People & Places
Rob Stephens
Victoria Sterritt
Castlegar, B.C.
Santiago, Chile
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Rob Stephens
Director, Applied Research and Technology (ART)
Trail
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
I first began in 1998 at Cominco Research, working on projects for Trail Operations. I eventually became a Senior Production Engineer and then Superintendent of Technical Support there, before returning to ART in 2010.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
I provide leadership for the Applied Research and Technology group around critical technologies that influence Teck’s outcomes company-wide—from water treatment to coal processing to mill optimization.
What is your favourite part about your job?
I like the interplay of technology and people. The group here is driven by change—they love to see new ideas identified, developed, implemented—and I enjoy getting to help the team work together to do great things.
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
Taking a project all the way through, from concept to implementation, is quite memorable; specifically, I’d say redesigning the Drossing Plant to add a detinning step in the lead smelter stands out. It was a new process developed over two and a half years, and I ended up commissioning it.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
I love to play Ultimate Frisbee—I’ve played for 28 years. When I play I’m focused on what I’m doing and it clears my mind.
Victoria Sterritt
Lead, Technology and Innovation
Vancouver Office
When did you start at the company, and at which site/office?
I started as a part-time student in 2005 and as a full-time geophysicist in 2007, in the Vancouver Exploration group.
Could you provide a brief description of what you do in your role?
Together with the Vancouver-based Technology and Innovation group, I help support multidisciplinary teams as they deep-dive into transformational technologies; understand and share high-value activities between sites;
and identify, assess and implement new technologies.
What is your favourite part about your job?
I love the variety of this role. I can be working with complex economic models, researching some groundbreaking technology, thinking about the regulatory impacts of a different technology, or learning about innovative processes and products that sites are implementing—all within one morning!
What is your most memorable moment working at Teck to date?
One of my many delightful memories was a Valentine’s Day that I spent in rural Ontario with three co-workers on a very cold, challenging winter job. They bought me heart doughnuts and we had a pillow fight. To this day, I’m thrilled to see and spend time with that team.
What is your favourite activity outside of work, and why?
In the winter, my favourite activity is skiing/touring. I love being active in the mountains with good friends.
Castlegar, B.C.
Kirk Duff
Quality Assurance Specialist, Information Systems
Trail Operations
What is your community’s point of pride?
There are a few standouts for me—the downtown riverfront Millennium Park with its beautiful walkway, Rotary workout centre, Celgar Pavilion and the swimming ponds. They’re a real showpiece for the whole family!
When visiting, what’s a “must-see”?
Castlegar is the ‘Sculpture Capital of Canada’, home to the Castlegar Sculpture Walk. It’s an annual outdoor showcase of more than 30 international works of art on display throughout the year, with a complete changeover each May.
What is the area’s best-kept secret?
Centrally located in the West Kootenays, Castlegar and the surrounding areas are known for their cultural diversity, which is celebrated at the annual Multi-Cultural Day on BC Family Day in February, and at the Kootenay Festival held in July.
Is there anything the area is famous for?
Well, I suppose that would be the West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar, and the ongoing struggle to get planes in and out during inclement weather!
Is there anything else you’d like other Teck employees to know about the area?
Whether you live in or are just passing through the West Kootenays, there are excellent scenic highway routes that can help you explore the entire area.
Santiago, Chile
María Paz de la Noi
Senior Coordinator, Administration
Exploration, Chile
What is your community’s point of pride?
We are known for being very warm—we always try to help visitors and make them feel at home. Also, due to our geographic layout, you can visit the beach, mountains and country all in one day if you wish. All three areas have their own beauty. And, of course, our climate allows us to have excellent grape quality, which gives us excellent wine!
When visiting, what’s a “must-see”?
An area downtown called Barrio Lastarria is very nice—it has restaurants, cafeterias, bookstores and old houses with beautiful architecture—these houses have survived several big earthquakes.
What’s a typical weekend like there?
Our surroundings include beautiful parks and green areas, which are great for getting together with family and friends.
What’s your favourite restaurant in the community?
Some areas that are well known for having very good restaurants are El Golf, Borde Rio, Providencia and Nueva Costanera.
Is there anything else you’d like other Teck employees to know about the area?
Come down to visit us and we will make our best effort to help you have a wonderful time!
