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Explosives Operating
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the manufacture of powder, propellant grains, solid or liquid explosives, and mixtures for flares or signals, and the manufacture, assembly, disassembly, renovation, modification, and deactivation of ammunition, explosives, or chemical or toxic filled munitions. Included are jobs which involve operation of equipment, jigs, or machines that were designed or modified to perform particular munitions operations. This work requires a knowledge of e
What WG-6502 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-6502, as written.
Explosives Operating
Federal Wage System Position
Work Performed
This standard covers nonsupervisory work involved in the manufacture of powder, propellant grains, solid or liquid explosives, and mixtures for flares or signals, and the manufacture, assembly, disassembly, renovation, modification, and deactivation of ammunition, explosives, or chemical or toxic filled munitions. Included are jobs which involve operation of equipment, jigs, or machines that were designed or modified to perform particular munitions operations. This work requires a knowledge of explosives and explosives safety practices, the ability to operate equipment that is designed or modified for munitions operations, and the skill to safely perform operations with explosives.
Physical Effort
at this level is similar to that described at the
Working Conditions
: Work is usually performed indoors or outdoors in covered areas or passageways which provide some protection. Work areas are usually well lighted and ventilated. Some operations, however, such as melting powder or steaming out powder, cause uncomfortable steam or heat in the work area. Workers are required to stand on floors made of concrete, lead, or conductive composition. They wear protective clothing such as specially treated coveralls, respirators, and goggles on many assignments. They are frequently exposed to moisture and wet floors as a result of cleanup operations in powder working areas. They are exposed to fumes from acids and explosives. They are exposed to the possibility of explosion and flash fire. There is chance of injuries ranging from loss of life or limbs to burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, and nausea. EXPLOSIVES 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-6502
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
Ammunition Specialist
Direct match for hands-on explosives work. Federal depots and arsenals hire directly from this MOS.
Skills that carry over: Explosives handling, Munitions operations, Safety procedures, Equipment operation.
Usually opens at: WG-8, WG-9, WG-10.
Aircrew Egress Systems
WG-6502 Explosives Operating is the direct civilian version of CAD/PAD work, assembling, disassembling, and handling explosive and propellant-actuated components at DoD depots and ammunition plants.
Skills that carry over: CAD/PAD handling, Explosive-device safety, De-arming procedures, Energetic-component assembly.
Usually opens at: WG-08, WG-09, WG-10.
Gunner's Mate
Explosives Operating. Federal WG series for ordnance and explosives handling at ammunition depots, weapons stations, and testing facilities. GMs with ammunition magazine management and weapons loading experience qualify directly.
Skills that carry over: Ammunition handling, Magazine operations, Ordnance disposal, Safety procedures, Inventory control, Material handling.
Usually opens at: WG-8, 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 explosives 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-6502
What is an Explosives Operating worker?
An Explosives Operating worker (WG-6502) manufactures, assembles, disassembles, renovates, and modifies ammunition, explosives, and munitions at federal facilities. Work includes operating specialized equipment for powder production, propellant manufacturing, and explosive mixing operations. This critical defense position requires strict adherence to safety protocols and knowledge of explosive materials handling.
How much does a federal Explosives Operating worker make?
Federal Explosives Operating workers are paid under the WG system with hazardous duty differentials typically included. WG-6502 positions range from WG-5 to WG-10 based on complexity and responsibility. Hazard pay (typically 8-25% additional) applies to many assignments involving direct explosives handling. Check DCPAS wage schedules for locality rates plus applicable differentials.
What are the requirements for WG-6502 positions?
WG-6502 positions require knowledge of explosive materials, manufacturing processes, and strict safety procedures. Entry-level positions may accept candidates with mechanical aptitude and willingness to complete extensive safety training. Higher grades require demonstrated experience with specific munitions operations, equipment operation, and understanding of ordnance specifications. Security clearance is required.
Can military experience substitute for education in WG-6502?
Yes, military explosive ordnance experience is highly valued for WG-6502. Army 89B (Ammunition Specialist), Navy GM (Gunner's Mate), Air Force 2W0X1 (Munitions Systems), and Marine Corps 2311 (Ammunition Technician) provide excellent preparation. Your military training in munitions handling, safety protocols, and explosive materials gives you a significant advantage.
What is the career progression for Explosives Operating?
Explosives Operating workers advance from WG-5 through WG-10 based on demonstrated competency and scope of operations. Related series include WG-6505 Munitions Destroying and WG-6517 Explosives Test Operating. Supervisor (WS) positions lead production teams. Quality Assurance Inspector roles offer alternative advancement. Security clearance maintenance is essential throughout your career.
How do I apply for WG-6502 jobs on USAJOBS?
Search USAJOBS for "Explosives Operating" or "6502" to find positions at Army ammunition plants, naval weapons stations, and defense manufacturing facilities. These positions require security clearances and often pre-employment drug testing. Emphasize your safety record, experience with hazardous materials, and any military ordnance training. Veterans' preference applies.
Ready to apply for WG-6502?
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.