55390 Career Guide
55390: Civil Engineering Technician
Career transition guide for Air Force Civil Engineering Technician (55390)
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Top civilian roles for 55390 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Civil Engineer
Skills to develop:
Surveyor
Skills to develop:
GIS Analyst
Skills to develop:
Construction Manager
Skills to develop:
CAD Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 55390 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
You created and maintained spatial, tabular, and metadata to national standards using Geographic Information Systems (GIS), allowing you to build models of the infrastructure and environment of military bases for planning and management.
Your experience building GIS models translates directly to the ability to model complex systems, predict outcomes based on various inputs, and optimize resource allocation based on those models. This skill is valuable in any field dealing with complex data and systems.
Procedural Compliance
You managed and inspected construction and maintenance contracts, interpreted plans and specifications, and ensured all work met strict standards. This required a deep understanding of protocols and meticulous adherence to them.
Your experience with contract management and stringent adherence to protocols demonstrates a strong ability to understand, implement, and enforce procedures. This is critical in roles where accuracy and consistency are paramount.
Situational Awareness
You evaluated potential construction sites, performed field tests, and conducted reconnaissance surveys to gather critical data, enabling you to understand the existing conditions and potential challenges of a project.
Your surveying experience has given you a keen ability to assess situations, identify key variables, and anticipate potential problems. This skill allows you to make informed decisions and proactively address challenges.
Resource Optimization
You prepared cost estimates, performance work statements, and specifications for proposed facilities. This requires a knack for finding efficiencies and minimizing waste to maximize the value of construction and maintenance projects.
Your experience in cost estimating and performance work statements makes you skilled at optimizing resources. You understand how to identify the most efficient ways to complete a project while staying within budget.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Geospatial Data Analyst
SOC 15-1131You've been working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to create and maintain spatial data. As a Geospatial Data Analyst, you'll leverage those skills to analyze geographic data, create visualizations, and provide insights to organizations for decision-making.
Compliance Officer
SOC 13-1041You've been managing construction contracts and making sure everyone is following the rules. As a compliance officer, you'll use your contract management and procedural compliance experience to ensure an organization adheres to laws, regulations, and internal policies.
Facilities Manager
SOC 11-3012You've been deeply involved in airfield damage assessment and repair calculations. As a facilities manager, you will use your situational awareness and resource optimization skills to oversee the maintenance and operations of buildings and infrastructure.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Civil Engineering Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Civil Engineering Fundamentals
- •Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- •Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
- •Surveying Principles and Practices
- •Construction Materials Testing (Soils, Asphalt, Concrete)
- •Contract Management and Inspection
- •Base Comprehensive Planning
- •Contingency Beddown Planning
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires focused study on specific surveying instruments, data collection methods, and legal aspects of boundary surveying not explicitly covered in the military description. Review national standards and best practices.
Requires concentrated study in AutoCAD software features beyond basic drafting, including 3D modeling, advanced rendering, customization, and project management functions. Study advanced functions and practice with the latest version.
Requires focused study on advanced GIS concepts, spatial analysis techniques, database management, cartography, and GIS project management principles not explicitly covered in the military description. Prepare a portfolio of work per GISCI requirements.
Requires significant study of construction law, risk management, finance, and advanced project management principles. Military experience provides a foundation, but specific civilian construction practices require further study.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Geographic Information System (GIS) | Esri ArcGIS, QGIS |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying equipment | Trimble GPS surveying systems, Leica Geosystems |
| Computer Aided Design (CAD) software | AutoDesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation |
| Airfield Damage Assessment System (ADAS) | Civil engineering pavement analysis software |
| Total Stations | Spectra Precision FOCUS Total Stations |
| Base Comprehensive Plan (BCP) | Municipal or Urban Planning software and databases |
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