Joel Dolbeck served as a Civil Engineer in the Coast Guard from 1984 to 2018. He started his career at Jefferson Lab in 2018 and now works as a Facilities Engineer Manager.
"I really enjoyed working with the people in the Coast Guard and variety of work," said Dolbeck. "With each new assignment, there were new challenges and an opportunity to see and live in a different part of the United States."
Q&A with Joel Dolbeck, U.S. Coast Guard
What did you do for the military?
I had several jobs in the Coast Guard that involved Facility Engineering & Maintenance, Project and Program Management, Base Operations and Workforce Readiness, Training and Assessment.
What made you decide to join the military?
I received an appointment to the Coast Guard Academy to get my Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. I saw this as a great opportunity to receive an education without incurring debt and pursue a career where I could serve our nation.
What was your favorite part of the Job?
I really enjoyed working with the people in the Coast Guard and variety of work. With each new assignment, there were new challenges and an opportunity to see and live in a different part of the United States.
What was your most interesting/favorite deployment or duty station and why?
My favorite assignment was as the Facility Engineer in Kodiak, Alaska. Technically, I developed my professional competence managing one of the Coast Guards largest and most complex bases on a remote island 200 miles from mainland Alaska. Personally, I loved spending free time in the outdoors kayaking, fishing, hiking, and mountain biking.
What skills did you develop that you use now after your military career?
During my 30+ years in the Coast Guard, I learned how to work among diverse and talented teams where having a shared vision and a passion for success could lead to amazing accomplishments. I also gained many technical and management skills that I continue to use today at Jefferson Lab.
The regional home of Jefferson Lab, Hampton Roads, has a rich military history. Located in Southeastern Virginia, the region is currently home to more than 80,000 men and women in uniform, representing every branch of the armed forces. Throughout November 2018, Jefferson Lab is celebrating the region's military ties by highlighting some of our veteran employees who have served in the armed forces and who continue to serve their nation by supporting the research efforts carried out at the laboratory.
From Coast Guard to National Lab, Dolbeck is laser focused on mission results
