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USACE Galveston District’s Employee Spotlight on Tim Clarkin

Published July 3, 2018
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GALVESTON, Texas (July 3, 2018) – When you look into Tim Clarkin’s family background, there is no question as to how he ended up in his particular career path. The middle child of nine kids, Clarkin is surrounded by a family of engineers. 

“My grandfathers, my father, all my brothers and I, are all engineers of some sort," said Clarkin "My dad's dad worked for New England District and was a Dam Tender/Watershed Manager—very much the same position I currently hold."

Clarkin began his federal career in 2015 as a summer hire working in Geotechnical and Structural Engineering section. The following year, he was a Galveston District intern doing rotations with Hydrology and Hydraulics, Geotech and Structures, Project Operations, Project Management, and the Galveston Area Construction office. In 2017 he accepted a position in Engineering and Construction working in the Hydrology and Hydraulics Branch as hydraulics engineer. However, in the last four months, he has detailed as the Water Control Manager. 

"The primary responsibility of my position as Water Control Manager is determining how to operate Addicks, Barker and Wallisville Dams best,” said Clarkin. "In some cases, the decisions for how to operate are easy, and I know how to interpret our Water Control Manual. In others, it takes deliberation and discussion with the other members of the Water Control Team.”

In 2017 when Hurricane Harvey inundated the Houston region with unprecedented rainfall, Clarkin was one of the first in the Emergency Operation Center activated to the Crisis Action Team.

“Tim Clarkin was critical to the Crisis Action Team during Harvey,” said Alicia Rae, Chief of Emergency Operations at the Galveston District. “He provided timely and accurate information which helped facilitate in communications and reporting requirements to higher headquarters regarding daily operations and response efforts.”

With only two years at the Galveston District, Clarkin has already left a mark with his hard work and dedication to his job.

Clarkin has earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Roger Williams University in 2014 and a Master of Science in Civil Systems Engineering / Water Resources from University of Colorado, Boulder in 2016 along with a Certificate in Engineering for Developing Communities (EDC).

In Clarkin’s free time, he and his wife enjoy bird watching, staying active and serving at their church. 

Release no. 18-041

Addicks and Barker
Hydrology and Hydraulics
Tim Clarkin
USACE Galveston District

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