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GS-1350ProfessionalGS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14Degree requiredGroup 1300

Geology

Performs professional geology work including geological surveys, resource assessment, and geological analysis.

What GS-1350 pays

2025 base rates, before locality. Most federal employees add a locality adjustment on top.

GradeStep 1Step 2Step 3Step 4Step 5Step 6Step 7Step 8Step 9Step 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

Base pay only. Locality pay adds 15 to 40 percent or more depending on where the job sits. Source: OPM 2025 General Schedule.

Qualification requirements

OPM's standard for GS-1350, as written.

Degree: geology, plus 20 additional semester hours in any combination of mathematics, physics, chemistry, biological science, structural, chemical, civil, mining or petroleum engineering, computer science, planetary geology, comparative planetology, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, marine geology, and cartography.

or

Combination of education and experience -- course work as shown in A above, plus appropriate experience or additional education.

Evaluation of Experience: Acceptable experience may have been gained through geological field or laboratory work that provided a means of obtaining professional knowledge of the theory and application of the principles of geology and closely related sciences, e.g., geophysics, geochemistry, or hydrology. Such work generally must have involved making close observations, taking samples, handling various types of instruments and equipment, assembling geologic data from source materials, and analyzing and reporting findings orally and in writing. Experience that involved only one phase of geology work, e.g., collecting samples, would not be acceptable as providing the required professional knowledge of the theory and principles of geology. In some situations, professional scientific experience in other fields may be accepted in part as professional geological experience. Such experience must have been preceded by appropriate education in geology or by professional geological experience, and must have contributed directly and significantly to the applicant's professional geological competence. Examples include some positions in geophysics, mining engineering, soils science, physical oceanography, hydrology, climatology, biology, analytic or experimental chemistry, metallurgy, and comparable fields where the normal duties or results of investigations have been extended to the solution of geologic problems by the applicant. Ordinary functions of positions such as seismic, computer, petroleum or mining engineer, mine superintendent, or metallurgist generally are not considered professional geological experience. To receive credit for geological experience obtained in positions that are not full-time professional geological positions, the applicant is responsible for indicating clearly the actual time or percentage of time devoted to geologic duties within such positions, and for giving adequate descriptions of the geologic functions.

Read the standard on OPM.gov

What this means if you served

  • Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
  • Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
  • Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
  • This series carries a positive education requirement: a degree is required and experience cannot be substituted for it.

How to qualify for GS-1350

  1. 1Review Qualification Requirements

    Read the OPM qualification standards above to understand the education and experience requirements for your target grade level.

  2. 2Find Your Grade Level

    Grade follows the scope and complexity of the work you can document against the announcement, not the rank you held. OPM does not use military rank or pay when it evaluates specialized experience. Roughly: GS-5 entry, GS-7/9 junior, GS-11/12 journey, GS-13 and up senior.

  3. 3Gather Documentation

    Collect your DD-214, SF-50 (if applicable), transcripts, certifications, and any training records that demonstrate your qualifications.

  4. 4Build Your Federal Resume

    Two pages. USAJOBS has enforced that limit since 27 September 2025 and will not accept a longer resume from a Title 5 agency posting, so the space has to answer every qualification requirement. Include hours worked per week, supervisor contact details, and the accomplishments with numbers on them.

  5. 5Apply on USAJOBS

    Search for open positions, carefully answer all assessment questions, and submit your application before the closing date.

Military jobs that map to this series

Army12GMatch 4 of 5

Geospatial Engineer

Geospatial Engineers have experience in terrain analysis and map creation, which aligns well with geological mapping and GIS applications.

Skills that carry over: GIS proficiency, Mapping, Terrain analysis, Data interpretation, Surveying.

Usually opens at: GS-7, GS-9.

Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.

Typical duties

  • Conduct geological surveys
  • Analyze geological formations
  • Assess mineral resources
  • Prepare geological maps
  • Evaluate geological hazards
  • Conduct field investigations

Key competencies

Field Geology

Skill in conducting geological field investigations.

Mineralogy

Knowledge of minerals and their identification.

Structural Geology

Understanding of geological structures and tectonics.

Mapping

Ability to prepare geological maps and cross-sections.

GIS

Proficiency in GIS applications for geology.

Sample Analysis

Skill in analyzing rock and mineral samples.

Hazard Assessment

Ability to evaluate geological hazards.

Report Writing

Skill in preparing geological reports and assessments.

Words the announcement will use

Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.

Questions about GS-1350

What is a federal Geologist?

A GS-1350 Geologist studies Earth's structure, composition, and geological processes. These scientists conduct geological surveys, analyze rock formations, assess mineral and energy resources, evaluate geological hazards (earthquakes, landslides, volcanoes), prepare geological maps, and support resource management for agencies like USGS, Bureau of Land Management, Army Corps of Engineers, and Forest Service.

How much does a federal Geologist make?

Federal Geologists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $138,296 (GS-14 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-13. A GS-12 Geologist earns $75,706-$98,422. USGS is the largest employer. Many positions involve field work in remote locations, which may include travel pay and per diem benefits.

What are the requirements for GS-1350 positions?

GS-1350 requires a geology degree plus 20 additional semester hours in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, structural/civil/mining/petroleum engineering, computer science, geophysics, meteorology, hydrology, oceanography, physical geography, or cartography. Field geology skills, sample analysis capabilities, and GIS proficiency are essential competencies.

Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1350?

The required geology degree cannot be substituted with military experience alone. However, veterans with geology degrees and military field experience are excellent candidates. Experience in combat engineering, terrain analysis, construction site investigation, or military geological surveys provides valuable qualifying background when combined with required education.

What is the career progression for Geologist?

Geologists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-12. Senior geologists and project leads reach GS-13/14. Career paths include specializing in petroleum geology, engineering geology, or natural hazards assessment. Some transition to regional management positions or headquarters policy roles in resource assessment or hazard mitigation.

How do I apply for GS-1350 jobs on USAJOBS?

Search USAJOBS.gov for "Geologist" under series 1350. USGS (largest employer), Bureau of Land Management, Forest Service, Army Corps of Engineers, and Bureau of Reclamation hire extensively. Highlight field investigation experience, GIS skills, sample analysis capabilities, and any publications. Include specific software and equipment proficiency in your federal resume.

Ready to apply for GS-1350?

A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.