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Performs packaging work including packaging design, specification development, and packaging operations.
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.
Official OPM qualification standards for GS-2032
Individual Occupational Requirements:** There are no Individual Occupational Requirements for this series.
Experience Requirements by Grade Level:
| Grade | Specialized Experience Required |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | 3 years progressively responsible general experience OR equivalent education |
| GS-7 | 1 year equivalent to GS-5 OR Superior Academic Achievement OR 1 year graduate education |
| GS-9 | 1 year equivalent to GS-7 OR 2 years graduate education/master's degree |
| GS-11 | 1 year equivalent to GS-9 OR 3 years graduate education/Ph.D. |
| GS-12+ | 1 year equivalent to next lower grade level |
Education Substitution:
Superior Academic Achievement (S.A.A.) for GS-7: Based on (1) class standing in upper third of graduating class, (2) grade-point average of 3.0+ overall or 3.5+ in major field, or (3) election to membership in a national scholastic honor society.
Combining Education and Experience: Equivalent combinations of education and experience are qualifying for grade levels where both are acceptable.
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 packaging 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-2032
Traffic Management personnel are involved in packaging and shipping operations, providing a foundation for packaging design and compliance roles.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
Knowledge of packaging techniques.
Understanding of packaging materials.
Ability to develop packaging specs.
Skill in evaluating packaging effectiveness.
Knowledge of packaging standards.
Ability to train on packaging procedures.
Skill in solving packaging issues.
Ability to maintain packaging records.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
A GS-2032 Packaging Specialist designs, develops, and manages packaging for federal shipments—ensuring items are protected during transportation and storage. These specialists develop packaging specifications, test materials, ensure compliance with military packaging standards (MIL-STD), and manage packaging operations primarily for DOD shipments of equipment, weapons, and supplies.
Federal Packaging 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 Packaging Specialist earns $52,205-$67,865. DOD, DLA, and military depots are primary employers requiring packaging expertise for defense shipments.
GS-2032 follows the administrative qualification standard. Entry at GS-5 requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Higher grades require specialized packaging experience. Knowledge of MIL-STD packaging requirements, material properties, and testing methods is essential. Understanding of shipping requirements and hazardous materials packaging is valuable.
Yes, military packaging experience directly transfers. Veterans who worked in preservation and packaging, shipping operations, or supply functions involving packaging requirements have relevant backgrounds. Experience applying MIL-STD packaging specifications, preparing shipments, or testing packaging materials provides qualifying experience.
Packaging 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 hazardous materials packaging, transitioning to transportation management, or advancing to supervisory positions overseeing packaging operations at depots.
Search USAJOBS.gov for "Packaging Specialist" under series 2032. DOD depots, DLA, and military supply activities are primary employers. Highlight packaging experience, knowledge of MIL-STD requirements, and material testing skills. Include specific types of items packaged and any hazardous materials packaging certifications.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.