Optical Instrument Repair
Federal Wage Grade position repairing, calibrating, and maintaining optical instruments including binoculars, scopes, and precision optical equipment at federal facilities and military installations.
💰WG-3306 Salary Information
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
Qualification Requirements
Official OPM qualification standards for WG-3306
Qualification requirements not yet available for this series.
🎖️Tips for Veterans
- ✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
- ✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
- ✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
- ✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.
📝How to Qualify for WG-3306
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal optical instrument repair position
- 1
Review Trade/Craft Requirements
WG positions require demonstrated skill in a specific trade or craft. Review the job announcement for required certifications, licenses, and hands-on experience.
- 2
Document Your Experience
WG positions are experience-based, not grade-based. Document your years of hands-on trade experience, apprenticeships completed, and journeyman status if applicable.
- 3
Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
- 4
Build Your Federal Resume
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.
- 5
Apply on USAJOBS
Search for WG positions in your trade specialty, carefully answer assessment questions about your skill level and experience, and submit before the closing date.
🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk
Military jobs that transition to WG-3306
Optical Laboratory Specialist
GS-3306 Optical Instrument Repair builds and repairs optical assemblies for federal labs and depots, a direct fit for the precision side of the MOS.
Precision Weapons Repairer
2112s map almost line for line to WG-3306 Optical Instrument Repair. Collimating, aligning, and calibrating fire-control and sighting instruments is the core of this series.
Electro-Optical Ordnance Repairer
2171s map almost 1:1 to WG-3306 Optical Instrument Repair, which covers bench repair and alignment of optical and electro-optical instruments.
💡 Tip:Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
📋Typical Duties
- •Perform skilled trade work in accordance with established standards, specifications, and safety procedures
- •Operate, maintain, and repair trade-specific equipment, tools, and machinery
- •Read and interpret blueprints, technical manuals, work orders, and specifications
- •Inspect completed work for quality, accuracy, and compliance with requirements
- •Maintain tools, equipment, and work areas in clean, safe, and operational condition
- •Document work performed including time, materials used, and completion status
- •Coordinate with supervisors and other trades on project requirements and schedules
- •Follow all safety protocols including proper use of PPE and hazardous material handling
- •Train and assist lower-grade workers in trade techniques and procedures
- •Requisition materials, parts, and supplies needed to complete assigned work
🎯Key Competencies
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
🔑Resume Keywords
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
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Grade Levels
Grade information not available
Related Series
❓Frequently Asked Questions about WG-3306
What is an Optical Instrument Repairer?
An Optical Instrument Repairer (WG-3306) repairs, calibrates, and maintains optical instruments including binoculars, rifle scopes, range finders, periscopes, and precision optical equipment at federal facilities and military installations. They ensure critical optical targeting and observation equipment maintains accuracy.
How much does a federal Optical Instrument Repairer make?
WG-3306 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $26-$38 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $54,000-$79,000. Fire control optics specialists may earn premium rates.
What are the requirements for WG-3306 positions?
WG-3306 requires skill in optical instrument repair and precision calibration. Qualifications include knowledge of optical principles, experience with lens systems, precision alignment techniques, and ability to work with delicate instruments requiring extreme accuracy.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3306?
Yes, military optical and fire control experience qualifies. MOSs like Army 91F (Small Arms/Artillery Repairer) with optics training, Navy FC (Fire Controlman), or any rating involving sight/scope maintenance provides relevant experience. Tank and artillery fire control training is particularly valuable.
What is the career progression for Optical Instrument Repair?
Optical Instrument Repairers progress through skill levels to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions. This specialized trade offers stable employment supporting military optics. Career advancement includes fire control systems work, GS engineering technician positions, or optical metrology roles.
How do I apply for WG-3306 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Optical Instrument' or series '3306.' Positions exist at depot maintenance facilities, armories, and weapon system maintenance centers. Highlight your precision instrument experience, calibration skills, and fire control optics knowledge. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to Apply for WG-3306?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.