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6535 Career Guide

Navy

6535: Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Officer

Career transition guide for Navy Civil Engineer Corps (CEC) Officer (6535)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6535 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Construction Manager

$99K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationFamiliarity with local building codes

Facilities Manager

$98K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Certified Facility Manager (CFM) credentialKnowledge of HVAC systems

Civil Engineer

$93K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Professional Engineer (PE) licenseAutoCAD or similar design software proficiency

Logistics Manager

$80K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Supply chain management principlesAPICS certification

Public Works Director

$95K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Municipal government experienceGrant writingCommunity engagement

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6535 training built — and where they transfer.

Resource Optimization

As a 6535 officer, you manage complex construction and maintenance projects, constantly balancing budgets, personnel, equipment, and materials to meet deadlines and operational needs. You must allocate resources effectively across multiple projects, anticipating potential shortages and finding creative solutions to stay on track.

This skill translates directly into the ability to manage resources efficiently in any industry. You excel at maximizing output with limited input, making you valuable in roles requiring cost-effectiveness and strategic resource allocation.

Rapid Prioritization

You're accustomed to quickly assessing urgent situations, such as equipment failures, structural damage, or unexpected project delays. You rapidly determine the most critical issues and assign priority levels based on mission impact and available resources, ensuring the most pressing needs are addressed first.

Your ability to quickly assess and prioritize tasks under pressure makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require decisive action and the ability to manage competing demands. You can excel in environments where quick thinking and efficient task management are essential.

Team Synchronization

Coordinating diverse teams of construction workers, mechanics, and support staff to complete projects on time and within budget requires exceptional team synchronization skills. You understand how to effectively communicate tasks, delegate responsibilities, and ensure all team members are working in sync towards a common goal.

Your experience in synchronizing teams to achieve complex goals translates into a valuable skill for any leadership position. You can effectively manage cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and drive projects to successful completion.

System Modeling

As a technical manager, you develop a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of various systems, from utilities infrastructure to construction processes. You can anticipate how changes in one area will affect others, allowing you to proactively address potential problems and optimize overall system performance.

Your ability to model complex systems and understand how different components interact is highly valuable in roles that require strategic thinking and problem-solving. You can analyze and improve processes, identify potential bottlenecks, and optimize overall system efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Logistics Consultant

SOC 13-1199

You've been managing complex projects, coordinating resources, and troubleshooting issues under pressure. This is exactly what logistics consulting demands. You understand how to analyze processes, identify inefficiencies, and implement solutions to optimize supply chains and improve overall logistics performance for companies.

Facilities Management Consultant

SOC 13-1199

You've been responsible for the maintenance and repair of complex facilities and infrastructure. Now you can use that experience to help other organizations optimize their facilities management operations, reduce costs, and improve efficiency. You can conduct assessments, develop improvement plans, and oversee implementation.

Emergency Management Specialist

SOC 11-9161

You've been trained to handle crises, prioritize tasks, and coordinate resources effectively in high-pressure situations. These skills are directly transferable to emergency management, where you can develop and implement emergency response plans, coordinate disaster relief efforts, and train personnel to respond to emergencies.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Civil Engineer Corps Officer School (CECOS), Naval Construction Battalion Center (NCBC) Gulfport, MS

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in Construction Management and Civil Engineering Technology

Topics Covered

  • Construction Management
  • Contract Administration
  • Civil Engineering Principles
  • Naval Construction Force Operations
  • Facilities Maintenance Management
  • Utilities Management
  • Environmental Compliance
  • Leadership and Ethics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Project Management Professional (PMP)70% covered

Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), specific PMI terminology, and the PMP exam format.

Certified Facilities Manager (CFM)60% covered

In-depth knowledge of all 11 competencies covered by the CFM exam, including finance, sustainability, and technology.

Certified Professional in Engineering Management (CPEM)65% covered

Advanced engineering economics, statistical analysis, and quality management techniques.

Recommended Next Certifications

LEED AP (various specialties)Certified Construction Manager (CCM)OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
NAVFAC P-Codes (e.g., P-307, P-418, P-422)Industry-standard construction specifications and design manuals (e.g., ASTM standards, IBC, AISC Steel Construction Manual)
MAXIMO (Navy Enterprise Asset Management System)IBM Maximo Application Suite, Infor EAM, or other enterprise asset management software
RSMeans Cost DataGordian Cost Data, Craftsman Costbook
Civil Engineering Support Equipment (CESE) Management Information System (MIS)Equipment management software (e.g., B2W Track, HCSS Equipment Management)
Automated Civil Engineering System (ACES)Civil engineering design software (e.g., Autodesk Civil 3D, Bentley OpenRoads)
Seabee Integrated Management System (SIMS)Project management software (e.g., Microsoft Project, Primavera P6)
Bluebeam RevuBluebeam Revu (used in both military and civilian sectors)

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