Agricultural Law Enforcement
Performs agricultural law enforcement work including inspection, investigation, and enforcement of agricultural regulations.
💰GS-1850 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-1850
Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions
Individual Occupational Requirements:
Education:
- Bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, criminal justice, or related field
OR
Experience: Experience in agricultural inspection, plant/animal health enforcement, or law enforcement.
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-1850
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal agricultural law enforcement 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-1850
Environmental Engineering Management Officer
This role involves managing environmental compliance and inspections, which is applicable to enforcing agricultural regulations.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Conduct agricultural inspections
- •Investigate violations
- •Enforce agricultural laws
- •Collect evidence
- •Prepare enforcement reports
- •Coordinate with agencies
🎯Key Competencies
Knowledge of agricultural laws and regulations.
Skill in conducting agricultural inspections.
Ability to identify plant pests and animal diseases.
Skill in taking enforcement actions.
Ability to document violations and prepare reports.
Skill in communicating with the public and industry.
Ability to investigate agricultural violations.
Knowledge of quarantine procedures and requirements.
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
❓Frequently Asked Questions about GS-1850
What is an Agricultural Law Enforcement Specialist?
A GS-1850 Agricultural Law Enforcement Specialist enforces agricultural regulations protecting American agriculture from pests, diseases, and illegal activities. These specialists conduct agricultural inspections, investigate violations, collect evidence, and coordinate enforcement actions—working primarily for USDA APHIS and protecting plant and animal health at borders and throughout the country.
How much does a federal Agricultural Law Enforcement Specialist make?
Federal Agricultural Law Enforcement 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 Agricultural Enforcement Specialist earns $52,205-$67,865. USDA APHIS is the primary employer with positions at ports of entry and field offices.
What are the requirements for GS-1850 positions?
GS-1850 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree in agriculture, biology, criminal justice, or related field, or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized experience in agricultural inspection, pest/disease enforcement, or law enforcement. Knowledge of agricultural regulations and quarantine procedures is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in GS-1850?
Yes, relevant military experience qualifies. Veterans with military police, customs, or security experience have transferable enforcement skills. Military experience with agricultural operations, food service inspection, or veterinary support provides relevant background. Document any experience with inspections, investigations, or regulatory enforcement.
What is the career progression for Agricultural Law Enforcement Specialist?
Agricultural Enforcement Specialists follow the GS-5/7/9/11/12 progression with journey level at GS-11. Senior specialists reach GS-12. Career paths include specializing in plant protection or animal health, transitioning to supervisory roles, or advancing to APHIS regional enforcement coordinator positions.
How do I apply for GS-1850 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Agricultural Law Enforcement" or "Plant Protection" under series 1850. USDA APHIS is the primary employer with positions at ports of entry and field offices nationwide. Highlight inspection experience, agricultural knowledge, and enforcement skills. Include any pest identification training or agricultural certifications.
Ready to Apply for GS-1850?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.