Town of Banff

Wendy Kuiper

Wendy Kuiper Photo: Stephanie Andrews

Public Works Equipment Operator

Walking the streets of Banff, you are liable to find conditions that change from day to day, and season to season.  Weather in the Rockies brings an accumulation of ice, snow, rain, and dust to our roads and sidewalks throughout the year.

Wendy Kuiper is part of the Town of Banff's dedicated Public Works team that strives to combat these obstacles year round. Their goal: to keep the streets of Banff always beautiful and accessible for residents and visitors.

Born in Guelph, Ontario, Wendy felt the pull of the Rockies soon after graduating from Wilfred Laurier University 7 years ago. She has enjoyed living in Banff ever since.

Wendy held a variety of jobs before finding her niche at the Town in our Operations department.  Starting on the Grounds crew, Wendy worked her way into a full time position in Public Works.

You will see Wendy around town in a variety of roles - and vehicles. Since variety is the spice of life, Wendy thrives on the daily challenges that come along with working in a department where no two days are ever the same.

When she's not keeping Banff looking its best by sweeping, snow plowing, sanding or contributing to special projects, she loves to get snowboard in the winter, and summers are full of biking and playing baseball and rugby on the Banff women’s club.

What it's like at work?

Equipment operators must be skilled in the safe operation of medium duty trucks and equipment, and also be capable of performing labour associated with the entire operations team.

There are a variety of tasks that range from daily duties to special events on a variety of medium duty equipment including:

• tandem dump trucks
• loaders
• specialized trucks and equipment
• associated light equipment & power tools
  

Since Equipment Operators have such special skills they are needed for shifts on days, nights, weekends and on call rotation. As an operator you are working in all weather conditions, so a love for the outdoors and a strong resilience for what Mother Nature can throw at you is vital.

Before you think that only crazy people would do this job, the variety of shifts can accommodate your recreation, you get to work all departments within the Town, your job is never the same, and you have the satisfaction of knowing that you’re making a positive impact to the look, feel and operation of the Town.

Role Requirements:

• must be able to understand and comprehend verbal & written instructions
• must be skilled at truck driving and operating medium duty equipment with 3 years related experience
• must possess a valid Class 3Q Alberta Drivers License
• must possess Basic First Aid and CPR certificate
  

Want more information?

Talk to Les, Marc, Nelson, John and Wendy to find out what it's like to drive real life "Tonka Trucks." and to Lee and Jerid about the other aspects of working on the Public Works Team.