3E251 Career Guide
3E251: Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator
Career transition guide for Air Force Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator (3E251)
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Top civilian roles for 3E251 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Construction Equipment Operator
Paving and Surfacing Equipment Operator
Highway Maintenance Worker
Construction Foreman
Skills to develop:
Quarry Blaster
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 3E251 training built — and where they transfer.
Resource Optimization
This role involves determining material and equipment requirements and preparing cost estimates for construction activities. They optimize resources by efficiently scheduling equipment repair and servicing, planning work requirements, and applying engineered performance standards to estimate jobs.
This translates to the ability to manage budgets, allocate resources effectively, and make informed decisions to maximize efficiency and minimize waste in civilian project management and operations roles.
Procedural Compliance
This role ensures compliance with all safety and environmental regulations. They also inspect work to ensure quality and compliance with policies, regulations, and other publications.
This demonstrates a strong understanding of regulatory frameworks and the ability to adhere to protocols, ensuring projects meet required standards and minimizing risks, essential in fields requiring strict adherence to guidelines.
Situational Awareness
The role requires constant awareness of the surrounding environment while operating heavy machinery, especially during construction and snow removal operations. They must also be aware of potential hazards and adjust their actions accordingly.
This translates to a heightened ability to assess complex situations, anticipate potential problems, and make quick, informed decisions in dynamic environments, valuable in roles requiring vigilance and adaptability.
System Modeling
The role involves interpreting construction drawings and surveys using information such as subgrade contours and grade alignment. They understand how various components (soil, aggregate, asphalt, etc.) interact within the construction system.
This ability to understand and interpret complex systems translates to the civilian world as the ability to analyze and understand system design and how it is implemented.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Quarry Manager
SOC 11-9021You've been operating rock crushing equipment and performing quarry demolition, giving you hands-on experience with quarry operations. Your skills in resource optimization, equipment maintenance, and safety compliance make you a strong candidate to manage a quarry effectively.
Construction Inspector
SOC 47-4011You've been inspecting pavements for surface, base, and sub-base damage or defects and ensuring compliance with policies and regulations. Your meticulous attention to detail and knowledge of construction standards make you well-suited to ensure construction projects meet quality and safety requirements.
Environmental Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041You've been ensuring compliance with environmental regulations and providing erosion control. Your experience in this area, coupled with your procedural compliance skills, makes you capable of ensuring organizations adhere to environmental standards and regulations.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Civil Engineer Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Construction Equipment Operation (Loaders, Graders, Dozers, Backhoes)
- •Asphalt and Concrete Paving Techniques
- •Runway and Roadway Construction and Repair
- •Blueprint Reading and Surveying
- •Soil Stabilization and Compaction
- •Snow and Ice Removal Operations
- •Equipment Maintenance and Repair
- •Safety and Environmental Regulations
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
May need to pass written and driving tests specific to state requirements and endorsements (e.g., hazardous materials, tanker).
Needs to complete an OSHA-authorized 30-hour construction safety course to cover all required topics.
NCCER offers various craft certifications (e.g., heavy equipment operator, concrete finishing). Coverage varies depending on the specific craft and the depth of training received in the military. Further training and assessment are needed.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Grader (e.g., Caterpillar 140M) | Motor Grader (e.g., Caterpillar, John Deere models) |
| Asphalt Paver (e.g., Blaw-Knox PF-180) | Asphalt Paving Machine (e.g., Volvo, Roadtec models) |
| Concrete Batch Plant (Mobile or Fixed) | Concrete Mixing Plant (e.g., CON-E-CO, RexCon) |
| Soil Compactor (e.g., Bomag BW 213 DH-5) | Soil Compactor/Roller (e.g., Caterpillar, Sakai models) |
| Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) Kits | Pavement Repair Materials (e.g., QUIKRETE, NewRoad Materials) |
| Explosives (for demolition, quarrying) | Commercial Explosives (e.g., Dyno Nobel, Austin Powder) |
| Tractor, Rubber-tired, Articulated Steering, Multi-purpose (TRAM) | Articulated Wheel Loader (e.g., Caterpillar, Komatsu models) |
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