Christina Watson, Project Manager, Denver Service Center (DSC) Design and Construction Division

Engineer Christina Watson at Dorchester Heights

NPS

Can you briefly describe your background and how you became interested in engineering, particularly within the National Park Service?

I’ve always enjoyed learning how things go together and understanding how systems work. I started my career as an engineering officer in the Army, and then as a structural engineer in private practice. I worked in structural design and then decided that I wanted to see more of how things were built so I spent a few years working as a construction project manager. While I really enjoyed being on site and seeing projects get completed, I missed being involved in design, so I returned to structural engineering and worked for several more years as a structural engineer. Prior to working at the National Park Service, I was the design manager at a design-build contractor, so I got the opportunity to work with both the design and construction teams. When I saw the job posting for a Project Manager at the Denver Service Center, it included everything that I’m passionate about: solving interesting problems, working with the entire project team, and preserving National Park Service resources. I’m happy to say that it has been everything that I expected and more.

What projects or initiatives have you been involved in that align with this year's Engineers Week theme of "Welcome to the Future"?

For an upcoming project at Alcatraz, our team recently used 3D scanning to create a model allows us to walk through every room that will be involved in the project. This allows us to see not only the layout of all the rooms and what will need to be moved, but also to plan on how the contractor will be able to access their work site and how the project will affect public tours. The model allows us to share screens and “walk” through the project together in our meetings despite attending from several different states.

How do you believe engineering is shaping the future of conservation efforts and heritage preservation within the National Park Service?

Engineers are problem-solvers, and our National Park Service projects provide many problems to be solved. How can a structure built in 1910 be upgraded to today’s energy code requirements? How can an existing monument be modified to provide accessible paths without making new features look like they weren’t part of the original design? Our project teams work together to find the best solutions possible; preserving the past but also making our facilities safe, energy efficient and accessible to the greatest extent possible.

Many of the projects I work on include renovation and restoration of historic buildings. Changing construction technology is allowing new materials and methods to be used on a variety of projects, but these new technologies are usually not designed with historic materials in mind. Engineers need to evaluate how updated materials can be utilized in our projects without negatively affecting the existing materials.

What advice would you give to students or professionals interested in pursuing a career in engineering, especially within the context of national parks and conservation?

Engineering has a reputation for a lot of difficult math courses, but if you enjoy solving problems and helping people, don’t let the math intimidate you. All of us have had challenges along the way, and you’ll be able to find people along the way that are willing to help.

There are great opportunities in the National Park Service and in other Federal agencies for internships and volunteering so you can get an idea of what it’s like to work with us.