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92C Career Guide

Army

92C: Petroleum Laboratory Specialist

Career transition guide for Army Petroleum Laboratory Specialist (92C)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 92C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Quality Control Analyst

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Statistical analysisGMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) knowledgeExperience with specific industry regulations (e.g., FDA, EPA)

Laboratory Technician

$45K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Proficiency in specific laboratory techniques (e.g., chromatography, spectrometry)Experience with LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems)Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA)

Environmental Compliance Inspector

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Knowledge of environmental regulations (EPA, state, local)Certification as a Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) or similarAuditing skills

Petroleum Inspector

$72K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

API (American Petroleum Institute) certificationsAdvanced knowledge of petroleum refining and distribution processesExperience with industry-specific software

First-Line Supervisor of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Leadership and team management trainingExperience in civilian mechanical repair environmentsProject management skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 92C training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Strict adherence to testing protocols, safety regulations, and maintenance schedules is critical in the lab environment and when handling hazardous materials. You ensure accuracy and safety by following established procedures.

Your meticulous approach to following established guidelines and regulations translates directly into any role requiring strict adherence to protocols, ensuring consistency and safety.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of stock levels, potential hazards, operational problems, and environmental conditions is essential for effective lab operations and safety. You are constantly assessing your surroundings to anticipate and mitigate risks.

Your ability to quickly assess a situation, identify potential problems, and proactively address them is valuable in any dynamic environment requiring vigilance and quick thinking.

Resource Optimization

Managing stock levels of fuels, chemicals, reagents, and equipment, along with determining methods for reclaiming or downgrading contaminated products, demonstrates efficient resource management to minimize waste and maximize usability.

Your experience in managing resources effectively and finding innovative solutions to minimize waste translates to roles requiring efficient allocation and utilization of materials and assets.

System Modeling

Operating and maintaining CFR test engines requires understanding how different components interact and affect overall performance. You use this understanding to diagnose issues and optimize engine efficiency.

Your experience in understanding how interconnected systems work and using that knowledge to troubleshoot and improve performance is directly applicable to roles requiring a systems-thinking approach.

Team Synchronization

Supervising and training personnel in laboratory techniques requires coordinating team efforts, delegating tasks, and ensuring everyone is working towards a common goal. Your leadership ensures efficient and effective team performance.

Your experience in coordinating team activities, providing guidance, and ensuring everyone is working efficiently towards a shared objective is highly valued in collaborative work environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4041

You've been rigorously testing petroleum products to ensure they meet exact specifications. This experience translates perfectly to a Quality Assurance Analyst role, where you'll apply your meticulous attention to detail and procedural compliance to evaluate products or processes in various industries.

Environmental Compliance Inspector

SOC 13-1041

You're deeply familiar with safety regulations and handling hazardous materials. As an Environmental Compliance Inspector, you’ll use this knowledge to inspect facilities, ensure adherence to environmental regulations, and protect public health and the environment.

Calibration Technician

SOC 49-2093

You have extensive experience calibrating and maintaining laboratory instruments. This background is ideal for a Calibration Technician role, where you'll ensure the accuracy of measuring and testing equipment in various industries, maintaining precision and reliability.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044

You've trained personnel in laboratory techniques and safety procedures. As a Technical Trainer, you can leverage your instructional skills and technical expertise to develop and deliver training programs for employees in technical fields, ensuring they have the knowledge and skills to perform their jobs effectively.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Petroleum Laboratory Specialist Course, Fort Lee, VA

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in chemistry or engineering technology

Topics Covered

  • Petroleum product testing procedures
  • Operation and maintenance of Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) engines
  • Fuel and lubricant analysis
  • Laboratory equipment calibration and standardization
  • Quality control and assurance in petroleum testing
  • Hazardous material handling and safety procedures
  • Petroleum product sampling techniques
  • Data interpretation and reporting

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Chemical Technician (CCT)60% covered

Requires study of specific chemical handling procedures, advanced analytical chemistry, and quality control beyond petroleum testing.

Certified Laboratory Technician (CLT)50% covered

Requires study of broader lab safety, quality assurance, and instrumentation not specific to petroleum.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Professional Chemist (CPC)OSHA 30-Hour General Industry Safety TrainingCertified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM)Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Cooperative Fuel Research (CFR) Test EnginesASTM standardized fuel testing equipment
Petroleum Quality Analysis System (PQAS)Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) for petroleum analysis
Forward Area Refueling Equipment (FARE)Mobile fuel testing labs for on-site analysis
Standard Army Oil and Petroleum Testing Program (SAOP)Commercial oil analysis programs (e.g., POLARIS by Caterpillar)
US Army Petroleum Reporting System (PETREP)Inventory management and logistics software for fuel distribution (e.g., Varec FuelsManager)
Technical Manual (TM) 43-0270 - Army Equipment Data Sheets, Lubricants and Related ProductsSAE International Standards and Handbooks

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