Equipment, Facilities, and Services
Performs equipment and facilities services work including installation, maintenance, and operation of building systems.
💰GS-1603 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 |
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-1603
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in business, facilities management, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in facilities services, equipment management, or building operations.
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):
- Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
- GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
- Election to membership in national scholastic honor society
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.
🎖️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-1603
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal equipment, facilities, and services 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.
📋Typical Duties
- •Install and maintain building equipment
- •Operate building systems
- •Perform preventive maintenance
- •Troubleshoot equipment problems
- •Maintain service records
- •Coordinate with contractors
🎯Key Competencies
Ability to coordinate facilities services.
Skill in managing equipment inventory.
Ability to work with service contractors.
Skill in planning and scheduling services.
Ability to monitor service quality.
Skill in coordinating with customers and providers.
Ability to resolve service issues.
Skill in maintaining service records.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1603
What is an Equipment, Facilities, and Services Specialist?
A GS-1603 Equipment, Facilities, and Services Specialist coordinates building services, manages equipment programs, and oversees facility support operations for federal agencies. These specialists install and maintain building equipment, coordinate with service contractors, ensure quality service delivery, and manage equipment inventories across federal facilities.
How much does a federal Equipment and Services Specialist make?
Federal Equipment, Facilities, and Services Specialists earn between $34,454 (GS-5 Step 1) and $98,422 (GS-12 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-7 through GS-11. A GS-9 Specialist earns $52,205-$67,865. GSA, DOD, VA, and federal agencies with significant facility operations hire these positions.
What are the requirements for GS-1603 positions?
GS-1603 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in business, facilities management, or related field, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in equipment management, facilities services, or building operations. Vendor management and service coordination skills are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1603?
Yes, military experience directly transfers. Veterans with base operations support, equipment maintenance management, or facility services coordination have excellent backgrounds. Experience managing installation services, coordinating with contractors, overseeing equipment programs, or running support operations qualifies. Document specific services coordinated and equipment programs managed.
What is the career progression for Equipment and Services Specialist?
Equipment and Services Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-9 or GS-11. Senior specialists reach GS-12. Career paths include specializing in specific service areas, transitioning to GS-1601 General Facilities positions, or advancing to facility management leadership roles coordinating multiple service programs.
How do I apply for GS-1603 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Equipment Services" or "Facilities Services" under series 1603. GSA, DOD installations, VA medical centers, and federal agencies hire these positions. Highlight equipment management experience, vendor coordination skills, and service delivery accomplishments. Include specific programs managed and service quality improvements achieved.
Ready to Apply for GS-1603?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.