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MarinesMOS: 1391
Bulk Fuel Specialist
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Marines Bulk Fuel Specialists — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every 1391 has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Marines in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$44K–$80K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
16
Companies Hiring
10
Resume Examples
9
Federal GS Series
9
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
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Military Role Overview
The Marine Corps 1391 Bulk Fuel Specialist runs the petroleum logistics tail that keeps every other Marine in the fight. 1391s receive, store, test, and issue bulk fuel through the Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System (TBFDS), the Amphibious Assault Fuel System (AAFS), and the Helicopter Expedient Refueling System (HERS). The work covers fuel reception from tanker trucks, rail cars, ships, and pipelines; quality testing in field labs to detect water, sediment, and contamination; bulk storage in collapsible fabric tanks ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 gallons; and transfer or issue to ground vehicles, generators, and forward arming and refueling points (FARPs).
1391s train at the Marine Corps Engineer School aboard Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. The pipeline runs roughly 13 weeks of recruit training at Parris Island or San Diego, then about 5 weeks of MOS school covering fuel system operations, pump and filter maintenance, fuel quality testing, and expeditionary fuels operations. Most 1391s serve in Bulk Fuel Companies inside Engineer Support Battalions tied to the Marine Logistics Group, with billets across Camp Lejeune, Camp Pendleton, Okinawa, and rotational MEU deployments. The job lives at the intersection of mechanical maintenance, hazardous materials handling, and supply accountability — and the people who do it well end up running fuel farms that move millions of gallons a year.
What makes 1391s genuinely valuable on the civilian side is how rare the combination is. Most petroleum workers in the private sector run one type of system in one type of facility. A 1391 has reset bulk fuel infrastructure in austere environments, sampled product against ASTM-equivalent standards, troubleshot pumps and filtration mid-operation, and managed inventory accountability where every gallon is reconciled. Compare that Marine Corps 3043 Supply Administration path or browse the full career translation hub for adjacent specialties.
I worked across federal supply and contracting for years after the Navy, and 1391s have one of the most specialized petroleum supply paths the Marine Corps produces. The Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System (TBFDS), Amphibious Assault Fuel System (AAFS), and bulk-fuel quality testing experience translates almost 1:1 to DLA Energy positions, federal facility fuels operations, and commercial bulk fuel handling at airports, refineries, and pipeline operations. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret
ASVAB RequirementGT: 95 / MM: 95
Training13 weeks of recruit training at Parris Island or San Diego, then approximately 5 weeks of MOS school at the Marine Corps Engineer School aboard Camp Lejeune
Certs Earned in ServiceHazardous Materials Handling, Forklift Operator, Fuel Quality Surveillance, Some may earn CDL Class A or B with Hazmat/Tanker endorsements depending on command
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Marines mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Bulk Fuel Specialist
$44K–$80K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
9 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Bulk Fuel Specialists lands within the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
Civilian petroleum work splits into a few real lanes for 1391s: airport fuel operations, refinery and pipeline work, commercial bulk fuel distribution, and industrial fuel system operations at large facilities. The pay range runs from about $50K for entry pump operator roles to $90K+ for senior pipeline operators, refinery technicians, and credentialed fuel quality inspectors. The 1391 toolkit (TBFDS pumps, AAFS pipelines, fuel sampling labs, hazmat-marked transfers) translates without much friction.
Direct Civilian Career Paths
- Pump System Operator — BLS median around $60,000 (53-7072.00). Operates pumps, compressors, and fuel transfer equipment at terminals, pipelines, and industrial sites. The closest one-to-one match for 1391 system operations.
- Petroleum Pump System Operator / Refinery Operator — BLS captures this group under 53-7073 (Pump Operators). Median wages run higher in refinery and pipeline settings, often $70K-$95K with overtime. Refineries on the Gulf Coast hire heavily.
- Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator — BLS median around $69,000 (51-8021.00). Power plants, industrial facilities, and large institutional sites operate fuel-fired systems that mirror expeditionary fuel ops.
- Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator — BLS median around $44,000 (53-7051.00). Forklift, tug, and yard mover roles common at fuel terminals, refineries, and military depot contractor sites.
- Fuel Truck Driver (Hazmat-endorsed) — Subset of BLS 53-3032 Heavy and Tractor-Trailer Drivers, median around $54,000. Airport into-plane fueling and bulk fuel distribution pay $60K-$90K with overtime and shift differentials.
- Petroleum Tank Inspector / Above-Ground Storage Tank Inspector — Subset of BLS 47-4011.00 Construction and Building Inspectors, median around $67,000. API 653 inspectors with field experience clear $90K+.
Geography matters. Refinery and pipeline work concentrates in Texas, Louisiana, and the Gulf Coast. Airport into-plane fueling lives at every major hub but pays best at the largest contractors (Allied Aviation, Swissport, Menzies). Bulk fuel distribution and federal facility fuels exist at every DoD installation. For salary benchmarks across military-to-civilian paths, see Military to Civilian Salary: What You're Worth.
Cross-branch overlap with the petroleum-supply community runs deep. The Army 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist career path is the closest sister MOS, and the Air Force 2F0X1 Fuels page covers the aviation refueling side that mirrors many 1391 roles. Build a tailored 1391 resume free in under 5 minutes.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Pump System Operator O*NET: 53-7072.00 | Petroleum & Pipeline Operations | $60,000 | Stable (Little or no change) | strong |
Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator O*NET: 51-8021.00 | Industrial Operations | $69,000 | 2% (Slower than average) | strong |
Petroleum Pump System Operator (Refinery) O*NET: 53-7073 | Refining & Pipeline | $80,000 | Stable | strong |
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator O*NET: 53-7051.00 | Logistics & Distribution | $44,000 | 7% (As fast as average) | moderate |
Fuel Truck Driver (Hazmat-endorsed) O*NET: 53-3032.00 | Transportation & Logistics | $54,000 | 4% (As fast as average) | strong |
Petroleum Tank Inspector (API 653) O*NET: 47-4011.00 | Petroleum Inspection & QA | $67,000 | 3% (Slower than average) | moderate |
Logistics Coordinator / Specialist O*NET: 13-1081.00 | Logistics & Supply Chain | $79,400 | 19% (Much faster than average) | moderate |
Operations Supervisor O*NET: 13-1199.07 | Industrial Operations | $66,800 | 6% (Faster than average) | moderate |
Pump System Operator
Petroleum & Pipeline Operations
$60,000median
Stable (Little or no change)
O*NET: 53-7072.00
Stationary Engineer / Boiler Operator
Industrial Operations
$69,000median
2% (Slower than average)
O*NET: 51-8021.00
Petroleum Pump System Operator (Refinery)
Refining & Pipeline
$80,000median
Stable
O*NET: 53-7073
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operator
Logistics & Distribution
$44,000median
7% (As fast as average)
O*NET: 53-7051.00
Fuel Truck Driver (Hazmat-endorsed)
Transportation & Logistics
$54,000median
4% (As fast as average)
O*NET: 53-3032.00
Petroleum Tank Inspector (API 653)
Petroleum Inspection & QA
$67,000median
3% (Slower than average)
O*NET: 47-4011.00
Logistics Coordinator / Specialist
Logistics & Supply Chain
$79,400median
19% (Much faster than average)
O*NET: 13-1081.00
Operations Supervisor
Industrial Operations
$66,800median
6% (Faster than average)
O*NET: 13-1199.07
Companies That Hire This Background
Largest federal employer of petroleum-trained veterans. Bulk fuels operations across every DoD installation worldwide.
Refinery operators, pump operators, and fuel quality positions across U.S. operations. Active veteran hiring program.
Refinery operations, pipeline, and fuels roles. Strong veteran recruitment pipeline at Baytown and Beaumont complexes.
Refinery operator and pipeline technician roles, plus offshore platform fuels operations.
Whiting refinery and pipeline operations hire fuels-trained veterans for operator and technician roles.
Largest U.S. refiner. Refinery operator, pipeline, and terminal positions across Gulf Coast and Midwest.
Refinery, pipeline, and midstream operations across the U.S. Active military-to-civilian hiring track.
Largest into-plane fuel services contractor in North America. Hires hazmat-credentialed veterans heavily.
Global airport ground services including into-plane fueling. Hires fuel-trained veterans across major hubs.
Aviation fueling and ground handling at major U.S. airports. Hazmat-endorsed roles and supervisor tracks.
Federal facility fuels operations and DoD logistics contracts. Active SkillBridge program.
DoD installation fuels operations and federal facility logistics. Strong veteran hiring track and SkillBridge.
Federal logistics, fuels, and base operations support across DoD. Active veteran recruitment.
Defense contractor with operations support roles for fuels and logistics specialists at major DoD facilities.
Defense systems and services roles including base operations support, logistics, and federal facility fuels.
Federal services and DoD support contracts with operations and logistics roles for transitioning veterans.
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Real Marines success story
“Hey Brad, Just wanted to send out a quick thank you. You've created something amazing with BMR and your continued advocacy for transitioning service members does not go unnoticed. It was the most effective resource I used in my transition and I know it played a key role in landing a six figure…”
Dominic· Gunnery Sergeant (E-7)· Marines
→ Project ManagerFederal Career Paths
Federal hiring is one of the strongest paths for 1391s because the petroleum, fuels, and bulk-supply work the Marine Corps trained you to do is exactly what the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA Energy), GSA, the Department of Energy, and DoD installation fuels operations need every day. Veterans' Preference plus 1391-specific training stacks well against civilian-only applicants. The catch is the federal resume format and keyword vocabulary — get those wrong and your application sinks before a hiring manager sees it.
GS Series Matches for 1391s
- GS-2010 Inventory Management — Bulk fuel accountability, receipt-and-issue records, and stock-on-hand reporting map directly. Common at DLA Energy, DoD installation fuels offices, and federal depots. Typical entry: GS-7 to GS-9.
- GS-2030 Distribution Facilities and Storage Management — Fuel farms, bulk storage facilities, and federal terminal operations. Senior 1391s with E-5/E-6 leadership experience compete strongly. Typical: GS-9 to GS-11.
- GS-2150 Transportation Operations — Bulk fuel movement, hazmat-marked transport, and convoy operations all qualify. Federal trucking and rail operations at DLA distribution centers. Typical: GS-7 to GS-9.
- GS-1670 Equipment Services — Strong fit for senior 1391s who managed fuel equipment programs (TBFDS components, AAFS systems, pumps and filtration). DoD acquisition and DLA acquisition both hire here. Typical: GS-9 to GS-12.
- GS-0346 Logistics Management — Senior 1391s with section-chief or platoon-sergeant time apply here for end-to-end logistics roles spanning fuel, supply, and transportation. Typical: GS-9 to GS-12.
- WG-6907 Materials Handler — Federal trades positions for hands-on bulk fuel handling at depots, fuel terminals, and ammo plants. Common at DLA distribution centers. WG-5 to WG-9.
- WG-5803 Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic — For 1391s with strong fuel pump and equipment maintenance experience. DoD garrison fuels and federal facility shops. WG-9 to WG-11.
- GS-0018 Safety and Occupational Health Management — Hazmat handling, spill response, and fuel-related safety programs translate well. Typical: GS-9 to GS-12.
- GS-0028 Environmental Protection Specialist — Spill prevention, EPA Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) work, and fuel-system environmental compliance. Typical: GS-9 to GS-12.
- GS-1101 General Business and Industry — Fuels program management, contractor oversight, and program coordination roles. GS-7 to GS-11 entry.
- GS-1102 Contracting — Senior 1391s with contracting officer representative (COR) duties move into fuel and energy contracting. Typical: GS-9 to GS-12.
- GS-0301 Miscellaneous Administration and Program — Catch-all for fuels program coordinators, training specialists, and admin roles. GS-7 to GS-11.
DLA Energy and Veterans' Preference
DLA Energy is the single largest federal employer for petroleum-trained veterans. They run bulk fuels operations across every DoD installation, manage the Defense Working Capital Fund for petroleum, and contract billions in annual fuel deliveries. Most honorably discharged 1391s qualify for 5-point preference, and disabled veterans qualify for 10-point preference. Apply directly through USAJobs.gov with saved searches for "fuel," "petroleum," and the GS series above.
Other federal hiring lanes that often surprise 1391s: VA hospital and medical center fuels operations, GSA federal facility fuels, NASA test-stand fuels at Stennis and Marshall, and Department of Energy national lab fuels. For the federal resume side, see the Navy LS Logistics Specialist guide for parallel federal logistics paths, or use the BMR federal resume builder directly.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-2030 | Distribution Facilities and Storage Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-2010 | Inventory Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-2150 | Transportation Operations | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0346 | Logistics Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-6907 | Materials Handler | WG-5, WG-7, WG-9 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-5803 | Heavy Mobile Equipment Mechanic | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0028 | Environmental Protection Specialist | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant and System Operator
$58,260
Utilities(O*NET: 51-8031.00)BLS OEWS May 20247% (Faster than average)
Operating pump and fluid-distribution systemsMonitoring flow, pressure, and quality across a networkEnvironmental and regulatory complianceSpill prevention and containment response
Running a treatment plant is operating pumps, valves, and distribution lines while keeping product within spec and inside environmental limits, which is exactly what bulk-fuel work is, minus the fuel. The systems thinking and compliance discipline transfer one-for-one.
How to get there: Most states license operators through a tiered exam, starting at Grade 1 or 2 with a short course. Many utilities hire veterans into trainee operator roles and pay for certification.
Hazardous Materials Removal Worker
$48,490
Environmental Remediation(O*NET: 47-4041.00)BLS OEWS May 20247% (Faster than average)
Hazardous-material handling and containmentSpill response and decontamination proceduresPersonal protective equipment and exposure controlRegulatory documentation under EPA and OSHA standards
Bulk-fuel Marines live inside hazmat protocols, containment, PPE, and spill response, every day. Environmental remediation pays directly for that discipline on asbestos, lead, mold, and chemical cleanup sites.
How to get there: Complete OSHA HAZWOPER 40-hour certification, a short course often employer-paid, then enter as a remediation technician. Veteran hazmat experience shortens the ramp considerably.
Chemical Plant and System Operator
$73,540
Chemical Manufacturing(O*NET: 51-8091.00)BLS OEWS May 20244% (As fast as average)
Operating pressurized fluid and transfer systemsControlling flow, temperature, and pressure to specHazardous-product handling and safety interlocksContinuous monitoring and process documentation
A chemical plant moves hazardous fluids through pumps, manifolds, and pressurized lines under strict safety control, the same operating picture a 1311 manages on a fuel farm. The product changes, the systems and the safety mindset do not.
How to get there: Enter as a trainee operator at a chemical or petrochemical plant. A process technology associate degree, GI Bill eligible, accelerates the move into board-operator roles.
Environmental Science and Protection Technician
$49,490
Environmental Services(O*NET: 19-4042.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Sampling and contamination testingSpill assessment and source tracingEnvironmental compliance and reportingField handling of hazardous samples
Spill prevention and product-quality testing are already part of bulk-fuel work. Environmental technicians do the same sampling and contamination analysis across soil, water, and air for consulting firms and regulators.
How to get there: Earn an associate degree in environmental science or environmental technology, GI Bill eligible. Some consulting firms hire field-experienced veterans into sampling-technician roles and train on lab methods.
Firefighter
$59,530
Fire Service(O*NET: 33-2011.00)BLS OEWS May 20244% (As fast as average)
Hazardous-material emergency responseFuel and chemical spill controlWorking calmly inside high-risk environmentsPump and hose-line fluid operations
Fire departments run hazmat and fuel-spill response constantly, and a 1311 already understands flammable-product behavior, containment, and pump operations better than most recruits. The fire-ground fluid systems are familiar territory.
How to get there: Complete a fire academy and EMT certification, often employer-sponsored. Veterans frequently receive hiring preference, and bulk-fuel hazmat experience is a clear advantage for hazmat-team assignments.
Chemical Technician
$57,790
Manufacturing and Research(O*NET: 19-4031.00)BLS OEWS May 20244% (As fast as average)
Product quality and contamination testingSampling fuels and fluids to specificationFollowing strict procedures and recording resultsSafe handling of hazardous samples
A 1311 already pulls fuel samples and checks them against spec before product moves. Chemical technicians run that same quality-control process in labs for manufacturers and refiners across industries.
How to get there: Earn an associate degree in chemical or laboratory technology, GI Bill eligible. Some labs hire veterans with hands-on sampling experience into technician roles and train on instrumentation.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
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Skills Translation Guide
If you're staying in petroleum, fuels, or bulk-supply work, your terminology translates directly. Refineries, pipeline operators, and airport fuel contractors know what TBFDS, AAFS, and bulk fuel transfer mean. This section is for 1391s targeting careers OUTSIDE the petroleum specialty: operations management, logistics, safety, environmental compliance, or industrial supervision.
Military-to-Civilian Language Translation
The 1391 vocabulary is dense and specialized. Civilian recruiters in operations, logistics, or facility management will not pattern-match on these terms unless they're translated. Key swaps:
- Tactical Bulk Fuel Delivery System (TBFDS) → Mobile Bulk Fuel Distribution System
- Amphibious Assault Fuel System (AAFS) → Expeditionary Pipeline and Pumping Infrastructure
- Helicopter Expedient Refueling System (HERS) → Forward Aviation Refueling Operation
- Bulk Fuel Specialist → Petroleum Operations Technician
- Fuel Quality Surveillance / Sampling → Petroleum Product Quality Assurance Testing
- Fuel Farm → Bulk Petroleum Storage Facility
- Receipt and Issue → Inventory Receipt, Storage, and Distribution Operations
- Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) → Forward Operations Refueling Site
- Fuel Truck Operator (M970, M978) → Hazmat-Endorsed Bulk Tanker Operator
- Pre-Combat Inspections (PCIs) → Pre-Operations Equipment Verification and Safety Checks
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military): Operated TBFDS and AAFS to provide bulk fuel support across MEU deployment.
After (Civilian Operations Supervisor): Operated mobile bulk fuel distribution infrastructure (3,000+ feet of pipeline, six 50,000-gallon storage tanks) supporting expeditionary operations across 7-month deployment. Issued 1.2M+ gallons with zero contamination incidents and full inventory accountability.
Before (Military): Conducted fuel quality surveillance using AEL-equivalent test kits and reported results to senior NCO.
After (Civilian QA Technician): Performed petroleum product quality assurance testing using field laboratory equipment to detect water content, particulate contamination, and product specification compliance. Documented 200+ sample results across 12-month period with zero quality escapes.
Before (Military): Supervised four junior Marines operating fuel pumps and transfer systems during round-the-clock operations.
After (Civilian Crew Lead): Led 4-person crew operating bulk fuel transfer systems on continuous 24/7 operational tempo. Achieved 100% uptime across 90+ shift cycles with zero safety incidents and full hazmat compliance.
For the broader translation playbook, read 50 Military Terms Translated to Civilian Language and Military Logistics to Supply Chain Resume Guide. Or skip ahead and let the BMR military resume builder handle the translation work.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Operated TBFDS to deliver bulk fuel during expeditionary operations.
After (Civilian)
Operated mobile bulk fuel distribution infrastructure (3,000+ feet of pipeline, six 50,000-gallon storage tanks) supporting continuous operations.
Before (Military)
Maintained AAFS pipeline and pumping equipment in austere environments.
After (Civilian)
Maintained 8-mile expeditionary pipeline and pumping infrastructure including six bulk storage tanks and four pumping stations.
Before (Military)
Conducted fuel quality surveillance using AEL test kits and reported results to senior NCO.
After (Civilian)
Performed petroleum product quality assurance testing using field laboratory equipment to detect water content, particulate contamination, and product specification compliance. Documented 200+ sample results with zero quality escapes.
Before (Military)
Performed receipt and issue of bulk fuel during operations.
After (Civilian)
Managed inventory receipt, storage, and distribution operations for 1.2M+ gallons of bulk product with zero accountability discrepancies.
Before (Military)
Supervised fuel farm operations during 7-month deployment.
After (Civilian)
Supervised bulk petroleum storage facility operations including six 50,000-gallon collapsible tanks across 7-month operational tempo.
Before (Military)
Established FARP for rotary-wing aircraft during operations.
After (Civilian)
Established forward operations refueling site for rotary-wing aircraft, achieving 100% mission completion across 60+ refueling cycles.
Before (Military)
Served as 1311 Bulk Fuel Specialist supporting Marine Logistics Group.
After (Civilian)
Served as Petroleum Operations Technician supporting expeditionary fuel infrastructure for 2,000+ personnel logistics group.
Before (Military)
Served as section chief leading four junior Marines in fuel pump operations.
After (Civilian)
Led 4-person specialized crew operating bulk fuel transfer systems on continuous 24/7 operational tempo with zero safety incidents.
Before (Military)
Conducted PCIs on fuel system equipment prior to operations.
After (Civilian)
Performed pre-operations equipment verification and safety checks across 50+ pumps, filters, and storage tanks before each operational shift.
Before (Military)
Operated M978 fuel truck transporting JP-8 across operational areas.
After (Civilian)
Operated hazmat-endorsed 2,500-gallon bulk tanker transporting petroleum products under DOT-equivalent regulatory standards across 8,000+ miles with zero incidents.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Environmental & HAZMAT
HAZWOPER 40-Hour
RecommendedOSHA Authorized Trainer
Cost: $300-$600Time: 40 hours (1-2 weeks)
Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response. Required for many fuel spill response and environmental cleanup roles.
EPA SPCC (Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure)
RecommendedEPA / Authorized Trainers
Cost: $200-$500Time: 8-16 hours
Required for many federal facility fuels roles and refinery operator positions. Direct fit for 1311 spill response training.
Federal Employment
USAJobs Federal Resume Course
Highly RecommendedOPM / Free Resources
Cost: FreeTime: 4-8 hours
Federal resume formatting and qualifications statements. Essential for DLA Energy, GSA, and DoD installation fuels applications.
Industrial Maintenance
Forklift Operator Certification
FoundationalOSHA Authorized Trainer
Cost: $100-$300Time: 4-8 hours
Some 1311s earn this in service. Required for many warehouse, terminal, and depot roles.
Logistics & Supply Chain
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA) / Technician (CLT)
RecommendedMSSC
Cost: $200-$400Time: 40-80 hours
Entry-level logistics credential. Useful for transitioning to broader supply chain roles outside fuels.
CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional)
RecommendedAPICS/ASCM
Cost: $1,500-$2,500Time: 6-9 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Industry gold standard for senior supply chain roles. Strong long-term play for 1311s targeting management.
Operations Management
Six Sigma Green Belt
RecommendedASQ / IASSC
Cost: $300-$1,500Time: 4-6 months
Process improvement certification. Strong for senior 1311s targeting operations and manufacturing supervision tracks.
Petroleum & Fuel Systems
API 653 Above-Ground Storage Tank Inspector
RecommendedAmerican Petroleum Institute (API)
Cost: $1,500-$3,000Time: 6-12 months prep + experience requirement
Industry gold standard for petroleum tank inspectors. $90K-$120K with field experience. Requires petroleum experience to sit for exam.
API 570 Piping Inspector
RecommendedAmerican Petroleum Institute (API)
Cost: $1,500-$3,000Time: 6-12 months prep + experience requirement
Petroleum piping inspector certification for refineries and pipeline operators. Strong long-term play for 1311s.
NACE / AMPP Coatings Inspector
RecommendedAMPP (formerly NACE)
Cost: $2,000-$4,000Time: 2-3 weeks course + experience
Petroleum tank coating inspection adjacent to API 653 work. $70K-$110K range with experience.
Project Management
PMP (Project Management Professional)
RecommendedPMI
Cost: $405-$555 exam + prepTime: 3-6 months
Industry standard for project management. Applies to both fuel project management and broader operations roles.
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
Highly RecommendedOSHA Authorized Trainer
Cost: $150-$250Time: 30 hours (1 week)
Cheap, fast credential that opens industrial supervision and EHS roles. Standard expectation for fuel-handling supervisors.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
RecommendedBCSP
Cost: $510 exam + studyTime: 6-12 months prep
Industry-leading safety certification. Fuel-handling experience plus CSP opens facility EHS roles paying $80K-$120K.
Transportation & Heavy Equipment
CDL Class A with Hazmat and Tanker Endorsements
Highly RecommendedState DMV / FMCSA
Cost: $3,500-$6,000Time: 7-10 weeksGI Bill Eligible
GI Bill-eligible. Translates 1311 fuel truck experience into commercial credential. Hazmat-endorsed roles pay $60K-$95K.
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
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Transition Resources
Staying in the Field (Petroleum, Fuels, and Energy)
- DLA Energy careers — Federal petroleum operations across every DoD installation. Apply through USAJobs.gov with saved searches for "fuel" and "petroleum."
- Refinery and pipeline operator SkillBridge — Several major operators run SkillBridge fellowships during your last 180 days of service. See SkillBridge Resume That Gets You Accepted and Hired.
- API 653 (Above-Ground Storage Tank Inspector) — Industry credential for tank inspectors. Pays $80K-$120K with field experience.
- Airport into-plane fueling contractors — Allied Aviation, Swissport, Menzies hire heavily for hazmat-credentialed fuel truck operators.
- NACE / AMPP coatings inspector — Petroleum tank coating inspection adjacent to API 653 work, $70K-$110K range.
Careers Outside the Field (Operations, Logistics, Federal Service)
- SFL-TAP / Transition Assistance — Mandatory pre-separation. Use it to start federal applications early. Read about SFL-TAP.
- USAJobs.gov — Federal application portal. Set up saved searches for the GS series listed in this guide.
- OSHA 30-Hour General Industry — Cheap, fast credential ($150-$200) that opens industrial supervision and EHS roles.
- CDL Class A with Hazmat / Tanker endorsements — GI Bill-eligible. Translates 1391 fuel truck experience into commercial credential. 7-10 weeks at most CDL schools.
- Six Sigma Green Belt — Strong long-term play for management tracks; requires 4-6 months of prep.
- VetJobs / American Corporate Partners (ACP) — Veteran networking and mentorship platforms with employer relationships across petroleum and logistics.
BMR Tools for 1391s
- Build your free 1391 tailored resume — AI translates your TBFDS, AAFS, and bulk fuel work into civilian language automatically.
- Military Resume Builder — Full builder with cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, and elevator pitches.
- Federal Resume Builder — USAJobs-formatted resumes for the GS series above.
- Career Translation Hub — Browse all branches and MOS guides.
See Also
- Army 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist — Closest sister MOS across the services.
- Air Force 2F0X1 Fuels — Aviation refueling counterpart with strong overlap.
- Marines 6672 Aviation Supply Specialist — Same branch, different supply specialty.
- Navy EN Engineman — Diesel and fuel system maintenance counterpart.
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored 1391 resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What civilian jobs hire 1391 Bulk Fuel Specialists?
The strongest direct paths are airport into-plane fueling contractors (Allied Aviation, Swissport, Menzies Aviation), refinery and pipeline operators (Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Marathon, Phillips 66), federal DLA Energy positions, defense contractors (KBR, Amentum, V2X), and bulk fuel distribution. Common civilian titles include pump system operator, fuel truck driver, refinery operator, fuel quality inspector, and stationary engineer.
How much do 1391s make in civilian jobs?
BLS median salaries vary by role: pump system operator around $60K (53-7072.00), industrial truck operator around $44K (53-7051.00), fuel truck driver around $54K base with hazmat-endorsed roles paying $60K-$90K, stationary engineer around $69K (51-8021.00), petroleum tank inspector subset of construction inspectors around $67K. Refinery and pipeline roles in Texas and Louisiana often clear $90K with overtime. API 653 inspectors with field experience clear $90K-$120K.
Is my Secret clearance worth anything as a civilian?
Yes, especially for federal DLA Energy roles, defense contractor fuel operations, and DoD facility fuels work. An active or recently active Secret clearance saves employers $5K-$15K and 6-9 months in clearance processing. Your clearance stays active for 24 months after separation, longer if you continue cleared work without a break.
What's the closest federal job to 1391?
DLA Energy positions across the GS-2010 Inventory Management, GS-2030 Distribution Facilities and Storage Management, and GS-1670 Equipment Services series are the closest direct matches. Senior 1391s with leadership and program experience also compete strongly for GS-0346 Logistics Management roles. WG-6907 Materials Handler positions at DLA distribution centers fit hands-on roles.
Should I go to a refinery or stay closer to airports and federal facilities?
Refinery and pipeline work pays the most but concentrates on the Gulf Coast. Airport into-plane fueling and federal facility fuels exist almost everywhere DoD has installations or major airports. The honest tradeoff is geography versus pay. Many 1391s start at airport contractors or DLA Energy, then move to refineries or pipelines after they've saved up an emergency fund and decided whether the relocation is worth it.
What certifications should I get before separating?
For petroleum-track work: API 653 Tank Inspector (long-term play, requires field experience), CDL Class A with Hazmat and Tanker endorsements (GI Bill-eligible, 7-10 weeks), and OSHA 30-Hour General Industry. For broader supervision tracks: Six Sigma Green Belt or PMP. For federal-track work: focus on writing a strong USAJobs-format resume — the cert isn't what gets you in, the resume is.
Can I use my GI Bill for a CDL?
Yes. Most CDL Class A programs are GI Bill-eligible at the truck-driving school level. With Hazmat and Tanker endorsements, the credential plus 1391 fuel truck experience is a strong combination for hazmat-endorsed driving roles paying $60K-$95K, especially for airport and bulk fuel distribution work.
How does Veterans' Preference work for federal fuels jobs?
Most honorably discharged veterans qualify for 5-point preference, and disabled veterans qualify for 10-point preference. For DLA Energy and DoD installation fuels positions, the preference is real but the federal-format resume is what gets you onto the cert in the first place. Bad resume, no preference applied. Use our federal resume builder to format properly.
What if I want to leave petroleum work entirely?
The career pivots in this guide cover that — operations manager, logistics manager, environmental compliance specialist, EHS specialist, project management, and industrial supervision. The skills transfer (hazmat handling, inventory accountability, crew leadership, safety compliance); the resume just has to do the translation work. Read the Military to Civilian Salary guide for broader options.
Does BMR support 1391s specifically?
Yes. BMR has built more than 55,000 resumes across every MOS, including hundreds of Marine Corps logistics and fuels specialists. The AI knows TBFDS, AAFS, HERS, FARP, fuel quality surveillance, and bulk fuel terminology, and translates all of it into civilian language tailored to the specific job you're applying for. Free for every veteran — 2 tailored resumes, 2 cover letters, LinkedIn optimization, all included. <a href='/'>Get started here</a>.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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