Meet Christopher Castillo who graduated UTSA Class of 2011, with a Master of Architecture Degree and a Certificate in Historic Preservation. A stint in Montana with the Forest Service learning carpentry skills to restore and maintain historic structures was the impetus behind Christopher’s Historic Preservation Certificate. The field of national treasures has continued to be his focus. Looking back at how the program helped prepare him, Christopher stated, “The preservation program at UTSA does a good job of covering a wide field between policy and technology. I feel very lucky. The preservation program helped me along the way.” While in school, he secured an internship with the National Park Service which led to a permanent position. Now Christopher works in cultural resources management at the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park as an Architectural Technician. One of the great advantages of working for the National Park Service he says is the interdisciplinary nature of the organization. Working with James Oliver, the Historical Landscape Architect, Susan Snow, Park Archaeologist or the Natural Resource Specialists at the Missions has continued his education and broadened his horizons. Recently, he was accepted into a training program for facility management. One of 15 people chosen from across the nation, this development program is designed to develop leaders to manage National Park Service assets with the values and ideals of stewardship. This program will share information across parks and help caretakers best understand how to be proactive and anticipate future challenges. With the National Park Service, Christopher says he derives satisfaction from working on the front line managing and caring for historic buildings and properties intimately tied to the history of San Antonio.
The NPS keeps jobs for students updated here, where many internship opportunities offer the chance to experience the National Park Service firsthand.