Metal Forging
Federal Wage Grade position shaping and forming metal using forging techniques including hammer forging, press forging, and heat treatment for federal manufacturing facilities, arsenals, and defense installations.
💰WG-3802 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-3802
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-3802
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal metal forging 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-3802
Steelworker
Heating, forming, and shaping structural metal maps to the GS-3802 Metal Forging series in federal metal-trades operations.
💡 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.
Quick Links
Grade Levels
Grade information not available
❓Frequently Asked Questions about WG-3802
What is a Metal Forger?
A Metal Forger (WG-3802) shapes and forms metal using forging techniques including hammer forging, press forging, and heat treatment at federal manufacturing facilities, arsenals, and defense installations. They produce forged components for weapons systems, vehicles, and equipment.
How much does a federal Metal Forger make?
WG-3802 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$42 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $58,000-$87,000. This heavy manufacturing trade offers stable employment.
What are the requirements for WG-3802 positions?
WG-3802 requires skill operating forging equipment including power hammers and presses. Qualifications include knowledge of metal properties, heating temperatures, die operation, and ability to produce forged parts to specifications. Heavy physical work is required.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-3802?
Military metalworking experience may help qualify. MOSs involving heavy manufacturing, ordnance production, or metal fabrication provide foundational skills. Army ordnance and Navy shipyard metal workers may have relevant forging or heavy metalworking experience.
What is the career progression for Metal Forging?
Metal Forgers progress through skill levels to journeyman (WG-10/11) positions. This specialized heavy manufacturing trade has limited positions at arsenals and manufacturing facilities. Career paths include lead forger, die setter, or transition to other metalworking trades.
How do I apply for WG-3802 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Metal Forger' or 'Forging' or series '3802.' Positions exist primarily at arsenals and heavy manufacturing facilities. Demonstrate your forging experience, equipment operation skills, and physical capabilities. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to Apply for WG-3802?
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.