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Utility Systems Repair and Operating
This standard covers nonsupervisory work that primarily involves repairing and operating one or more utility systems (air conditioning, heating, water, wastewater, etc.). Such work requires the ability to start, stop, and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them. Work requires knowledge of user requirements and the locations and functions of all equipment in the system(s) and the repair procedures and specifications.
What WG-4742 pays
Federal Wage System pay is set by local prevailing wage surveys, so it moves with the wage area rather than a national table.
Wage Grade rates are published per wage area rather than nationally, so the number that matters is the one for the installation you are applying to.
Source: DoD Civilian Personnel Advisory Service wage schedules.
Qualification requirements
OPM's standard for WG-4742, as written.
Utility Systems Repair and Operating
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work that primarily involves repairing and operating one or more utility systems (air conditioning, heating, water, wastewater, etc.). Such work requires the ability to start, stop, and regulate the utility or utilities for optimum efficiency and troubleshoot, maintain, and repair them. Work requires knowledge of user requirements and the locations and functions of all equipment in the system(s) and the repair procedures and specifications.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
requirements for the predominant line of work. (See also job grading standards for maintenance mechanic and utility systems operator for mixed jobs not meeting the criteria for coverage under this standard, i.e., repairing and operating one or more utility systems.) UTILITY SYSTEMS REPAIRER-OPERATOR, GRADE 8 General: Grade 8 utility systems repairer-operators perform various tasks in connection with the repair and operation of utilities for Federal buildings or facilities. Typical work assignments include the performance of various checks, tests, adjustments, and troubleshooting tasks to determine the need for and the performance of repair and operation work. The skill and knowledge,
Working Conditions
and also the skills and abilities of the employees. The examples are intended to show some of the more common combinations of work. If the highest level of work (without credit for shift responsibility) represents a single occupation (e.g., air conditioning equipment mechanic or wastewater treatment plant operator), the job should be titled, coded, and
What this means if you served
- Write the duties, not the billet. OPM credits military experience on the work performed, and does not use rank or pay to judge specialized experience.
- Put the training and certifications you earned in service on the page. They count here.
- Claim your veterans preference on the application. It is not applied for you.
- No positive education requirement here, so qualifying experience can stand in for the education.
How to qualify for WG-4742
1Review 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.
2Document 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.
3Gather Credentials
Collect your DD-214, trade certifications (welding, electrical, HVAC, etc.), apprenticeship completion certificates, and any specialized licenses required for your trade.
4Build Your Federal Resume
Two pages, the same USAJOBS limit that has applied since 27 September 2025. Lead with hands-on trade experience: the tools and equipment you ran, safety training, the projects you finished, and hours worked per week.
5Apply 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 jobs that map to this series
Tactical Power Generation Specialist
WG-4742 Utility Systems Repair and Operating covers boilers, water systems, and electrical distribution at federal installations. A common landing spot for 91Ds wanting to operate plant systems rather than wrench tactical sets.
Skills that carry over: Plant operations, Boiler systems, Electrical distribution, Water and steam systems.
Usually opens at: WG-08, WG-10, WG-11.
Utilities Equipment Repairer
WG-4742 Utility Systems Repairing and Operating covers the broad heating, cooling, water, and steam plant work on a federal installation, lining up with the full 91C utility-equipment scope.
Skills that carry over: Utility systems operation, HVAC maintenance, Heating systems, System troubleshooting.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-10.
Water and Fuel Systems Maintenance
WG-4742 Utility Systems Repairing and Operating matches the water-treatment, distribution, and wastewater side of your job almost line for line.
Skills that carry over: Water distribution operation, Wastewater systems, Treatment process control, Utility maintenance.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Your record can qualify you even when your code is not on this list. The crosswalk is a starting point, not the gate.
Typical duties
- Perform utility systems repair and operating tasks as assigned
- Follow safety procedures and regulations
- Maintain and operate tools and equipment
- Complete work orders and documentation
- Coordinate with team members and supervisors
Key competencies
requirements for the predominant line of work. (See also job grading standards for maintenance mechanic and utility systems operator for mixed jobs not meeting the criteria for coverage under this sta
Ability to follow safety procedures and regulations
Knowledge of tools and equipment for the trade
Skill in performing physical tasks requiring manual dexterity
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Words the announcement will use
Use the ones your record actually supports. A rater is matching your experience against the specialized experience statement, and a keyword with nothing behind it does not survive that.
Questions about WG-4742
What is a Utility Systems Repairer-Operator?
A Utility Systems Repairer-Operator (WG-4742) repairs and operates multiple utility systems including HVAC, heating, water, and wastewater systems. They start, stop, and regulate utilities for optimum efficiency while troubleshooting, maintaining, and repairing equipment.
How much does a federal Utility Systems Repairer-Operator make?
WG-4742 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-9/10) typically range $26-$40 per hour depending on locality. Annual earnings range $54,000-$83,000. Multi-skilled operators are highly valued.
What are the requirements for WG-4742 positions?
WG-4742 requires knowledge of multiple utility systems. Qualifications include ability to operate HVAC, heating, and water systems; troubleshoot equipment problems; perform repairs; and understand user requirements and system functions throughout facilities.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-4742?
Yes, military utilities experience directly qualifies. Seabee Utilitiesmen (UT), Army 12P (Prime Power Production), Air Force 3E1X1 (Heating, Ventilation, AC, Refrigeration), and shipboard engineering ratings provide directly relevant multi-system experience.
What is the career progression for Utility Systems Repair-Operating?
Utility Systems workers progress to journeyman (WG-9/10) and lead positions. Career paths include facilities management, plant operations, WG-4749 (Maintenance Mechanic) for broader building maintenance, or transition to GS facilities engineering roles.
How do I apply for WG-4742 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Utility Systems' or series '4742.' Positions exist at federal buildings, military installations, and VA facilities. Highlight your multi-system experience, troubleshooting skills, and certifications. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-4742?
A rater matches your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement, inside two pages. BMR writes that shape from your own experience: competency headers, real scope, hours per week, and the supervisor detail the rater checks.