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Performs facilities and equipment management work including maintenance planning, operations, and administration.
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-1601
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: Experience in facilities management, building operations, or equipment management.
Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):
This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.
| Grade | Education | Experience | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| GS-5 | Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university | 3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4 | Equivalent combinations qualifying |
| GS-7 | 1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 | Combinations of graduate education and experience |
| GS-9 | 2 years graduate education or master's degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience |
| GS-11 | 3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9 | Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience |
| GS-12+ | Not applicable | 1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade | N/A |
Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):
Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.
Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal general facilities and equipment 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-1601
Tangential. General Facilities/Equipment positions are administrative, not hands-on mechanical. 91B would need to transition to management role.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of building operations and maintenance.
Ability to manage equipment lifecycle.
Skill in managing facilities budgets.
Ability to coordinate facility projects.
Knowledge of service contracts and vendors.
Understanding of building safety and code requirements.
Skill in facilities planning and space management.
Ability to resolve facilities issues.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1601 General Facilities and Equipment Specialist manages building operations, maintenance programs, and equipment lifecycle for federal facilities. These specialists plan preventive maintenance, coordinate facility services, monitor building conditions, manage service contracts, and ensure federal buildings and equipment operate efficiently across the government's vast real property portfolio.
Federal Facilities and Equipment Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $117,034 (GS-13 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-9 through GS-12. A GS-11 Facilities Specialist earns $63,163-$82,108. GSA, DOD installations, VA medical centers, and federal office buildings employ these specialists nationwide.
GS-1601 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in facilities management, engineering, or business, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in facilities operations, maintenance management, or building systems. Knowledge of building codes, safety requirements, and contract management are essential.
Absolutely. Veterans with facilities engineering, base operations, or equipment management experience have directly transferable skills. Military experience managing installations, coordinating building maintenance, overseeing equipment programs, or running base service operations provides excellent qualifying background. Document specific facilities managed and maintenance programs coordinated.
Facilities Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior specialists and facility managers reach GS-12/13. Career paths include specializing in specific facility types (medical, research, office), transitioning to GSA building management, or advancing to regional facilities director positions.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Facilities Management" or "Facilities Specialist" under series 1601. GSA, VA, DOD, and most federal agencies hire these positions. Highlight building operations experience, maintenance program management, contract oversight skills, and any relevant certifications (CFM, FMP). Include specific facility types and square footage managed.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.