Brent Nagen, Portfolio Manager, Design and Construction Division, Denver Service Center

Brent Nagen on the Brooklyn Bridge

NPS

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

I have done road design and construction my entire life, but how I eventually came to the NPS is a funny story. I had just started working at Central Federal Lands in 2009 when they told me that I was going to Yosemite to reconstruct 26-miles of roadway. Being new, I said, “great, I can’t wait to go!” Once I was alone, I had to Google what they were talking about and where it was located. Throughout my year on the project, I was taught the “NPS way,” which began my fascination with the NPS. I continued working in various NPS sites as a project manager, but once I started working in Death Valley, I decided that I only wanted to work on NPS projects and started working my way towards becoming an NPS employee.

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

Seawall (marine) projects are my passion. I see all of seawall projects aligning with this year’s theme as they all use new technology and design requirements with sea level rise to ensure these projects will be around for future generations to enjoy.

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

Engineering allows a project to meet conservation efforts and heritage preservation within the NPS. The project requirements are defined early on, and good engineering allows the NPS to develop a design and perform construction to insure we do what is best for the NPS site.

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?

Listen and develop good communication skills. Engineering is just one discipline but there are many disciplines that need to be involved to successfully deliver an NPS project. Miscommunication can disrupt a project, and you need to make sure everyone understands the narrative and the path forward to reach consensus across all disciplines. Listening to other disciplines informs project designs that meet everyone’s requirements.