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2F031 Career Guide

Air Force

2F031: Fuels Operator

Career transition guide for Air Force Fuels Operator (2F031)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2F031 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Fuel Storage and Distribution Manager

$95K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Refine knowledge of EPA regulationsDevelop broader understanding of supply chain management

Quality Control Technician

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Gain industry-specific certifications (e.g., ISO 9001)Enhance knowledge of laboratory techniquesLearn specific software for data analysis (e.g. SAS, Tableau)

Logistics Coordinator

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

APICS certification (CPIM or CLTD)Project management skillsProficiency in logistics software

Environmental Compliance Specialist

$72K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Obtain certifications like Certified Environmental Professional (CEP)Develop in-depth knowledge of environmental regulations (EPA, OSHA)Understand environmental auditing procedures

Maintenance Technician

$50K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications related to equipment (e.g., HVAC, electrical)Expand mechanical knowledgePLC Programming

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2F031 training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict regulations and safety protocols when handling volatile materials like petroleum and cryogenic fuels. This includes following detailed procedures for storage, dispensing, and quality control to prevent accidents and ensure operational efficiency.

Meticulously following established protocols and guidelines in highly regulated industries, demonstrating an ability to consistently adhere to safety standards and operational procedures.

Resource Optimization

Managing fuel inventories, projecting product requirements, and coordinating refueling operations to ensure efficient allocation and use of resources. This involves minimizing waste, preventing shortages, and optimizing delivery schedules to meet mission demands.

Efficiently managing resources, including inventory, personnel, and equipment, to maximize productivity and minimize waste. This involves forecasting demand, optimizing schedules, and implementing cost-saving measures to achieve organizational goals.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining a comprehensive understanding of fuel levels, equipment status, and operational requirements across various locations. This enables you to proactively identify potential problems, anticipate changing needs, and make informed decisions to ensure uninterrupted fuel support.

Monitoring and assessing complex situations in real-time, identifying potential risks and opportunities, and making informed decisions based on available information. This includes anticipating challenges, adapting to changing circumstances, and maintaining a broad perspective to ensure operational success.

System Modeling

Understanding the interconnectedness of fuel storage, distribution, and dispensing systems, allowing you to predict the impact of changes or disruptions on the overall operation. This enables effective troubleshooting, optimization, and maintenance planning.

Analyzing and understanding complex systems, predicting the impact of changes, and identifying opportunities for improvement. This involves using data and modeling techniques to optimize performance and ensure the smooth operation of interconnected processes.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been immersed in a world of strict regulations and safety protocols. Your experience in ensuring compliance with fuel handling and storage procedures translates directly into the skills needed to develop, implement, and monitor compliance programs in various industries. You have a proven track record of meticulously following guidelines and preventing violations.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been managing fuel inventories, projecting requirements, and coordinating distribution networks. This makes you well-prepared to analyze supply chain operations, identify inefficiencies, and implement optimization strategies for various industries. Your skills in resource management and inventory control are highly valuable in logistics.

Environmental Health and Safety Specialist

SOC 19-5011

You've been responsible for ensuring the safe handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials. Your experience in mitigating environmental risks and implementing safety procedures aligns perfectly with the responsibilities of an EHS specialist. You understand the importance of regulatory compliance and risk management.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3010

You've maintained and operated complex fuel storage and dispensing facilities. This background equips you with the knowledge and skills to oversee the operation, maintenance, and repair of various types of facilities. Your experience in managing infrastructure and ensuring operational efficiency is highly transferable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Fuels Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in logistics management and environmental technology.

Topics Covered

  • Fuel Handling Procedures
  • Cryogenic and Alternative Fuels
  • Fuels Quality Control and Analysis
  • Fuels Facility Maintenance
  • Fuels Accounting and Inventory Management
  • Mobile Refueling Operations
  • Environmental and Safety Regulations
  • Fuels Automated System (FAS)

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Professional Environmental Auditor (CPEA)60% covered

Requires study of environmental auditing principles, regulatory frameworks (beyond military compliance), and specific audit methodologies. Focus on areas such as ISO 14001 standards, environmental management systems, and legal aspects of environmental compliance.

Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)50% covered

Requires studying hazardous materials regulations (DOT, EPA, OSHA), risk assessment, waste management, emergency response, and pollution prevention. Focus on regulatory differences between military and civilian sectors.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry70% covered

Requires studying general industry-specific safety standards, hazard recognition, and control methods per OSHA regulations. Focus on topics like machine guarding, electrical safety, and confined space entry as they apply to civilian industrial settings.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Energy Manager (CEM)Certified Quality Technician (CQT)Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Fuels Automated System (FAS)Inventory Management Software (e.g., Fuel Management System (FMS))
Standard Base Supply System (SBSS)Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Mobile Refueling Equipment (e.g., R-11 Refueler)Commercial Fuel Tanker Trucks
Cryogenic Storage TanksIndustrial Liquid Nitrogen/Oxygen Storage Tanks
Fuels Laboratory Test Equipment (e.g., ASTM standard test equipment)Petroleum Testing Equipment (e.g., Spectro Scientific, Herzog)
Lock Out/Tag Out (LOTO) ProceduresOSHA Standard LOTO Procedures
Hydrant Refueling SystemsAviation Fueling Systems at Commercial Airports

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