Government job listing question...What does this mean exactly?

I am finishing my degree and want to apply for federal jobs. I keep seeing things like this listed under qualifications:
GS-12 and above: Bachelor's degree directly related to this occupation and 1 year of experience directly related to this occupation equivalent to the next lower grade level.

I have a BS directly related to the occupation but what does it mean about grade levels?

i worked for the federal government for 7 years. the GS system is a pay grade system......it goes from GS-1 (lowest end) to GS-15 (i might be wrong here)
in each pay grade there are steps that you can go up in pay so if you start at a GS-12 step 1, in two years you may be at a GS-12 step three.
so basically it is just a pay scale nothing to do with "grades" per say.

Having worked for government this speaks more to those who are already in government. The grade level is a reference to the type of position and the pay grade. When it says that you should have 1 year of experience directly related to this occupation equivalent to the next lower grade level means that if you are applying for a Technical Analyst III, you should have one year of experience as a Technical Analyst II or worked in a position similar to it. Good luck!

Not to sound pessimistic because I'm only speaking from experience. Usually GS-12 jobs are rather coveted. If you are recently out of college and have little experience, it may be rather difficult to get one (exception given to special field like medical, legal, and technical engineering). They almost always have someone already in mind for the position, who is working in a GS-10/11 capacity. I am presently a government employee and have dealt with a lot of this.

If you are recently out of college, I would highly recommend looking into to career internship programs that are offered for government positions. They may start at either a GS-6/7 but they usually end in three to four years at a GS -11/12 level. Trust me, a promotion every year for three or four years is very good, whether for the government or private corp. The below link is directs you to the Army career intern program.

In regards to "Mudslide's" comment, the OPM does say that GS-12 need a PhD, but it is just the government's way of maintaining the good ole boy system. I know dozens of GS-12 that only have a BA/BS. I even know a couple that have no degree at all!!! That being said, they have also been working for the government for 20+ years, or they have field aquired skills from military service.

GS-12 is usually the target pay grade the position is in. For this target, a new hire would start at the GS-9 level, then go up one grade every year. A GS-12 requires a masters degree or equilvalent professional degree (nursing, etc..).

Once hired by the federal government, you would have the open opportunity to move up within the different levels. The majority of hiring is for "status candidates" which are already federal employees. Getting in at a GS-5 or 7 is what I recommend for you.

Now is a great time as the gov't is hiring in all sectors. www.usajobs.gov is the website, you can do everything online. But be sure and thoroughly complete the KSA (questionaire) with specific examples of how you meet those qualifications. You'll need to specifically say you are substituting education for something and then outline how you learned that skill while getting your degree.

It can take months, start applying now. If you make the cut and an interview, you can negotiate your availability time.

Don't delay, good luck...

I work for the federal government. At the GS-12 level you will need significant experience or a PhD.NO LIE! Check out www.opm.gov. It breaks it down more clearly. Also check out developmental positions, they normally begin at GS-7/9 and end at the GS-11/12.