Explore how your federal experience as a Equipment Services (GS-1670) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Maintenance Technician, Junior Equipment Operator, Field Services Technician | Assist in routine maintenance, troubleshooting, and minor repairs of equipment. Support senior staff in the diagnosis of equipment issues and participate in service calls under supervision. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Equipment Maintenance Specialist, Equipment Support Technician, Equipment Services Coordinator | Perform inspection, servicing, and repair of equipment. Analyze equipment performance data and resolve operational issues. Provide training and guidance to junior technicians. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Equipment Specialist, Field Services Manager, Technical Services Engineer | Oversee equipment maintenance programs, lead teams in diagnostics and repairs, and develop training programs. Liaise with management regarding equipment standards and operational efficiency. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Equipment Services Manager, Principal Equipment Engineer, Operations Manager | Manage comprehensive equipment services operations, develop strategies for equipment lifecycle management, and oversee compliance with safety regulations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimize service delivery. | $90,000 - $115,000 |
| 12-13 | Director of Equipment Services, Senior Operations Director, Technical Services Director | Lead strategic initiatives for equipment management, including budgeting and resource allocation. Establish performance metrics, drive continuous improvement, and oversee large-scale projects. | $115,000 - $140,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Equipment Operations, Senior Vice President of Equipment Management, Chief Equipment Officer | Develop and implement organizational strategies for equipment management across multiple business units. Drive innovation in service delivery and ensure alignment with corporate goals and regulatory requirements. | $140,000 - $175,000 |
| SES | Executive Director of Equipment Services, Chief Operating Officer (Equipment Focus), Senior Strategic Advisor for Equipment Operations | Provide leadership and vision for the equipment services sector, manage corporate policies, and engage in high-level stakeholder negotiations. Responsible for comprehensive program oversight and strategic planning to enhance organizational performance. | $175,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Certified Maintenance and Reliability Technician (CMRT)
The CMRT certification is focused on maintenance and reliability best practices, which are critical skills in the equipment services field. This certification demonstrates an individual's ability to enhance equipment performance and reliability, making them a valuable asset to civilian employers seeking to optimize their operations.
Project Management Professional (PMP)
The PMP certification signifies advanced knowledge and competence in project management, a crucial skill for managing equipment service projects effectively. Civilian employers often seek professionals who can lead teams and projects efficiently, making this certification a strong asset for anyone transitioning from the GS-1670 job series.
Certified Equipment Manager (CEM)
The CEM designation provides knowledge of equipment management, maintenance, and operations, directly aligning with the skills utilized in the GS-1670 series. Civilian companies value this certification as it indicates a commitment to excellence in managing equipment lifecycles and reducing operational costs.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Certification in Transportation Engineering Technologies
NICET certifications are recognized across various industries, validating expertise in specific technical areas. For those in Equipment Services, this certification showcases proficiency in maintaining and operating equipment used in transportation engineering, enhancing job prospects in sectors that rely on these skills.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
This certification focuses on process improvement and efficiency, skills relevant for maintaining and servicing equipment. Employers in the civilian sector value Lean Six Sigma as it indicates you can streamline processes, reduce waste, and improve the overall performance of equipment services.
Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Certification
ASE certifications are vital for those working with vehicles and related equipment, ensuring that they possess the necessary skills and knowledge in automotive maintenance and repair. This certification increases marketability in the civilian workforce, particularly in companies focused on automotive and heavy machinery.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal position, particularly a GS-1670 Equipment Services role, to the private sector can be a rewarding journey. Your experience in the federal government has equipped you with invaluable skills that are highly prized in private industry. However, to make this transition successful, there are key mindset shifts, actionable strategies, and important skills you will need to adapt. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you through this process:
Embrace Change: One of the most significant hurdles is the shift in environment. Federal workplaces often operate with specific procedures and regulations that may not be present in the private sector, where adaptability and quick decision-making can be more common. Embrace this variability and see it as an opportunity to learn new things.
Value Your Experience: Your federal experience may have included managing large budgets, a focus on compliance, and oversight of equipment services. Understand that these skills translate well into the private sector where efficiency and risk management are critical.
Shift from Service to Solutions: In the federal realm, the focus is often on serving the public. In the private sector, the emphasis is more on providing innovative solutions to problems, driving profitability, and enhancing customer satisfaction. Adjust your thinking to highlight how your federal work helps achieve similar goals.
Use Private Sector Language: Translate your federal job responsibilities into terms that resonate in the corporate world. Instead of stating your duties as a GS employee, use impactful phrases like "streamlined operations" or "enhanced efficiency". Avoid jargon that is specific to federal programs; instead, use terms that your market understands.
Quantify Achievements: Include metrics where possible. For example, if you improved equipment efficiency or reduced downtime, showcase these achievements with specifics: “Increased equipment uptime by 20% which led to savings of $X annually.” This highlights your effectiveness and impact clearly.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each position you apply for. Analyze job descriptions to pull out keywords and skills that the employer values and emphasize those in your experience.
Research the Company: Understand the company culture, mission, and industry challenges. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their needs. Be prepared to discuss your experiences in terms of how they meet the organization’s goals.
Behavioral Interviewing Techniques: Expect questions based on your past experiences. Format your answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). This structured storytelling will help you convey your experience effectively.
Practice Common Questions: Prepare answers for typical interview questions, but also be ready for situational and problem-solving questions that reflect real-business scenarios.
Leverage LinkedIn: Create a strong LinkedIn profile that highlights your skills, accomplishments, and aspirations. Connect with industry professionals, alumni, and former colleagues who can provide insights into opportunities.
Attend Industry Events: Participate in conferences, workshops, and networking events relevant to your field. These are great opportunities to meet hiring managers and learn about industry shifts and new technologies.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to people in roles you’re interested in and ask for informational interviews. This can provide you helpful insights about transitioning from federal to private roles and expand your network.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Identify the skills that are transferable to the private sector, such as project management, leadership, and technical proficiency. For example, if you've led a team or managed project budgets, describe these experiences in terms of leading cross-functional teams or managing capital expenses.
Case Studies and Initiatives: Refer to specific projects or initiatives you were part of that align with potential employers’ interests. Instead of citing regulation compliance, frame it as successful project management with measurable outcomes.
Soft Skills Matter: In addition to technical skills, emphasize soft skills such as communication, teamwork, and conflict resolution. These are highly valued in any sector.
Transitioning to the private sector from a federal GS-1670 Equipment Services role is about showcasing the valuable skill set you've developed while framing it in a way that speaks to the needs of private employers. Stay positive and persistent; this process takes time. While it may sometimes feel daunting, remember that your government experience has made you a resilient and capable candidate.
Growth and learning are integral to this journey, so take every opportunity to refine your skills and build connections. With the right mindset, an engaging resume, and a strategic approach to interviews and networking, you will pave a successful path to your new career.
Good luck in your transition!