Facility Operations Services
Performs facility operations work including custodial services, groundskeeping, and facility support.
💰GS-1640 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-4 | $30,795 | $31,822 | $32,849 | $33,876 | $34,903 | $35,930 | $36,957 | $37,984 | $39,011 | $40,038 |
| GS-5 | $34,454 | $35,603 | $36,752 | $37,901 | $39,050 | $40,199 | $41,348 | $42,497 | $43,646 | $44,786 |
| GS-6 | $38,407 | $39,687 | $40,967 | $42,247 | $43,527 | $44,807 | $46,087 | $47,367 | $48,647 | $49,927 |
| GS-7 | $42,679 | $44,102 | $45,525 | $46,948 | $48,371 | $49,794 | $51,217 | $52,640 | $54,063 | $55,486 |
| GS-8 | $47,265 | $48,841 | $50,417 | $51,993 | $53,569 | $55,145 | $56,721 | $58,297 | $59,873 | $61,449 |
| GS-9 | $52,205 | $53,945 | $55,685 | $57,425 | $59,165 | $60,905 | $62,645 | $64,385 | $66,125 | $67,865 |
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-1640
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in facilities management, business, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in facility operations, building management, or related services.
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-1640
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal facility operations 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.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to GS-1640
Services
3M0X1s with multi-function services management experience are a direct fit for GS-1640 Facility Operations Services. Common across DoD installations and VA medical centers running large support service operations.
Water Support Technician
GS-1640 Facility Operations Services covers running utility plant and building systems for a facility, matching a 1171 who managed water and hygiene systems for a unit.
Operations Management
GS-1640 Facility Operations Services is the most direct match. It covers managing the operation of buildings and facilities, the same work-control and service-coordination role 3E6X1 runs in a CE squadron.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Supervise custodial operations
- •Coordinate facility services
- •Manage groundskeeping activities
- •Ensure facility cleanliness
- •Maintain supplies and equipment
- •Respond to service requests
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of facility systems and operations.
Ability to coordinate maintenance activities.
Skill in managing facility support services.
Ability to manage operational budgets.
Knowledge of service contracts.
Understanding of safety and building codes.
Skill in meeting tenant and occupant needs.
Ability to resolve operational issues.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1640
What is a Facility Operations Specialist?
A GS-1640 Facility Operations Specialist manages day-to-day building operations including custodial services, groundskeeping, and facility support functions. These specialists supervise custodial staff, coordinate facility services, ensure building cleanliness and safety, manage supplies and equipment, and respond to service requests for federal buildings and installations.
How much does a federal Facility Operations Specialist make?
Federal Facility Operations Specialists earn between $30,795 (GS-4 Step 1) and $67,865 (GS-9 Step 10) on the 2025 GS scale. Most positions are at GS-5 through GS-8. A GS-7 Facility Operations Specialist earns $42,679-$55,486. GSA, DOD installations, VA facilities, and federal buildings nationwide employ these specialists.
What are the requirements for GS-1640 positions?
GS-1640 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in facilities management or business, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in building operations, custodial supervision, or facility support services. Customer service skills and knowledge of building safety codes are essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1640?
Absolutely. Veterans with barracks management, installation support, or facilities operations experience have directly transferable skills. Military experience supervising custodial crews, managing groundskeeping operations, coordinating building services, or running facility support functions provides excellent qualifying background. Document specific facilities and staff supervised.
What is the career progression for Facility Operations Specialist?
Facility Operations Specialists follow the GS-4/5/6/7/8/9 progression with journey level at GS-7 or GS-8. Senior specialists reach GS-9. Career paths include transitioning to GS-1601 General Facilities positions for higher grades, specializing in specific facility types, or advancing to building management roles overseeing multiple facilities.
How do I apply for GS-1640 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Facility Operations" or "Building Operations" under series 1640. GSA, DOD, VA, and federal agencies with building operations hire these positions. Highlight custodial supervision experience, groundskeeping coordination, customer service skills, and any building management software proficiency. Include facility sizes managed and staff supervised.
Ready to Apply for GS-1640?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.