Avin Timocin - Al-Terra

Calgary
Team member since 2026

Department
Engineering – Private Sector, Site Development

What is your favourite thing about working at Al-Terra?
My favourite thing about working at Al-Terra is the opportunity to be able to work on all aspects of a project rather than being assigned a specific role that would be my responsibility alone throughout the duration of the project. This allows me to learn and gain invaluable experience on how projects move throughout their lifespan, picking up knowledge on multiple fronts.

What lessons has your work life taught you?
One of the biggest lessons that I have been taught is that there is always more to learn. Technical skills are important, but communication, adaptability and being able to ask questions are just as valuable. I learned that taking ownership of my work and taking feedback allows me to grow much faster. All the challenges I have faced allowed me to learn something new, and I try my best to carry those lessons forward.

Who is someone you admire and why?
Someone I admire the most is my father. He was a certified Alberta Land Surveyor. Growing up I saw the firsthand dedication and pride he put into his work on a day to day. He taught me the value of working hard and was even a big inspiration for me in joining the engineering field. More importantly, he taught me that success was more than what you just put on paper. It is the way you approach challenges, the people you impact, and the standards that you hold yourself to. A lot of the way I approach my life has been influenced by what I learned from him growing up, and I hope, in my own way, to live up to the example he set for me.

I am a Civil Engineer-in-Training with a strong passion for turning my ideas into solutions that provide meaningful impacts on the communities that they serve.

My interest in the field of engineering stemmed from ever since I was a child, being exposed to a field that would allow me to problem solve, and think critically, which has continued to shape my career as it stands even now. My professional career began throughout my internships in my university career, where I was given the opportunities to work alongside experienced professionals, and learn how project move from the initial concepts, to the final built product. These experiences gave me a strong appreciation for the importance of technical knowledge and collaboration.

Today, I work primarily in site development, with experience in stormwater management, erosion and sediment control, drainage design, surveying, and civil design. I believe that good engineering is more than just being able to produce drawings or calculations, but rather it required a large degree of communication, attention to detail, and accountability, where we need to understand how our work affects the people who ultimately use the infrastructure we help create.

As I continue to grow into my career, my goal is to earn my professional designation (P.Eng.) and become an all around professional who is able to take on complex challenges, contribute meaningfully to team projects, and continue learning from the people around me. I am excited to be a part of a profession that allows me to be a part of projects that can leave lasting impacts.