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Explosives Operator

Department of the Army
U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command
McAlester Army Ammunition Plant, Ammunition Operations in McAlester, OK

Summary

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Domestic Defense Industrial Base Facilities and the Major Range and Test Facilities Base Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Operate automatic machines and performs hand assembly operations in a production line environment which involve a limited number of operations and require judgment and manual skill.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
02/19/2026 to 03/05/2026
Salary
$24.67 to - $28.77 per hour
Pay scale & grade
WG 7
Location
Many vacancies in the following location:
McAlester, OK
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
Yes
Announcement number
MCGL-26-12885246-DHA
Control number
858228700

Duties

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  • Operate automatic machines such as a vacuum machine to draw off powder charges or a pull-apart machine to break down fixed cartridge ammunition for reloading or demilitarization.
  • Know the cycle of operation of automatic machines and the sequence of hand procedures to load, operate, and unload a hydraulic defusing machine.
  • Operate a vacuum unit to draw off powder from explosives containers, exercise knowledge of munitions to prevent or to neutralize powder spills and assure all powder has been removed from in order to completely neutralize the item.
  • Handle the fuse and fused projectile safety and quickly, load and operate the machine, and observe the machine for indications of malfunction.
  • Receive, stow, issue and rewarehouse ammunition (live and inert) and its components.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Appointment may be subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
  • This position meets the criteria for compliance with Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs. Detection of the presence of drugs is warranted. This position is subject to a pre-employment screening and random testing.
  • This position is a Domestic Violence Offender Gun Ban commonly referred to as Lautenberg Amendment. This act bans individuals convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence and certain others from possession or access to firearms or ammunition.
  • This position requires the completion of a pre-employment Physical Examination and an annual examination thereafter to ensure the continued, required level of physical health and ability or fitness to perform the duties of the position.
  • This position requires you to obtain and maintain an Arms, Ammunition and Explosives Security Certification and Screening.

Qualifications

Who May Apply: US Citizens

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

There is no specific length of training or experience required. However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Explosives Operator ~ without more than normal supervision. The ability to operate an automatic single operation machine with few controls to assemble or disassemble ammunition, explosives, ammunition components, or fused projectiles in a production type environment. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating.

  • Physical Effort: Explosives operators may sometimes be required to lift items weighing over 60 pounds. They may push or pull hand trucks or other items weighing several hundred pounds. All lifts over 50 pounds will be assisted with a two person lift or using a mechanical handling equipment lifting device. The two person lift limit is 100 pounds and will only be used for single event, non-routine lifts. The work requires sitting, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, and long periods of standing. Endurance and eye-hand coordination are required to work at a set pace and rhythm for long periods.
  • Working Conditions: The work is usually performed indoors or outdoors in covered areas or passageways, which provide some protections. Work areas are usually well lighted and ventilated. Some operations cause uncomfortable steam and heat in the work area. Operators 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 areas. They are exposed to the possibility of explosion and flash fire. There is a chance of injuries ranging from loss of life or limbs to burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, and nausea

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
  • You will be required to provide proof of U.S. Citizenship.
  • One year trial/probationary period may be required.
  • Direct Deposit of Pay is required.
  • Selection is subject to restrictions resulting from Department of Defense referral system for displaced employees.
  • If you have retired from federal service and you are interested in employment as a reemployed annuitant, see the information in the Reemployed Annuitant information sheet.
  • This is a(n) Ammunition Management Career Field position.
  • Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement.
  • Salary includes applicable locality pay or Local Market Supplement.
  • Payment of Permanent Change of Station (PCS) costs is not authorized, based on a determination that a PCS move is not in the Government interest.
  • Recruitment, Relocation, and Retention Incentives are not authorized.
  • Relocation (Government Home Sale) Expenses are not authorized.
  • This position may require overtime work.
  • This position may require shift work and/or work on rotating shifts to cover work performed on weekends, holidays and/or in other situations.
  • This position may require you to wear personal protective equipment and/or clothing.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the announcement has closed, a review of your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) will be used to determine whether you meet the qualification requirements listed on this announcement. Please follow all instructions carefully when applying, errors or omissions may affect your eligibility.

If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and/or experience, you may lose consideration for this position.

Veterans and Military Spouses will be considered along with all other candidates.

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