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56691 Career Guide

Air Force

56691: Utilities Systems Journeyman

Career transition guide for Air Force Utilities Systems Journeyman (56691)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 56691 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Plumber

$62K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

State Plumbing LicenseLocal building codes knowledge

Water Treatment Plant Operator

$55K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Water Treatment CertificationWastewater Treatment Certification

Facilities Manager

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP)BudgetingSupervisory Experience

HVAC Technician

$58K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

EPA Section 608 Technician CertificationHVAC specific training

Environmental Compliance Inspector

$68K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Environmental Compliance Manager (CECM)Knowledge of EPA regulationsOSHA safety standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 56691 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Understanding how plumbing, water treatment, fuel distribution, and other systems work together, including their inputs, outputs, and interdependencies.

The ability to visualize and understand complex systems, predict their behavior, and identify potential points of failure.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to environmental, safety, and DoD regulations when installing, operating, maintaining, and repairing various utility systems.

Meticulous adherence to established protocols, regulations, and safety standards to ensure consistent and reliable outcomes.

Situational Awareness

Monitoring system operations, identifying potential malfunctions, and responding effectively to ensure the safety and efficiency of utility services.

Maintaining a comprehensive awareness of the surrounding environment, anticipating potential issues, and proactively taking steps to mitigate risks.

Resource Optimization

Planning work, preparing cost estimates, and procuring supplies efficiently for in-service work, considering resource constraints and project requirements.

The ability to effectively allocate and manage resources, minimizing waste and maximizing productivity to achieve optimal results.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Energy Auditor

SOC 13-1199.02

You've been deeply involved in optimizing utility systems, understanding efficiency and regulatory compliance. As an energy auditor (SOC 13-1199.02), you'll leverage your skills to assess buildings and processes, identifying areas for energy savings and sustainability, just as you optimized military utility systems. Your understanding of systems, codes, and cost estimation translates perfectly.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3010

Your expertise in maintaining diverse utility systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and ensuring compliance makes you an ideal Facilities Manager (SOC 11-3010). You've been managing complex systems in the military, ensuring smooth operations; now, you can apply those skills to oversee the maintenance, repair, and efficient operation of commercial or industrial facilities. Your experience with project planning and cost estimation is a huge asset.

Environmental Compliance Inspector

SOC 13-1041

You've worked extensively with environmental and safety regulations, ensuring compliance in utility system operations. As an Environmental Compliance Inspector (SOC 13-1041), you'll apply this knowledge to inspect facilities, identify violations, and enforce environmental regulations, ensuring businesses adhere to required standards. Your attention to detail and procedural compliance will be invaluable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Utilities Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Water and Wastewater Technology or related fields

Topics Covered

  • Plumbing Systems Installation and Repair
  • Water and Wastewater Treatment Principles
  • Fire Suppression Systems Maintenance
  • Backflow Prevention Device Installation and Testing
  • Natural Gas Distribution Systems Operation
  • Liquid Fuel Storage and Dispensing Systems
  • Environmental Compliance and Safety Procedures
  • Blueprint Reading and Technical Drawing Interpretation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Backflow Prevention Assembly Tester70% covered

Specific makes/models of backflow preventers, local regulations, and testing procedures may vary.

OSHA 30-Hour Construction60% covered

Specific OSHA regulations and construction site safety management practices.

Certified Fire Sprinkler Inspector50% covered

In-depth knowledge of NFPA 25 standards and local fire codes.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)Certified Energy Manager (CEM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Fuels Manager Defense (FMD)Fuel management software (e.g., FuelMaster, FuelForce)
Automated Fuel Handling Equipment (AFHE)Automated fuel dispensing systems (e.g., gas station POS systems integrated with tank monitoring)
Base Operation Support System (BOSS)Facility management software (e.g., IBM Maximo, Accruent)
HAZMAT Tracking SystemSDS management software (e.g., VelocityEHS, Sphera)
Water Quality Monitoring System (WQMS)SCADA systems for water/wastewater treatment (e.g., GE Digital, Schneider Electric)
Fuels Mobility Support Equipment (FMSE)Mobile fuel dispensing units (e.g., for construction sites, emergency services)
Geospatial Information and Services (GI&S)GIS software for utility mapping (e.g., Esri ArcGIS, QGIS)

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