Home / Federal careers / WG-4749
Maintenance Mechanic
This standard is used to grade nonsupervisory work involved in the maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, and related fixtures and utilities, requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, cement work, painting, and other related trades.
What WG-4749 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-4749, as written.
Maintenance Mechanic
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is used to grade nonsupervisory work involved in the maintenance and repair of grounds, exterior structures, buildings, and related fixtures and utilities, requiring the use of a variety of trade practices associated with occupations such as carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical, air conditioning, cement work, painting, and other related trades.
Skill and Knowledge Requirements
requirem ents of the predominant line of work. The
Working Conditions
may affect the grade of the job only if they differ significantly from these factors as they are described in the applicable job grading standards. U.S. Office of Personnel Management 3 Maintenance Mechanic, 4749 TS-30 May 1974 MAINTENANCE WORKER,
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-4749
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
Carpentry and Masonry Specialist
WG-4749 Maintenance Mechanic is the federal generalist trades role. 12Ws who picked up plumbing, HVAC, or electrical exposure during installation maintenance are highly competitive for these positions.
Skills that carry over: Carpentry, Masonry, Drywall, Basic plumbing and electrical, General building maintenance.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
Multi-trade facilities role. AF Civil Engineer breadth is the selling point. Crosses HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and minor structural.
Skills that carry over: Multi-trade troubleshooting, HVAC, Plumbing basics, Electrical basics, Work order management.
Usually opens at: WG-08, WG-09, WG-10.
Utilitiesman
Maintenance mechanic pathway. Building systems.
Skills that carry over: Plumbing, HVAC, Water Systems, Preventive Maintenance, Troubleshooting.
Usually opens at: WG-9, WG-10, WG-11.
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 maintenance mechanic 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
requirem ents of the predominant line of work. The
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-4749
What is a Maintenance Mechanic?
A Maintenance Mechanic (WG-4749) maintains and repairs grounds, structures, buildings, and related fixtures using multiple trade practices including carpentry, masonry, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, cement work, and painting. They are multi-skilled generalists handling diverse facility maintenance.
How much does a federal Maintenance Mechanic make?
Federal Maintenance Mechanics (WG-4749) 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. This is one of the most common WG trades.
What are the requirements for WG-4749 positions?
WG-4749 requires competence across multiple building trades. Qualifications include skills in carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, and general repairs. The ability to diagnose problems and perform repairs across trade disciplines is essential.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-4749?
Absolutely. Military facilities maintenance experience directly qualifies. Seabees (all ratings), Army 12-series construction MOSs, Air Force Civil Engineer squadron members, and any service member with building maintenance duties has relevant experience.
What is the career progression for Maintenance Mechanic?
Maintenance Mechanics progress to journeyman (WG-9/10) and lead positions. Career paths include facilities management, specialization in single trades for higher pay, or transition to GS facilities management or building engineering technician roles.
How do I apply for WG-4749 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Maintenance Mechanic' or 'Maintenance Worker' or series '4749.' Positions exist at virtually every federal installation. Highlight your multi-trade skills, building maintenance experience, and problem-solving ability. Veterans receive strong preference.
Ready to apply for WG-4749?
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.