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Federal Wage Grade position operating industrial sewing machines for manufacturing, repairing, and altering textiles, uniforms, parachutes, and canvas products at federal facilities and defense installations.
Federal Wage System Pay
Federal Wage Grade (WG) pay varies by geographic location and is determined by local prevailing wage surveys.
Look Up WG Pay by LocationSource: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-3111
Qualification requirements not yet available for this series.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal sewing machine operating position
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
Create a detailed federal resume highlighting your hands-on trade experience, tools and equipment operated, safety training, and specific projects completed. Include hours worked per week.
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position
Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work
Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment
Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions
Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements
Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders
Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment
Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care
Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status
Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments
π‘ Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Grade information not available
A federal Sewing Machine Operator (WG-3111) operates industrial sewing machines for manufacturing, repairing, and altering textiles, uniforms, parachutes, and canvas products at federal facilities and defense installations. They produce and repair critical textile items to military specifications.
WG-3111 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $17-$28 per hour depending on skill level and locality. Annual earnings range $35,000-$58,000. Parachute riggers and specialized textile workers often earn higher rates.
WG-3111 requires proficiency operating industrial sewing machines and related textile equipment. Qualifications include experience with various machine types, ability to work with different fabrics, skill in following patterns and specifications, and producing quality finished products.
Yes, military parachute rigging and textile work directly qualifies. The Army MOS 92R (Parachute Rigger) and similar Navy/Air Force ratings provide excellent preparation. Any military experience involving uniform alteration, equipment fabrication, or parachute maintenance applies.
Sewing Machine Operators progress through skill grades with specialized work in parachutes commanding higher rates. Career paths include lead operator positions, transition to WG-3105 (Fabric Working), parachute rigger certification, or supervisory roles in textile operations.
Search USAJOBS for 'Sewing Machine Operator' or series '3111.' Major employers include Defense Logistics Agency textile facilities, parachute rigging facilities, and uniform production centers. Highlight your machine operation experience and production quality. Veterans receive preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.