56651 Career Guide
56651: Utilities Systems Journeyman
Career transition guide for Air Force Utilities Systems Journeyman (56651)
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Top civilian roles for 56651 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Plumber
Skills to develop:
Water Treatment Plant Operator
Skills to develop:
Fire Sprinkler System Installer
Skills to develop:
HVAC Technician
Skills to develop:
Facilities Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 56651 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
You maintained complex utility systems, from water treatment to fuel distribution. This required understanding how all the components interacted and predicting how changes in one area would affect others.
This translates directly to your ability to understand and manage complex systems in various civilian industries. You can visualize interconnectedness and optimize performance.
Procedural Compliance
Your work demanded strict adherence to environmental and safety regulations, including DoD, federal, state, and local guidelines. You consistently followed detailed procedures for handling hazardous materials, system maintenance, and emergency response.
Your commitment to following established protocols and regulations is highly valuable in civilian roles where safety and compliance are paramount. You understand the importance of meticulous adherence to guidelines to prevent errors and ensure smooth operations.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You troubleshooted and repaired systems under pressure, often diagnosing malfunctions in mechanical and electrical controls using technical manuals and schematics. You maintained critical systems even when resources were limited.
Your ability to effectively problem-solve and maintain systems in less-than-ideal conditions is a valuable asset. You can think on your feet and find solutions even when facing unexpected challenges.
Resource Optimization
You prepared cost estimates, managed supply procurement, and surveyed work sites to determine resource requirements. You balanced project needs with budget constraints, ensuring efficient use of materials and manpower.
You understand how to allocate resources effectively to maximize productivity and minimize waste. This skill is crucial for roles that require careful planning and budget management.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Facilities Manager
SOC 11-3012.00You've been managing complex systems and ensuring their smooth operation. Your experience in maintenance, troubleshooting, and regulatory compliance makes you an ideal candidate to oversee the upkeep of buildings and grounds for commercial or residential properties.
Environmental Compliance Inspector
SOC 13-1041.00You've been immersed in environmental and safety regulations. Your attention to detail and commitment to compliance make you well-suited to inspect facilities for adherence to environmental standards and regulations.
Energy Auditor
SOC 13-1199.02You've been optimizing the efficiency of utility systems. Your understanding of system operations and resource management can be applied to identify areas for energy conservation and cost savings in buildings and industrial facilities.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Utilities Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Plumbing Systems Installation and Repair
- •Water and Wastewater Treatment Principles
- •Fire Suppression Systems Maintenance
- •Backflow Prevention Assembly and Program
- •Natural Gas Distribution Systems
- •Liquid Fuel Storage and Distribution
- •Environmental and Safety Regulations Compliance
- •Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawings
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Local plumbing codes, specific types of pipe fitting and joining techniques used in the civilian sector, and potentially some advanced plumbing system design principles.
Specific state and local regulations related to wastewater treatment, detailed knowledge of specific treatment technologies used in civilian plants, and potentially more in-depth understanding of wastewater chemistry and microbiology.
Specific local requirements for testing and certification, familiarity with specific backflow prevention device models, and potentially some legal aspects of backflow prevention programs.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Hydrant Refueling Systems | Commercial aviation fuel hydrant systems |
| Fuels Mobility Support Equipment (FMSE) | Mobile fueling stations for construction or disaster relief |
| Fuels Operational Readiness Capability Equipment (FORCE) | Modular fuel distribution systems |
| Backflow Prevention Assemblies | Commercial and residential backflow preventers |
| Potable Water Treatment Units (various models) | Industrial water purification and filtration systems |
| Fire Suppression Systems (various types used on military installations) | Commercial fire sprinkler and suppression systems (e.g., Viking, Tyco) |
| DESC (Defense Energy Support Center) project management | Commercial construction project management related to fuel systems. |
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