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This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the maintenance, repair, and modification of heavy duty vehicles and mobile equipment which have utility systems or special hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, or electronic systems, features, or controls designed for such purposes as construction, combat, earth moving, ship loading, firefighting, and comparable industrial or special applications. Examples of heavy duty equipment covered by this series include bulldozers, road grader
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-5803
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the maintenance, repair, and modification of heavy duty vehicles and mobile equipment which have utility systems or special hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical, or electronic systems, features, or controls designed for such purposes as construction, combat, earth moving, ship loading, firefighting, and comparable industrial or special applications. Examples of heavy duty equipment covered by this series include bulldozers, road graders, crawler tractors, power shovels, locomotives, combat tanks, cranes, large missile transporters, and fire trucks. The repair of major systems (such as diesel, gasoline, multifuel, and turbine engines; automatic, standard, and cross-drive transmissions; heavy duty drive line systems; and hydraulic, electrical, and mechanical utility systems) is included, whether accomplished as part of or apart from repair of the total piece of heavy mobile equipment involved. The work requires knowledge of how heavy duty machinery, engines, parts, and systems work; ability to detect faulty items, determine causes of malfunction, and determine best repair methods; and skill to assemble, disassemble, repair, or modify components and systems.
: Heavy mobile equipment repairers at the
Step-by-step guide to landing a federal heavy mobile equipment mechanic 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.
Military jobs that transition to WG-5803
Heavy mobile equipment pathway. Construction machinery.
Heavy mobile equipment.
Direct match for heavy mobile equipment mechanic. Highlight construction equipment diagnostics.
💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.
💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems and human recruiters find your qualifications.
Typical grades for Federal Wage System positions
A Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic (WG-5803) maintains, repairs, and modifies heavy-duty vehicles and mobile equipment with specialized systems for construction, combat, earthmoving, firefighting, and industrial applications including bulldozers, graders, cranes, and combat vehicles.
Federal Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanics (WG-5803) are paid under the Federal Wage System based on local prevailing rates. Journeyman wages (WG-10/11) typically range $28-$45 per hour. Annual earnings range $58,000-$94,000. Combat vehicle mechanics earn premium rates.
WG-5803 requires skill maintaining heavy equipment with hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical systems. Qualifications include engine repair, transmission work, hydraulic system maintenance, and ability to diagnose complex equipment problems.
Absolutely. Military heavy equipment experience directly qualifies. Army 91L (Construction Equipment Repairer), 91A (Abrams Tank System Maintainer), Seabee Construction Mechanics (CM), and any MOS involving heavy equipment repair provides directly relevant experience.
Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanics progress to journeyman (WG-10/11) and lead positions. Career specializations include construction equipment, combat vehicles, or material handling equipment. Supervisor and shop management positions are advancement paths.
Search USAJOBS for 'Heavy Equipment Mechanic' or series '5803.' Positions exist at construction units, depots, and maintenance facilities. Highlight your equipment specializations, certifications, and troubleshooting experience. Veterans receive strong preference.
Create a tailored federal resume that meets OPM standards.