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Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operating
This standard is used to grade work involved in the operation of self-propelled, flanged wheel railroad maintenance vehicles and equipment to lay, remove, repair, elevate, align, and maintain ties, rails, ballast, and other parts of the railway, and to transport maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, and personnel. This work requires the ability to safely operate one or more flanged feel railroad maintenance vehicles, knowledge of railway maintenance and repair methods and requirements, and kno
What WG-5738 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-5738, as written.
Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operating
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard is used to grade work involved in the operation of self-propelled, flanged wheel railroad maintenance vehicles and equipment to lay, remove, repair, elevate, align, and maintain ties, rails, ballast, and other parts of the railway, and to transport maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, and personnel. This work requires the ability to safely operate one or more flanged feel railroad maintenance vehicles, knowledge of railway maintenance and repair methods and requirements, and knowledge of track system layout, operating rules, and maintenance procedures.
Physical Effort
in reaching, bending, turning, and moving arms, hands, legs, and feet to operate hand and foot-controls and maintain maximum vision. In performing work such as loading, unloading, and arranging cargo, the operators frequently lift, move, and handle items weighing up to 23 kilograms (50 pounds), and may lift heavier items, usually with the help of other workers. U.S. Office of Personnel Management 3 Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operating, 5738 TS-28 January 1974, TS-38 October 1979
Working Conditions
at this grade are generally the same as those described for the
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-5738
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.
Typical duties
- Perform railroad maintenance vehicle 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
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
Ability to read and interpret instructions and procedures
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-5738
What is a Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operator?
A Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operator (WG-5738) operates self-propelled, flanged wheel railroad maintenance vehicles and equipment to lay, remove, repair, align, and maintain ties, rails, ballast, and railway components at federal rail facilities.
How much does a federal Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operator make?
WG-5738 positions are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Typical wages range $24-$38 per hour depending on equipment complexity and locality. Annual earnings range $50,000-$79,000.
What are the requirements for WG-5738 positions?
WG-5738 requires ability to safely operate flanged wheel railroad maintenance vehicles. Qualifications include knowledge of railway maintenance methods, track repair requirements, and safe operation on active rail lines.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-5738?
Military railroad experience directly qualifies. Army 88U (Railway Operations) and related transportation MOSs with rail equipment experience provide relevant skills for railroad maintenance vehicle operator positions.
What is the career progression for Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operating?
Railroad Maintenance Vehicle Operators progress through equipment types and complexity. Career paths include rail maintenance supervisor, WG-3546 (Railroad Repairing), or transition to broader equipment operation positions.
How do I apply for WG-5738 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for 'Railroad Maintenance Vehicle' or series '5738.' Positions exist at depots and installations with active rail systems. Highlight your rail equipment experience, safety training, and maintenance knowledge. Veterans receive preference.
Ready to apply for WG-5738?
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.