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This standard covers the nonsupervisory work involved in installing, removing, aligning, maintaining, and repairing rails, ties, ballast, switches, frogs, joints and other parts of railroad tracks and roadbeds using hand operated power tools and other manually operated equipment. The work requires a knowledge of the layout and maintenance requirements of tracks, roadbeds, and their parts, and ability to find and repair defects in them using specialized railroad maintenance equipment.
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-3546
This standard covers the nonsupervisory work involved in installing, removing, aligning, maintaining, and repairing rails, ties, ballast, switches, frogs, joints and other parts of railroad tracks and roadbeds using hand operated power tools and other manually operated equipment. The work requires a knowledge of the layout and maintenance requirements of tracks, roadbeds, and their parts, and ability to find and repair defects in them using specialized railroad maintenance equipment.
: Grade 8 repairers, in accomplishing the work described above, use all of the skill and knowledge described at the Grade 5 level and, in addition, the following: -- Ability to determine the need for any of the full range of manual maintenance, including aligning, superelevating, surfacing, shaping, renewing, replacing, and repairing all railroad track parts; must know the proper condition of all track and railway components including drainage and vegetation control requirements and the operation of mechanical switches, signals, and gates; -- Ability to detect probable causes of defects requiring overly frequent maintenance on some track areas; e.g., improper elevation of the outer rail as the cause of frequent shifting of track; -- Ability to determine extent of repair necessary because of defects such as various types of fissures, splits, crushed or flattened heads, cracked bases, shelly spots and other fractures, overly-tight clearances, shifting track, and worn switch points; -- Ability to coordinate repair work with railroad maintenance vehicle operators, welders, crane operators, railroad repairers, and laborers, as required, along with skill in the use of full range of normal repair techniques involved in major repair projects such as tie and track replacement for an entire installation; -- Skill in using the tools, devices, and techniques described at grade 5 and, in addition, using a spot board to determine smoothness, using the string lining technique for determining proper curvature on simple curves, or using comparable techniques in addition to making visual assessments of track condition.
at this level is essentially the same as those described for the
at this level are essentially the same as those described for the
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal railroad repairing 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.
Grade 8 repairers, in accomplishing the work described above, use all of the skill and knowledge described at the Grade 5 level and, in addition, the following: -- Ability to determine the need for
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
A Railroad Repairer (WG-3546) installs, removes, aligns, maintains, and repairs rails, ties, ballast, switches, frogs, joints, and other parts of railroad tracks and roadbeds. They use hand-operated power tools and specialized railroad maintenance equipment at federal installations with rail systems.
WG-3546 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-8/9) typically range $24-$35 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $50,000-$73,000. Positions at active rail facilities may include overtime opportunities.
WG-3546 requires knowledge of railroad track layout and maintenance requirements. Qualifications include ability to find and repair track defects, use specialized railroad maintenance equipment, work safely around rail operations, and perform heavy physical labor outdoors.
Military transportation and construction experience may help qualify. Army 88U (Railway Operations) or similar transportation MOSs involving rail operations provide directly relevant experience. Combat engineer and construction experience with heavy equipment also transfers well.
Railroad Repairers progress from WG-5 through journeyman levels (WG-8/9). Senior positions involve lead worker responsibilities. This specialized trade has limited positions but offers stable employment at installations with rail systems like depots, arsenals, and supply centers.
Search USAJOBS for 'Railroad Repairer' or series '3546.' Positions exist at military depots, arsenals, and installations with active rail systems. Highlight your track work experience, heavy equipment operation, and outdoor work capabilities. Veterans receive preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.