1

Gs Scale Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Gs Scale information

See California salary details

$12

$17

$21

How much do gs scale jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for gs scale in California is $17.57, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.19 and $19.47 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the GS scale?

The GS Scale, or General Schedule, is the pay scale used for most federal employees in the United States, specifically those in professional, technical, administrative, and clerical positions. It consists of 15 grades (GS-1 to GS-15), each with 10 steps that determine pay based on experience and performance. The GS Scale helps standardize salaries across different agencies and locations, though locality pay adjustments can increase base pay in higher-cost areas. Promotions and step increases typically occur based on years of service and satisfactory job performance. Understanding the GS Scale is essential for anyone considering a federal government career.

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

To thrive as a GS federal employee, you typically need relevant education or experience for the specific position, strong analytical abilities, and knowledge of government procedures. Familiarity with federal HR systems like USAJOBS, proficiency in office software, and sometimes security clearances are often required. Strong communication, organizational skills, and adaptability are important soft skills for effective collaboration and navigating complex bureaucratic environments. These competencies ensure employees can efficiently fulfill their duties, comply with regulations, and contribute to public service goals.

How does being on the GS pay scale impact opportunities for career advancement within federal government roles?

Working in a position classified under the GS (General Schedule) pay scale provides a structured path for career advancement in the federal government. Employees can progress through steps within their current grade based on performance and years of service, and may also apply for higher-grade positions as they gain experience and demonstrate qualifications. Advancement often depends on a combination of merit, tenure, and completion of training or educational requirements. The GS system promotes transparency and fairness in promotions but can be competitive, so actively seeking professional development and networking within your agency can help accelerate your growth.

What is the difference between Gs Scale vs Civil Engineer?

AspectGs ScaleCivil Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically none; federal pay grade systemBachelor's degree in civil engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, federal agenciesConstruction sites, engineering firms, government agencies
Employer & Industry UsageU.S. federal government for salary gradingPrivate and public sector infrastructure projects
Comparison Search IntentUnderstanding federal pay gradesUnderstanding civil engineering roles and salaries

The Gs Scale is a federal pay grade system used to determine salaries for government employees, while a Civil Engineer is a professional responsible for designing and overseeing construction projects. The Gs Scale provides a standardized salary structure, whereas civil engineers focus on project execution and technical expertise. Both are integral to government infrastructure projects, but they serve different functions within the industry.

What cities in California are hiring for Gs Scale jobs?

Cities in California with the most Gs Scale job openings:

Infographic showing various Gs Scale job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,547 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Special Assistant United States Attorney

Office of the Inspector General, USPS

Los Angeles, CA โ€ข On-site, Remote

$124K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago


Job description

Summary
*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE AND POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION EMPLOYEES. OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
Help
This announcement provides the opportunity for a reassignment/promotion to the Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) position detailed to the United States Attorney's Office, Central District of California (Los Angeles, California). Bring your skills and voice to our team!
Previous criminal law experience and/or experience in litigation is required. Previous experience as an Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) or Special Assistant United States Attorney (SAUSA) is beneficial but not required. Experience with Postal Service matters, healthcare fraud, narcotics investigations and public corruption is desired, but not required. Additionally, the applicant must possess strong academic credentials from an ABA accredited law school, demonstrate excellent writing, research ability, advocacy, and investigative skills, work effectively in a team environment, and have a proven record of creative thinking. Applicant must be an active member in good standing to practice law in any state, U.S. Territory, or the District of Columbia and be an active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).
The successful candidate will report to the USPS OIG Office of General Counsel (OGC) and the U.S. Attorney's Office (USAO) in the Central District of California (CDCA), Los Angeles, California. He or she will primarily prosecute Postal employees who have engaged in theft of mail, embezzlement of funds, narcotics violations, healthcare fraud, and public corruption. The selectee will prosecute other cases as needed, for training or otherwise, as directed by the USAO. The successful candidate will engage in grand jury investigations and appear on behalf of the United States in the United States District Court for the Central District of California, for hearings, including: arraignments, bail hearings, preliminary and pretrial hearings, plea hearings, and sentencing hearings. The successful candidate will handle trials in United States District Court for the Central District of California and appeals in the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and presenting investigative and charging documents to include warrants, complaints, informations, and indictments.
NOTE: This is a TERM appointment, with an initial term of two years, with the possibility of three additional extensions of up to one-year each. The position may be extended further without competition.
NOTE: While this position reports to USPS OIG Headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, the candidate will be detailed full-time to the USAO CDCA. The candidate is expected to comply with residency requirements for the CDCA at the time they begin employment.
Candidates will be evaluated on the skills that they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and the experience, education and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire the particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on 08/21/2026 will be considered.
The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience.
This position is being advertised at the Journey/Attorney Band level, equivalent to a GS-13 to GS-14. The salary range for this position is $124,085.00 - $190,627.00. The salary figures include locality pay. Promotion potential to a GS-14 at management's discretion.
Please note that the duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the agency's needs at the time of hire. The following description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.
  • Provide legal advice and guidance to federal agents in the development of cases for prosecution.
  • Conduct legal research, prepare and present to the district court necessary investigative documents, including motions, search warrants, and subpoenas to support the investigations undertaken by USPS OIG investigators.
  • Lead the investigative team through investigations, case development, and grand jury presentation. This will include preparation of prosecution memoranda in compliance with the requirements of the USAO CDCA.
  • Represent the USPS OIG and the federal government as the prosecuting attorney on assigned cases before judges and hearing officers at all stages of criminal litigation and appeal.
  • Work closely with other USPS OIG agents and attorneys, other USAOs, the Department of Justice, and other organizations to keep abreast of legal developments and best practices, and to effectively represent the USPS OIG's interests.

Requirements
Help
Conditions of employment
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be able to pass a drug screening
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Top Secret security clearance
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card
  • May be required to successfully complete a 12-month probationary period

Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
You must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications listed below.
  • At least 4 years of post J.D. litigation and/or criminal law experience.
  • Graduation from an ABA accredited law school.
  • Excellent writing, research, and advocacy skills.
  • Active member in good standing of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction).

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • Knowledge of the U.S. Postal Service.
  • Experience prosecuting healthcare fraud, narcotics and/or public corruption.
  • Top academic credentials.
  • Experience participating and/or leading a team.
  • Proven record of creative thinking.

EVALUATION FACTORS
You must have the experience, knowledge and skills as listed in EACH of the evaluation factors. Failure to demonstrate that you meet all of the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0); an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the position requirements in your resume.
  • Experience in criminal litigation, as prosecution or defense, preferably involving postal statutes, healthcare fraud, narcotics investigations, and/or public corruption.
  • Skill in legal writing, including preparation of legal Memoranda, Motions and other court submissions, charging documents and appellate briefs.
  • Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and work collaboratively while maintaining excellent client relationships.
  • Ability to manage a diverse workload that includes investigations and active litigation, while maintaining effective communication with law enforcement partners, USAO management, and USPS OIG management.

You will no longer be considered for this position if you: fail to respond to all of the questions in the self-assessment questionnaire; fail to address a factor in the narrative section (no response or "See resume" or similar language will be scored a zero (0)); or receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor.
Failure to demonstrate that you meet all evaluation factor requirements will result in a score of zero (0). Upon receipt of a zero score, you will be deemed "not minimally qualified," and you will not be referred for further consideration.
Education
Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Applicants can verify accreditation here: https://www.ed.gov/laws-and-policy/higher-education-laws-and-policy/college-accreditation.
Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education:
Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities.
For further information visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications.
Additional information
Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the USPS OIG. We offer a broad array of benefits programs:
As a result of the passage of the Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 (PSRA), USPS employees (including USPS OIG) and retirees will transition from the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) Program to the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program effective January 1, 2025. Detailed information about eligibility and enrollment will be provided upon hiring. For more information, visit the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program website at https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/pshb/.
We offer Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Care Insurances with Flexible Spending options as well.For more information about these programs visit: https://www.opm.gov/healthcare-insurance/Guide-Me/Federal-Employees/
Retirement and Thrift Savings. For more information about these programs see https://www.opm.gov/retirement-center/ and tsp.gov/.
Flexible Work Schedules. USPS OIG offers a range of family-friendly flexibilities including flexible work schedules, telework and employee assistance programs.
Leave and Holidays. In addition to eleven (11) paid holidays each year, you will earn thirteen (13) days of paid sick leave and thirteen (13) to twenty-six (26) paid vacation days each year depending on your years of service.
Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Exempt (Nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay; Exempt employees are not).
This agency provides Reasonable Accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please send an email to jobs@uspsoig.gov. The decision on granting an accommodation request will be made on a case-by-case basis.
For further information, please refer to our website at: https://www.uspsoig.gov/frequently-asked-questions
Expand Hide additional information
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Help
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.