New Cohort Starts:

Donate

51Z Career Guide

Army

51Z: General Engineering Supervisor

Career transition guide for Army General Engineering Supervisor (51Z)

Translate Your 51Z 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 51Z veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Construction Manager

$98K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationFamiliarity with local building codesOSHA safety standards

Civil Engineering Technician

$62K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

AutoCAD certificationCivil 3D software proficiencySurveying techniques

Operations Manager

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Lean Six Sigma certificationSupply chain management knowledgeData analysis and reporting

Logistics Manager

$78K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

APICS certificationTransportation management systems (TMS) experienceInventory control techniques

Safety Manager

$75K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Safety Professional (CSP) certificationOSHA 30-hour certificationRisk assessment and mitigation

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 51Z training built — and where they transfer.

Rapid Prioritization

As a general engineering supervisor, you constantly juggle competing demands and limited resources, quickly assessing priorities to ensure mission-critical tasks are completed effectively and on time.

This ability to quickly and accurately assess priorities translates directly to managing multiple projects and deadlines in fast-paced civilian environments.

Resource Optimization

You are responsible for managing materials, equipment, and personnel to maximize efficiency and minimize waste in construction and utility operations.

This skill is highly valuable in any role requiring efficient resource allocation and cost management, ensuring projects are completed within budget and on schedule.

Team Synchronization

You provide direction and supervision to diverse teams, ensuring everyone works together seamlessly to achieve common goals in dynamic and challenging environments.

This ability to coordinate and synchronize team efforts translates directly to civilian leadership roles, fostering collaboration and driving successful project outcomes.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a constant awareness of the surrounding environment, identifying potential risks and adapting plans as needed to ensure the safety and success of engineering operations.

This heightened awareness allows you to anticipate problems, make informed decisions, and respond effectively to unexpected challenges in any civilian setting.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Manager

SOC 11-3071.04

You've been managing complex operations and resources in high-stakes environments. Your expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing engineering projects makes you exceptionally well-suited to oversee the flow of goods and materials in a logistics setting.

Emergency Management Director

SOC 11-9161.00

You've developed and implemented contingency plans, assessed risks, and coordinated responses to unexpected events. Your experience in maintaining situational awareness and leading teams in challenging situations makes you a natural fit for managing emergency response efforts.

Construction Project Manager

SOC 11-9021.00

You've honed your skills in construction planning, scheduling, and resource management. Your ability to supervise engineering activities and inspect construction projects positions you perfectly to oversee construction projects from inception to completion, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Engineer Captains Career Course, Fort Leonard Wood, MO

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Construction Management or Engineering Management

Topics Covered

  • Construction Management Principles
  • Project Planning and Scheduling
  • Material Estimating and Procurement
  • Operation Order Development
  • Standing Operating Procedures (SOPs)
  • Contingency Planning
  • Supervision and Leadership Techniques
  • Combat Engineering Tactics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

OSHA 30-Hour Construction70% covered

Some specific OSHA regulations and record-keeping requirements may need review.

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)40% covered

Formal education and specific years of experience in construction management may need to be supplemented. Focus on project finance and contract law.

Project Management Professional (PMP)50% covered

Requires formal project management education hours and passing the PMP exam. Study the PMBOK guide.

Recommended Next Certifications

Associate Constructor (AC)Certified Professional Constructor (CPC)LEED Green AssociateCertified Safety Professional (CSP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS)Construction project management software with real-time data analysis (e.g., Procore, Autodesk Build)
Joint Engineering Management System (JEMS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software (e.g., IBM Maximo, Infor EAM)
Micro Area Refueling System (MARS)Mobile fuel delivery and management systems
All-Purpose Environmental Control Unit (APECU)Industrial HVAC systems for climate control in temporary or remote locations
Tactical Water Purification System (TWPS)Mobile water treatment and purification systems (e.g., Pall Corporation mobile water treatment units)
Forward Repair System (FRS)Mobile maintenance and repair workshops (e.g., custom-built service trucks with diagnostic tools and equipment)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 51Z experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free