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Performs ATF inspection work including compliance inspections of licensed businesses and enforcement activities.
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-1854
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal alcohol, tobacco and firearms inspection 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.
Understanding of ATF regulations and laws.
Skill in conducting compliance inspections.
Ability to investigate regulatory violations.
Skill in gathering and preserving evidence.
Ability to prepare inspection and investigation reports.
Skill in working with licensees and the public.
Ability to take appropriate enforcement actions.
Skill in reviewing records and documentation.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
NOTE: GS-1854 Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Inspection is a CANCELLED series. This occupational classification has been officially discontinued by OPM. ATF inspection and investigation work is now covered under GS-1801 (General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement) and GS-1811 (Criminal Investigation) series. If you are interested in this type of work, search for those replacement series.
The GS-1854 ATF Inspection series was consolidated into GS-1801 for inspection and compliance work and GS-1811 for criminal investigation (Special Agent) positions. ATF Industry Operations Investigators now typically fall under GS-1801, while ATF Special Agents are classified under GS-1811.
For ATF compliance inspection work, search USAJOBS for Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) positions at ATF, typically classified under GS-1801. For ATF criminal investigation (Special Agent), search for GS-1811 Criminal Investigator positions at Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
ATF Industry Operations Investigators (IOI) under GS-1801 require a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in inspection, investigation, or compliance work. ATF Special Agents under GS-1811 require meeting law enforcement requirements including physical fitness, firearms qualification, and passing extensive background investigation.
Yes, military experience is valued at ATF. Veterans with military police, explosive ordnance, criminal investigation, or security experience have relevant backgrounds. For Special Agent positions, combat arms and weapons expertise provide unique qualifications. Veterans preference points apply to both IOI and Special Agent hiring.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "ATF" or "Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives" to find current openings. Look for Industry Operations Investigator (IOI) positions for compliance work or Special Agent positions for criminal investigation. ATF has field offices nationwide and headquarters in Washington, DC.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.