WG-4351

Plastic Fabricating

Federal Wage Grade position fabricating plastic parts, components, and assemblies using forming, bonding, and machining techniques at federal manufacturing and defense facilities.

📊Administrative📁4300

💰WG-4351 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 Location

Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service

Qualification Requirements

Official OPM qualification standards for WG-4351

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-4351

Step-by-step guide to landing a federal plastic fabricating position

  1. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

📋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

Technical Knowledge

Understanding of trade-specific tools, equipment, materials, and techniques required for the position

Manual Dexterity

Physical coordination and skill in using hands and tools to perform precise work

Safety Awareness

Knowledge of workplace safety procedures, OSHA standards, and proper use of personal protective equipment

Problem Solving

Ability to diagnose issues, troubleshoot problems, and determine effective repair solutions

Quality Control

Attention to detail ensuring work meets specifications, standards, and quality requirements

Blueprint Reading

Ability to read and interpret technical drawings, schematics, diagrams, and work orders

Equipment Operation

Proficiency in operating trade-specific machinery, power tools, and specialized equipment

Maintenance Procedures

Knowledge of preventive maintenance, inspection protocols, and equipment care

Communication

Ability to communicate effectively with supervisors, coworkers, and customers about work status

Adaptability

Flexibility to work in various conditions and adjust to changing priorities and assignments

🔑Resume Keywords

plasticfabricationmoldingformingmanufacturingfederal wage gradeblue collar federal jobstrade jobs governmentskilled trades federalmaintenance

💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions about WG-4351

What is a Plastic Fabricator?

A Plastic Fabricator (WG-4351) fabricates plastic parts, components, and assemblies using forming, bonding, and machining techniques at federal manufacturing and defense facilities. They create replacement parts, prototypes, and specialized plastic components.

How much does a federal Plastic Fabricator make?

WG-4351 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-9/10) typically range $25-$38 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $52,000-$79,000. Aerospace composites specialists earn premium rates.

What are the requirements for WG-4351 positions?

WG-4351 requires skill working with various plastic materials. Qualifications include thermoforming, bonding, machining plastics, reading blueprints, and knowledge of different plastic types and their properties. Composite material experience is increasingly valued.

Can military experience substitute for education in WG-4351?

Military composite or plastics experience may help qualify. MOSs involving aircraft composite repair, fiberglass work, or manufacturing support provide relevant skills. Air Force structural maintenance and Navy composite repair ratings have transferable experience.

What is the career progression for Plastic Fabricating?

Plastic Fabricators progress through skill levels to journeyman (WG-9/10) and lead positions. Career specialization includes aerospace composites, which offers premium pay. Advancement includes transition to WG-4352 (Molding Equipment) or manufacturing technician roles.

How do I apply for WG-4351 jobs on USAJOBS?

Search USAJOBS for 'Plastic Fabricator' or 'Composites' or series '4351.' Positions exist at manufacturing facilities and aircraft depots. Highlight your plastic/composite fabrication skills, equipment proficiency, and quality work. Veterans receive preference.

Ready to Apply for WG-4351?

Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.