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Gs 5 Level Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

$46K/yr

... the GS-2005-5 level. Incumbent personally performs the work of the positions led. Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.Qualifications:You must meet the Office of ...

New

$46K/yr

... the GS-2005-5 level. Incumbent personally performs the work of the positions led. Read the entire announcement before starting the application process.Qualifications:You must meet the Office of ...

New

Auditor

Alexandria, VA · On-site +1

$57K - $158K/yr

To qualify at the GS-07 level, you must have one year of specialized experience at the GS-5 level that includes: assisting with routine audit support or related activities; gathering and organizing ...

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One-year specialized experience equivalent to grade CO-5 or GS-5 level. Specialized experience is experience that demonstrates knowledge of basic principles, concepts, and methods of fact-finding ...

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Showing results 1-20

Gs 5 Level information

See Virginia salary details

$39.7K

$115.9K

$146.7K

How much do gs 5 level jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for gs 5 level in Virginia is $115,932.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $106,100.00 and $131,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a GS-5 level position?

A GS-5 level position is a job classification within the U.S. federal government's General Schedule (GS) pay scale. It is typically considered an entry-level position that requires a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. GS-5 positions are found across various federal agencies and may include roles in administration, clerical work, or technical support. The duties and responsibilities at this level are generally routine and performed under supervision, with opportunities for advancement through the GS pay grades.

What responsibilities can I expect in a GS-5 level federal position, and how do they support career progression within the civil service?

In a GS-5 federal role, you can expect to handle a variety of entry-level administrative, technical, or professional tasks under supervision. Common responsibilities include gathering and analyzing data, preparing reports, assisting with project coordination, and supporting senior staff. These tasks are designed to help you build foundational skills and knowledge of agency procedures, which are essential for advancement. Performing well in a GS-5 position often sets the stage for promotion to higher grades, as it demonstrates your ability to take on more complex work and increased responsibility.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a GS-5 level federal employee, and why are they important?

To succeed as a GS-5 level federal employee, you generally need at least a bachelor's degree or equivalent experience, strong organizational skills, and proficiency in basic administrative or technical tasks. Familiarity with federal systems like USA Staffing, Microsoft Office Suite, and agency-specific databases is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and adaptability help individuals excel in diverse and structured government environments. These skills and qualities ensure reliable, accurate work and support the mission and efficiency of federal agencies.

Is GS5 entry-level?

GS-5 is generally considered an entry-level or early-career federal position within the General Schedule pay scale. It typically requires a high school diploma or equivalent and may involve basic administrative, clerical, or support tasks. Advancement to higher GS levels usually requires additional experience or education.
Infographic showing various Gs 5 Level job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, and 21% Part Time. Highlights an 79% In-person, and 21% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $115,932 per year, or $55.7 per hour.

Consumer Safety Inspector

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Temperanceville, VA • On-site

$40K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 2 days ago

New


USDA Forest Service rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 120 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

161st of 295 rated public sector bodies


Job description

$5,000 Sign on Bonus, Creditable Service for Annual Leave Accrual, Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, and Referral Bonus Awards are available.
Shifts and species will vary based on assignment. For additional information contact Laura Hutchison at 919-326-5272 or laura.hutchison@usda.gov
Employee may be detailed to any shift at any plant in the Raleigh District.Qualifications:You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement, including specialized experience and/or education, as defined below.
Specialized experience:
Specialized experience is experience that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities or other products for human consumption. Your experience should be acquired working in positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related positions.
GS-5: You must have at least 52 weeks of qualifying experience that provided knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances, such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food or beverages for human consumption, or other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
Your resume must show examples such as applying proper techniques for collecting samples and/or performing field tests and examinations (e.g. identifying abnormalities in the product or production environment and recommending corrective actions), developing written reports and/or reporting findings of results orally (e.g. documenting abnormalities in the product or production environment and communicating those findings to others), and/or skill in maintaining effective personal contacts with a variety of individuals (e.g. discussing findings with internal or external contacts regarding the food safety standards established in the production environment), or other similar work making determinations on products for human consumption or the production environment (e.g. ensuring conformance with established standards).
Your experience should have been acquired working positions such as consumer safety inspector or inspection aid, food inspector, public health inspector, quality inspection specialist, or other related position.
GS-7: In addition to the qualifications above, you must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 level, and you must have performed standard and recurrent duties on an independent basis. Your resume should demonstrate at least 52 weeks of experience in independently carrying out routine, standard assignments on a regular and recurring basis that provided you with knowledge of the properties and characteristics of regulated food commodities and substances, such as: meat, poultry, fish, eggs, or other food for human consumption, and other ingestible substances, such as pharmaceuticals.
GS-8: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 level. In addition to the qualifications above, your experience must include working with the Federal Meat, Poultry, and Egg Products Inspection Acts in order to inspect meat, poultry and egg products; working with basic SSOP and HACCP principles and practices in order to verify plant HACCP and SSOP responsibilities; performing basic mathematics and elementary statistical concepts and methods to perform testing and sampling procedures; and experience in reaching and interpreting conclusions.
GS-9: You must have at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-8 level. In addition to the qualifications above, you must have experience working at a more independent level than lower graded CSIs, which may include duties such as recommending refusal of exports and providing temporary coverage at locations outside of the official duty station.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, spiritual, community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Follow this link for more information on OPM's qualifications standards for the CSI position: Consumer Safety Inspector Series, GS-1862Education:Education may be used to qualify in lieu of specialized experience
GS-5 level:
  • Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree with major study or at least 24 semester hours/credits in any combination of coursework in the areas of: agricultural, biological, or physical sciences, food technology, epidemiology, home economics, pharmacy, engineering, or nutrition. Specialized government or military training may be creditable if it is related directly to this position, or
  • A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only education in excess of the first 60 semester hours of a course of study leading to a bachelor's degree (with some related coursework, as described in number 2 above) is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
GS-7 Level:
  • One full year of directly related graduate education is qualifying, or
  • A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
  • The course of study must directly reflect the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position
GS-9 Level:
  • Two full years of graduate education, or a directly related master's degree, or
  • A combination of education and specialized experience. In this instance, only graduate education in excess of the first 18 semester hours directly related to the work of the position is creditable towards meeting the requirements, along with specialized work experience. The combination must equal 100% of the requirement. For example, if you have 33% of the education requirement, then you will need 67% of the specialized experience requirement.
  • The course of study must directly reflect the job-related competencies necessary to satisfy the minimum qualifications and perform the duties of the position
Employment Type: OTHER

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