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Federal Wage Grade position creating scale models, prototypes, and mockups for engineering, training, and display purposes at federal facilities, laboratories, and military 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-4714
This standard is used to grade all nonsupervisory jobs involved in planning and fabricating complex research and prototype models which are made from a variety of materials and are used in scientific, engineering, developmental, experimental, and test work.
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal model making 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.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
A Model Maker (WG-4714) creates scale models, prototypes, and mockups for engineering, training, and display purposes at federal facilities, laboratories, and military installations. They produce accurate representations of equipment, structures, and systems for design validation and presentation.
Federal Model Makers (WG-4714) 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. Aerospace model makers earn premium rates.
WG-4714 requires skill working with multiple materials to create accurate scale models. Qualifications include ability to read engineering drawings, work with wood, metal, and plastics, use precision measuring tools, and produce models meeting exacting specifications.
Military model making or prototype experience may help qualify. Training aids developers, aircraft mockup builders, and engineering support specialists may have relevant skills. Precision fabrication experience from any MOS provides foundational capabilities.
Model Makers progress through skill levels based on complexity and precision. Career paths include aerospace prototyping, training aids development, or transition to GS engineering technician roles. 3D printing skills increasingly supplement traditional model making.
Search USAJOBS for 'Model Maker' or series '4714.' Positions exist at research laboratories, engineering centers, and training facilities. Include portfolio examples demonstrating your scale model work and precision fabrication. Veterans receive preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.