Last updated: February 16, 2023
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Doug Denk Selected as National Park Service Engineer of the Year
Denver Service Center (DSC) Project Manager Doug Denk was selected as the National Park Service (NPS) Engineer of the Year. He will be recognized at the 2023 National Society of Professional Engineers award ceremony February 24.
Doug began his career with the NPS in 1997 as a member of the road crew serving the parks of Southeast Utah Group. Doug then returned to NPS and joined DSC in 2007 and has consistently ensured that sound engineering principles and practices are incorporated into each project he manages throughout the national park system. Doug guides large multi-discipline teams on historic renovation, ecological restoration and infrastructure projects that are challenged with preserving sensitive resources while implementing complex engineering solutions. Doug’s expertise includes analyzing data, engaging team members, and developing a strategic path forward for these complex projects.
“I am honored to be recognized with this prestigious award,” said Doug Denk, DSC Engineer and Project Manager. “I am passionate about our public lands, and I’m consistently humbled by the opportunity to play a role in guiding critical projects which will help to protect and preserve our most treasured places. I’m grateful to the teams I work with who share this passion.” Doug was specifically recognized for his contributions at Christiansted National Historic Site (NHS), Oregon Caves National Monument and Preserve (NM & PRES), and the White House. At Christiansted NHS, bulkhead improvements in an ecologically sensitive area required the relocation of over 700 marine organisms including endangered corals. Doug successfully managed a team of 15 engineers and marine biologists to develop structural details and enhanced coral handling procedures that resulted in reduced seafloor impacts and 93% coral survival rates.
At Oregon Caves NM & PRES, the 29,000SF heavy timber constructed Chateau is a National Historic Landmark requiring extensive seismic upgrades. Doug established a collaborative work planning methodology among a team of over 30 contractors, designers and NPS resource specialists to tailor the structural interventions to minimize impacts to the building’s historic fabric.
Finally, Doug has managed and provided expertise for more than $100 million of work on the grounds of the White House. He continually challenges team members across seven agencies to develop innovative solutions which balance competing engineering requirements while preserving 18 acres of historic landscape including 31 Presidential trees.
Congratulations to Doug for this well-deserved award!
About the Federal Engineer of the Year Award: The Federal Engineer of the Year Award, sponsored by the Professional Engineers in Government, honors engineers employed by a federal agency that employs at least 50 engineers worldwide.