientist' or 'Soil Conservationist.' Primary employers are NRCS, Forest Service, and BLM. Positions are nationwide but concentrated in agricultural and public lands states. Emphasize your soil survey experience and technical skills. Veterans preference applies.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.