Department of the Army

Explosives Worker (Materials Handler)

McAlester, Oklahoma Full time

Explosives Worker (Materials Handler)

Department: Department of the Army

Location(s): McAlester, Oklahoma

Salary Range: $20.59 - $24.02 Per Hour

Job Summary: This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Domestic Defense Industrial Base Facilities & the Major Range and Test Facilities Base to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service. About the Position: This position serves as a Explosives Worker (Materials Handler), operates automatic machines and performs hand assembly operations in a production line environment.

Major Duties:

  • Operate automatic machines such as 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 in order to completely neutralize the item.
  • Handle the fuse and fused projectile safely 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.

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 Worker (Materials Handler) ~ without more than normal supervision. Perform repetitive hand operations to assemble or disassemble ammunition or explosives items. I can use common hand tools such as pliers, wrenches, or brushes. I work under normal supervision of a work leader or journey-level employee who observes tasks in progress and upon completion to make sure they are properly performed. - Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Physical Effort: Position requires you to frequently lift bomb, shell or rocket casings, and powder charges weighing 30 to 40 pounds. Some assignments require lifts of 50 to 60 pounds at a production pace. 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. May pull or push hand trucks weighing several hundred pounds and work requires walking, bending, reaching, crouching, and long periods of standing or sitting. Endurance and hand-eye coordination are required to work at a set pace and rhythm for long periods. 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; however, some operations cause uncomfortable steam or heat. The workers stand on floors made of concrete, lead or conductive composition and are frequently exposed to moisture and wet floors due to cleanup operations. They wear protective clothing such as specially treated coveralls, respirators, and goggles on many assignments. There is exposure to the possibility of explosion and flash fires and chance of injuries ranging from loss of life or limbs or burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, and nausea.

How to Apply: To apply for this position, you must complete the online questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section above. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 05/06/2026 to receive consideration To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application (https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12943116). Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. As a reminder, your resume must be two pages or less and must support the specialized experience described in this announcement. Resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. For additional information, refer to the 'Required Documents' section. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. Your resume selected in USAJOBS will be included, but you must re-select other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application may be incomplete. It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan. Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center. To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/applicant/profile/dashboard/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

Application Deadline: 2026-05-06