What is the lowest GS job level you would consider after 20 years of service?

2015-01-03T20:01:18-05:00

Well all know it's hard entering in the GS system at a decent GS level. After serving 20+ years of Military service what is the lowest GS job level would you accept regardless of what grade you retired at?

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 3 at 2015 8:12 PM

2015-01-03T20:12:21-05:00

In my opinion, part of that depends on how much education you have and your location. Also, probably your specialty.

I did 30 years, 26 in counterintelligence, and the standard - even for the average schmuck (like me) at 20 years - was GS-13. That was typical, and I think it still is, probably because you're bringing experience and no need for further training, at least not right away. You can hit the ground running as a civilian, if you stay in your field.

I'd say my personal lowest level would be GS-9, but I think a more reasonable starting point at 20 years, with a 4-year degree, would be GS-11. There's no doubt you can get a higher grade if you compete in the field where your military experience lies. Outside of that field ... my numbers would go down to maybe GS-7 (bottom) and GS-9 (expected/hoped for).

Response by TSgt Joshua Copeland made Jan 3 at 2015 8:49 PM

2015-01-03T20:49:32-05:00

Honestly, I would take just about any level. Why, to get in to the system. Many of the GS-11 plus jobs are not direct hire, you have to be a GS to apply. I personally know someone that started as a GS-6 out of college and retired as an SES-2.

Response by SFC Stephen Smithers made Jan 4 at 2015 11:38 AM

2015-01-04T11:38:17-05:00

Any level, just to get in the system. I started as a GS-5 Purchasing Agent, changed jobs several times. Now I have the job I wanted GS-13 IT Specialist.

Response by PO3 JoseLuis Breton made Jan 4 at 2015 12:03 PM

2015-01-04T12:03:16-05:00

What ever it takes to support yourself and or your family. REMEMBER, that you don't have to Stay at that grade either.

Response by Maj Chris Nelson made Jan 4 at 2015 8:05 PM

2015-01-04T20:05:43-05:00

As a nurse, I would anticipate GS 9-11 depending on the specific clinic/job.

Response by PO2 Earl McMannis made Jan 18 at 2015 12:29 PM

2015-01-18T12:29:31-05:00

That depends on lots of factors. What your skills sets are, did you ever manage personnel, types of projects, assets, money, etc... My first job out of the service was a GS-5 postion before I found a better private sector job. After several rounds of layoffs I found myself at the government again but as GS-11 due to my skills in the computer field.

Response by CPO William Zaczek made Jan 28 at 2015 11:31 PM

2015-01-28T23:31:43-05:00

Unless the GS position was a 80% or better match to the military position I held, I would be willing to assume any level basement entry level, maybe 2 steps above. I feel that the years of service and my maturity level should speak for something. However, as much as I would think I could do a job there is always a steep learning cureve to navigate.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 23 at 2015 10:13 AM

2015-04-23T10:13:37-04:00

You will never see me work for civil service or corporations.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 29 at 2015 2:22 PM

2015-12-29T14:22:35-05:00

Take what you can get!!! I've finally got in at a GS04 and it took like 3 years. It's all up hill from here!

Response by 1SG Timothy Trewin made Dec 29 at 2015 5:52 PM

2015-12-29T17:52:27-05:00

I would accept any level job if it put food on the table. Would I be particularly fond of a GS-3 or GS-4 job? No, but I am a realist and humble enough to know that I might have to start at the bottom again and work my way up through the ranks. I was able to once, I will again when the time comes.

Response by SFC Pete Kain made Dec 29 at 2015 7:11 PM

2015-12-29T19:11:47-05:00

To get a foot in the door....janitor.
I do have experience at cleaning up messes and it's an honest job.

Response by MSgt Michael Smith made Dec 30 at 2015 1:08 PM

2015-12-30T13:08:40-05:00

That is a hard question, because the GS system varies so much from region to region. I live and work in the DC Metro. Here, GS 11 or 12 is pretty much the standard level for a retiree to consider when entering civil service. With that said, there are plenty of GS 7 and 9s out there as well, and if a 9 had promotion potential and was something I really wanted to do, then I would certainly consider taking it. The GS system is heavily inflated in the DC Metro region though. In other parts of the country, you can do really well as a 7 or 9.

Response by LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 30 at 2015 1:18 PM

2015-12-30T13:18:35-05:00

GS-12. I'm a critical care registered nurse with a bachelors degree - GS-12 is the standard grade for that level of education and experience. If I didn't have the critical care experience, then the lowest I would go is GS-11 (which is standard for an RN with a Bachelors degree). If I were a CDR with more education and more leadership experience, I'd be setting my sights higher.

As with anything, I think this varies with what type of job you're looking for and how much education and experience you have.

Response by SFC Victor Serrano made Dec 30 at 2015 11:05 PM

2015-12-30T23:05:14-05:00

GS-7 would be a fair GS job level without a degree. Just remember to write your resume according to the job posting, it's of the uppermost importance.