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Federal position performing inspection, investigation, and regulatory enforcement work across various federal programs including compliance monitoring and enforcement actions.
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-1801
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
OR
Experience: General experience in inspection, investigation, enforcement, or compliance work.
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 inspection, investigation, enforcement 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-1801
Investigations supervisor.
Criminal investigator pathway.
Direct path to CBP USBP/OFO, ICE, and federal LE positions.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Ability to conduct thorough investigations.
Skill in performing inspections and examinations.
Ability to gather and analyze evidence.
Skill in preparing investigative reports.
Understanding of applicable laws and regulations.
Ability to conduct effective interviews.
Skill in enforcing regulations and taking appropriate action.
Ability to communicate findings and recommendations.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-1801 General Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Specialist conducts inspections, investigations, and regulatory enforcement across federal programs. These specialists gather and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, prepare investigative reports, ensure regulatory compliance, and coordinate enforcement actions for Inspectors General, regulatory agencies, and compliance programs.
Federal Inspection and Enforcement 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 position earns $63,163-$82,108. Inspectors General offices, regulatory agencies, and compliance programs across government hire these specialists.
GS-1801 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, law enforcement, or related field, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in inspection, investigation, or enforcement work. Strong analytical, interviewing, and report writing skills are essential.
Absolutely. Veterans with military police, criminal investigation (CID/NCIS/OSI), Inspector General, or compliance inspection experience have directly transferable skills. Experience conducting investigations, writing reports, gathering evidence, and enforcing regulations in military settings provides excellent qualifying background for this series.
Inspection/Enforcement Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11 or GS-12. Senior investigators reach GS-13. Career paths include specializing in specific regulatory areas, transitioning to GS-1811 Criminal Investigator positions, or advancing to supervisory roles in Inspectors General offices.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Inspector" or "Investigator" under series 1801. Inspectors General, EPA, OSHA, FDA, and regulatory agencies are primary employers. Highlight investigation experience, regulatory knowledge, and enforcement accomplishments. Include specific types of inspections conducted and cases investigated in your federal resume.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.