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Performs professional environmental engineering work including pollution control, waste management, and environmental remediation.
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 |
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-0819
Uses Professional Engineering Basic Requirements (GS-800 Series)
Option A - Degree: Engineering degree from ABET-accredited program in environmental engineering, civil engineering, chemical engineering, or related field with environmental focus.
Option B - Combination: College-level education plus technical experience demonstrating thorough knowledge of engineering sciences and their application to environmental problems.
Professional Registration: Registration as Professional Engineer (PE) is qualifying.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal environmental engineering 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-0819
This role directly involves environmental engineering tasks such as pollution control and waste management, making it a strong fit for transitioning to the GS-0819 series.
This position involves managing environmental engineering projects, directly aligning with the GS-0819 series responsibilities.
This role involves maintaining water systems and ensuring compliance with environmental regulations, relevant to environmental engineering tasks.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of water and wastewater treatment systems and processes.
Understanding of air pollution control technologies and regulations.
Ability to design hazardous and solid waste management systems.
Knowledge of EPA regulations and environmental laws.
Skill in assessing and remediating contaminated sites.
Ability to conduct environmental impact studies.
Knowledge of sustainable engineering practices.
Understanding of environmental permitting requirements and processes.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
GS-0819 Environmental Engineers design pollution control systems, conduct environmental assessments, develop remediation plans, ensure regulatory compliance, and manage environmental projects. They work at EPA, Army Corps, DOE, Air Force, and agencies managing contaminated sites or environmental programs.
GS-0819 positions range from GS-5 ($34,454) at entry to GS-14 ($106,382-$138,296) for senior engineers and program managers. Journeyman positions are GS-11/12 ($63,163-$98,422). Regional program managers reach GS-13/14. Add locality pay of 15-40%.
A professional engineering degree (ABET-accredited) in environmental, civil, chemical, or related engineering is mandatory—positive education requirement. PE licensure preferred. Experience with water treatment, air quality, hazardous waste, or site remediation needed for higher grades.
The engineering degree is mandatory, but military environmental experience is highly valued. Engineers with environmental compliance, HAZMAT, or installation restoration experience transition well. Your experience with military environmental programs and regulations complements required education.
Entry at GS-5/7, journeyman at GS-11/12, senior engineers at GS-12/13, and program managers at GS-13/14. PE licensure accelerates advancement. EPA, Army Corps, Air Force, and DOE offer strong environmental engineering career paths with continuing education support.
Search USAJOBS for 'Environmental Engineer.' EPA, Army Corps, Air Force, and DOE are major employers. Highlight your engineering degree, environmental specialties (water, air, remediation), and regulatory experience. Veterans with environmental engineering backgrounds are valued at agencies managing military cleanup sites.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.