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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
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-5738
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.
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
at this grade are generally the same as those described for the
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal railroad maintenance vehicle 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.