New Cohort Starts:

Donate

03D Career Guide

Army

03D: Arts and Crafts Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Arts and Crafts Specialist (03D)

Translate Your 03D Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 03D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Recreation Worker

$35K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CPR/First Aid CertificationSpecific recreational activity certifications (e.g., lifeguarding)

Arts and Crafts Teacher (K-12 or Community)

$55K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Teaching certification/licenseCurriculum development experience

Activities Director (Assisted Living/Senior Centers)

$48K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with geriatricsKnowledge of senior-friendly activitiesStrong interpersonal skills

Camp Counselor/Director

$30K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Experience working with children/teensCamp-specific certifications (e.g., waterfront safety)Program management experience

Museum Educator

$52K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Art History or related degreeMuseum education experienceGrant writing

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 03D training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

Managing arts and crafts program budgets, requisitioning supplies, and ensuring efficient use of resources to maximize program impact within funding constraints.

Efficiently allocating and managing resources, including budget, personnel, and materials, to achieve optimal outcomes and minimize waste.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to Army regulations, directives, and procedures for administrative funding, accountability, supply matters, and safety standards within arts and crafts programs.

Following established protocols, regulations, and safety standards to ensure consistent and compliant operations in a structured environment.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating with diverse teams, including subordinate personnel, civilian volunteers, and other Special Services elements, to deliver seamless and impactful arts and crafts programs.

Collaborating effectively with cross-functional teams, including colleagues, volunteers, and external partners, to achieve shared goals and deliver coordinated services.

Situational Awareness

Understanding the unique needs of service members in tactical, non-tactical, and garrison environments to tailor arts and crafts programs that provide effective recreational and therapeutic outlets.

Assessing the specific needs and interests of a target audience to develop relevant and engaging programs that address their requirements.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Recreational Therapist

SOC 29-1125.00

You've been planning and executing arts and crafts programs in a military setting, and you understand how these activities can be therapeutic and engaging. This role directly translates your skills in creating structured recreational activities with therapeutic goals.

Activities Director (Senior Living)

SOC 11-9071.00

You've honed your skills coordinating entertainment and recreation programs. Activities Directors require the ability to coordinate diverse activities, manage budgets, and ensure programs meet the needs of residents. You are adept at planning and executing engaging activities while adhering to regulatory requirements.

Corporate Event Planner

SOC 13-1121.00

You've got experience coordinating logistics, budgeting, and ensuring program success in diverse settings. As an event planner, you'll apply these skills to create memorable and impactful events for employees or clients, ensuring seamless execution and positive outcomes.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Arts and Crafts Specialist Course, Fort Lee

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Arts and crafts program planning and promotion
  • Supervision and instruction in basic and specialized crafts
  • Ceramics and enameling techniques
  • Leather craft and textile properties
  • Photography techniques and film processing
  • Woodworking and furniture construction
  • Equipment requisition and accountability
  • First aid techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Activities Professional (CAP)70% covered

Study specific recreational therapy techniques, documentation, and ethical considerations within healthcare or community settings. Review relevant regulations (e.g., for assisted living facilities).

Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP)60% covered

Focus on public park and recreation management principles, including budgeting, facility maintenance, program development tailored to diverse populations, and risk management in recreational settings.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS)Activity Director Certified (ADC)National Activity Professional Certification (NAPC)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
TOE/TDA (Tables of Organization and Equipment/Tables of Distribution and Allowances)Organizational charts and equipment inventories
Army Regulations and DirectivesCorporate policies and procedures
Non-Appropriated Funds (NAF) Accounting SystemPoint of Sale (POS) and inventory management systems for retail operations
DA Forms for supply requisition and accountabilityPurchase order systems and inventory tracking software
Craft-specific power tools and equipmentCommercial-grade tools and equipment for woodworking, ceramics, metalworking, etc. (e.g., ShopSmith, Skutt Kilns, etc.)
Audiovisual equipment (motion picture facilities, package shows)Commercial audio and video systems
MWR (Morale, Welfare, and Recreation) Activity Management SystemRecreation management software (e.g., RecTrac, CivicRec)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 03D experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free