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This standard is for use in grading nonsupervisory work involved in operating wheel-mounted tractors and towed or attached equipment. The work performed typically includes transporting materials and equipment, towing aircraft, digging, loading, planting, spraying, fertilizing, harvesting, clearing, or mowing. Examples of the towed and attached equipment include carts, sweepers, trailers, towbars, plows, brush hogs, planters, mowers, combines, spreaders, sprayers, backhoes, and front-end loading
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-5705
This standard is for use in grading nonsupervisory work involved in operating wheel-mounted tractors and towed or attached equipment. The work performed typically includes transporting materials and equipment, towing aircraft, digging, loading, planting, spraying, fertilizing, harvesting, clearing, or mowing. Examples of the towed and attached equipment include carts, sweepers, trailers, towbars, plows, brush hogs, planters, mowers, combines, spreaders, sprayers, backhoes, and front-end loading devices.
in attaching the towbar and manipulating the tractor steering to maneuver the aircraft around obstacles. Operators use skill in backing the towed aircraft into position along side of or in between other aircraft with the assistance of spotters. This assistance is limited due to the size of aircraft towed at this level. Most sections of the aircraft are within the sight of the operator.
while performing duties such as operating tractors and uncoupling and making couplings between tractors and towed vehicles. The work requires frequent stooping, bending, reaching, and arm and leg movement to operate tractor controls. Operators frequently lift and carry parts and equipment weighing up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds). Occasionally, they move heavier items with assistance of other workers or mechanical lifting devices.
at this level are similar to those described at the
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal tractor operating 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 federal Tractor Operator (WG-5705) operates wheel-mounted tractors with towed or attached equipment including carts, sweepers, plows, mowers, backhoes, and front-end loaders. Work includes transporting materials, towing aircraft, digging, mowing, and agricultural operations.
Federal Tractor Operators (WG-5705) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $18-$30 per hour depending on equipment complexity and locality. Annual earnings range $37,000-$62,000.
WG-5705 requires skill operating tractors with various attachments. Qualifications include maneuvering with towed equipment, aircraft towing precision, operating attachments like backhoes and mowers, and maintaining safe operations around obstacles and personnel.
Yes, military equipment operation experience qualifies. Combat engineers, Seabees, motor transport operators with tractor duties, and airfield operations personnel who towed aircraft have directly relevant experience for federal tractor operator positions.
Tractor Operators progress based on equipment variety and attachment complexity. Career paths include heavy equipment operator (WG-5716 series), grounds maintenance supervisor, or airfield operations support. Aircraft towing specialists have specialized advancement.
Search USAJOBS for 'Tractor Operator' or series '5705.' Positions exist at airfields, agricultural facilities, and installations with grounds maintenance. Highlight your equipment variety experience and safe operation record. Veterans receive preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.