Jeff found his love of science by spending time outdoors, gardening, hiking or playing sports. His outdoor time led him to a hobby of plant identification which he turned into a career. He is happiest working in the field seeing projects go from design, through regulatory compliance, to completion. Along the way he shares his super power of guiding the work through regulatory compliance. Jeff’s early love of outdoors continues into his free time now, where you can find still find him in his garden or hiking with his family.
Teams: Environmental
Trista Kobluskie
Trista’s proclaimed superpower is finding the nexus between engineering, science and policy to create implementable plans for communities. She is able to practice her power in working with stormwater managers throughout the Pacific Northwest to bring projects to successful completion. The nonprofits that Trista supports convey an appreciation for many facets of society from homes for foster children to land trusts and trail builders. You can find Trista hiking, kayaking and camping, or putting on her dancing shoes because who doesn’t enjoy a little Salsa?
Nick Cook
Right after college, Nick went to work for a survey crew in support of stream restoration projects in the mountains of North Carolina. That experience led him to continue his education so he could work in ecosystem restoration. He takes his passion for natural ecosystems home with him, admitting that floating down a scenic river with the potential of spotting wildlife in its natural habitat is what makes him happiest. Nick organizes the annual Otak whitewater rafting trip and also volunteers with various watershed groups doing everything from trash clean-ups to beaver and salmon activity surveys.
Russell Gaston
Russell is the Director of Water and Natural Resources (WNR) company-wide, working out of Otak’s Redmond office. A graduate of Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering, he started his career working as a general civil engineer. It was here where he got the opportunity to work in several different roles, including as a structural engineer, site development engineer, roadway engineer, and a water resources engineer. After 5 years of trying various civil engineering specialties, Russell realized his true passion was for water resources engineering and decided to focus his career on those pursuits. Since joining Otak in 1997, Russell enjoys the opportunity to work with a diverse group of smart professionals on varying projects all benefiting the environment.
When he is not leading the WNR practice, Russell can be found outdoors camping, biking, riding quads and watching movies and sporting events. He participated in the South Sound Communities StormFest Educational program, a hands-on, one-day, outdoor stormwater and watershed science education program for middle school students. In addition, he has been a guest speaker at his local high school and at community college career fairs. When he is not volunteering and educating young minds, Russell also repairs hiking trails in the Puget Sound region.
Kevin Timmins
As a native Oregonian, Kevin credits the many days he spent outdoors as a youth to his interest in water resources engineering. Otak has always provided him with the opportunity to chart his own course and surround himself with amazing, talented, and interesting people. Kevin brings an ability to see the big picture on projects and know how to navigate through the project development process. He especially enjoyed working on the Bend Whitewater Park project. He is a member of the Oregon Chapter of the American Public Works Sustainability Committee, and is committee chair for four Boy Scouts of America units.