Employee Spotlights
Juvenile Court Judge Michael Diaz talks about his work, his priorities, and having nearly 20 Peruvian aunts and uncles
Airport employees earn prestigious award for snow removal during Snowmageddon
Daw to manage external relations for Department of Local Services
Employee takes passion for equity and social justice beyond King county
From Our Blog
Supporting coworkers and setting high standards, Metro’s 2019 ‘Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year’ leads by example
Crossposted from Metro Matters In just seven years at King County Metro, Frank Wood has established himself as the kind of coworker his fellow mechanics want to have around. His supportive attitude and willingness to mentor new mechanics has inspired others and is a large part of why Wood was recently honored as Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year for 2019. Wood accepted the award at East Base in front of family, coworkers, supervisors, and King County General Manager Rob Gannon. “Frank Wood has set a standard that his fellow mechanics look… Read More
Exec bikes Cedar River Trail, meets with employees
King County Executive Dow Constantine recently rode 10 miles on Cedar River Trail, a 17.4-mile paved multi-use trail that runs along Cedar River from Landsburg to Lake Washington, as part of his 100 miles in 100 days through King County Parks. On the way back, he stopped at Cavanaugh Pond where King County staff updated him on a major floodplain project that will protect property and improve salmon habitat. “We are very fortunate in this region to have those kinds of resources like a regional trail network, and those who came before us had… Read More
Volunteer in your community with King County
Did you know that King County has many unique volunteer opportunities ranging from animal services to tackling climate change, and much more? Not only that, many employees can use up to three days of sick leave to give back to those causes. Volunteering with King County is an opportunity to give back to causes right here in your community. Volunteer opportunities include planting trees as part of King County’s effort to plant 1 Million Trees by 2020 to reduce carbon pollution; volunteering with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) or temporarily… Read More
The Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28
The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28. The scheduled temporary suspension of sailings on those dates has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry look forward to providing service from the new facility as soon as work is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience and we will update you on changes as soon as possible. You can also visit your Employee Transportation Program (ETP) for information about your transportation benefits as… Read More
Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferries out of service July 22-28 for move to new terminal
UPDATED 7/18/2019 The Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28 The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28. The scheduled temporary suspension of sailings on those dates has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry look forward to providing service from the new facility as soon as work is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience and we will update you on changes… Read More
State retirement plan contributions increased July 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for the following retirement plans changed on July 1, 2019, as approved by the State Legislature. The PERS employer rate increased to 12.86% for PERS plan 3 and PERS JBM plans 1 and 3. The new contribution amounts will be deducted from your second paycheck in July: If you are paid every other Thursday, your new contribution will appear on your July 25 paycheck. If you are paid on the 5th and 20th of the month, your new contribution will appear on your July 19 paycheck. If… Read More
Featured Job: King County Multimedia Reporter Producer – Council
Salary: $70,688.00 – $95,068.00 Annually Location: WA 98104, WA Job Type: Appointed Department: KCC – King County Council Job Number: 2019-10170 Closing: 8/8/2019 11:59 PM Pacific King County Television (KCTV) is seeking a multimedia reporter/producer to engage and connect citizens with County services, programs, issues, ideas and ideals. This innovative storyteller will develop and produce video and multimedia content for KCTV’s cable channel and social media platforms overseeing production from script to screen. The person who fills this position will ensure all media content has high production value that is consistent with… Read More
Training Spotlight: Defensive Driving
Defensive Driving, multiple dates: Dedicated to enhancing driving skills, reducing collisions and controlling insurance costs, this course focuses on accepting personal responsibility while operating a motor vehicle. Knowing why your vehicle performs the way it does, and understanding key concepts of safety, can reduce your chances of serious injury. A key objective of Defensive Driving training is to influence a person’s driving behavior. This we attempt to achieve through classroom interaction with not just the instructor, but with the other students as well. This certification is valid for 3 years. Register and learn more. … Read More
Tech Tip: Cyber Security Awareness Training is now available
To start your Cyber Security Awareness Training please login at: https://sso.securingthehuman.org/kingcounty/ Your account for Securing the Human: Username: King County email address Password: King County email password For more information about Cyber Security please visit our Sharepoint site: https://kc1.sharepoint.com/teams/ITISRC/ISRCPUB
Road to Retirement classes coming up!
Are you planning to retire in the next six months? If so, join your Retirement Team for this informative two-hour class. We’ll discuss procedures and forms, medical coverage options, and pension plans—so you’ll be on a smooth road toward a happy retirement. Road to Retirement is offered in two locations: the Elections office in Renton and the Chinook Building in Seattle. Registration is required. Use the green Register button, then select the date and location. Upcoming dates: Tuesday, July 23: 10 a.m. – Noon, Renton Tuesday, July 30: 1 – 3 p.m., Seattle … Read More
Pet of the Week: Tricksy
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC We have a treat for Pet of the Week – meet Tricksy! This younger brown tabby is a huge softie with a heart of gold. Her personality color is “Easy Going Green,” meaning she is an adaptable cat who loves to go with the flow. Tricksy is very affectionate and just loves getting pets and spending time with her human friends. Although she may be a little timid with strangers, she will warm right up once she gets to know you! Read more from Tails from RASKC
Volunteer to be a Ballot Drop Box Closer for August 6
Looking for some Election Day excitement? Meet your neighbors and continue your commitment to public service by volunteering as a drop box closer. Drop box closers are the friendly face the public sees on Election Day, ensuring that every vote is counted and every voice is heard. Who: You and your co-workers! What: Closing ballot drop boxes across King County When: Election Night – August 6th from 6:30-8:30 pm Where: A drop box location near you State law requires that ballot drop boxes close at 8 p.m. Election Day. Most voters wait until Election Day to return… Read More
Share your ideas for future King County services
KCIT needs your to help shape the services you receive from King County. Please take a few minutes to complete a brief questionnaire about how you would like to use technology to interact with King County. The questionnaire is also available in Chinese, Korean, Somali, Spanish and Vietnamese. We want to hear your ideas as KCIT develops the King County Strategic Information Technology Plan for 2020-2023. As the regional government for 2.2 million people, King County wants to better leverage technological advances to provide our employees, residents and customers with the services they want in the way it works for… Read More
PeopleSoft weekend outage beginning 6 p.m. Friday, July 12
To allow for system maintenance, the PeopleSoft system will not be available the weekend of July 12 through July 14. During this planned outage, the Business Resource Center (BRC) will apply updates and maintenance. This work will begin on Friday, July 12, at 6 p.m. and is scheduled to be completed by 6:30 a.m. on Monday, July 15. Please ensure that you have entered your time into PeopleSoft before 6 p.m., Friday, July 12, where appropriate. The system will not be available for access by any County staff during this outage window. There will be a… Read More
Be prepared for an earthquake
This morning’s magnitude 4.6 earthquake near Monroe, Wash., is a good reminder that we need to be prepared for an earthquake in our region. Our goal is to ensure the safety of our employees and continue to provide as many County services as possible in an emergency. Here are some general tips on earthquake preparedness at home and at work: Before an earthquake Predetermine safe places in your home where you could DROP, COVER, and HOLD, during an earthquake. This could include under a sturdy desk or table. At work, make sure… Read More
Exec meets with employees on visit to Steve Cox Memorial Park
This spring and summer, King County Executive Dow Constantine is traveling 100 miles in 100 days through King County Parks, meeting many of the dedicated employees, partners, and volunteers who contribute to the region’s spectacular parks and trails. He recently visited Steve Cox Memorial Park, a popular athletic complex located in White Center, named in honor of Sheriff Deputy Steve Cox, who was killed in the line of duty in 2006. “Parks Coordinator Darlene Sellers led me on a tour of the historic gymnasium built in the 1930s where we offer the… Read More
Heartfelt congrats to 2019 Bridge Fellowship graduates
This year, 27 employees King County employees graduated from the Bridge Fellowship at a ceremony in downtown Seattle. The Bridge Fellowship is a 20-week, intensive professional development program that provides opportunities for employee development and advancement. Watch this short video that celebrates this year’s graduates. For more information about the graduation, read this recent article. Learn about the Bridge Fellowship at www.kingcounty.gov/Bridge.
Free admission: King County Employee Day at the races Sunday, July 21
King County employees and one guest will receive free admission to Emerald Downs Racetrack Sunday, July 21 for the King County Express Stakes, which includes the Fiesta Premio Esmeralda. Employees must show their King County ID at any of the 12 gates, which will provide the employee and one guest tickets that include free admission, official program and tip sheet, and chips and soda. Children 17 and under get in free. In addition to this year’s King County Express Stakes, there will be the Mt. Rainier Stakes – the final prep race for the richest… Read More
From Standing Rock to Public Defense, Natasha brings a spirit of social activism to her work
By Leslie Brown, Department of Public Defense In 2016, five months after graduating from Pepperdine University, Natasha Frazier headed from her home near Washington D.C. to the Standing Rock Reservation in North Dakota to support the growing resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline. She pitched her one-person tent on the reservation, assuming she’d melt into the ranks of the swelling movement. But she quickly found herself drawn to the work of several volunteer defense lawyers and eventually joined the legal defense team in Mandan, North Dakota, a 40-minute drive from Standing Rock. Natasha… Read More
Final opportunity! Applications open for Professional Development Scholarships
As a part of the Master Labor Agreement (MLA) and Investing In YOU, applications are now being accepted for Professional Development Scholarship Awards for training that occurs anytime between September 6, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Scholarship awards are only available to King County employees who are represented by a union in the Coalition of Unions and who meet additional eligibility requirements. Scholarships are intended to support employees in growing their careers at King County. This could include enhancing your knowledge and skills for your current job field; obtaining a professional certification, license, or pursuing a degree that is related… Read More
Training Spotlight: Basic First Aid/CPR/AED
Basic First Aid/CPR/AED, initial training, multiple dates: The “Medic First Aid” program provides basic first aid, CPR, and AED (automated external defibrillator) training, with no prerequisites. Employees will learn techniques to assist ill or injured individuals until professional caregivers arrive at the scene of an accident. An emphasis is placed on confidence building through hands-on learning in a low-stress environment. This certification is valid for 2 years. Register and learn more. Additionally, First and CPR classes are available through Public Health. View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning.
Civics 101: King County (WA) Courts
Because we so rarely go to court, it’s not surprising that people freely admit they don’t know the difference between Superior, District and Municipal Courts. In 6 minutes, we can change that! Take a listen.
The little things that keep King County moving
Crossposted from DES Express Did you know that FBOD’s Accounts Receivable (AR) is responsible for licensing all Metro Transit vehicles? AR maintains titles and acquires license plates for all new Metro buses put into service. The team goes through a title process that includes notarization and payment to get these vehicles on the road. Read more from DES Express
New passenger jet service begins at KCIA
Crossposted from DES Express On July 1, King County International Airport (KCIA) welcomed JetSuiteX to Seattle. The air carrier offers three flights daily to California’s Bay Area via Oakland International Airport. What makes JetSuiteX different is that it offers service similar to business class on a traditional airline at a fare that is competitive with economy class. JetSuiteX flies 30-seat Embraer ERJ-135 planes in a “2-1” arrangement, meaning every seat is on the aisle or by the window – no middle seats at all! Read more from DES Express
New King County climate website
The Climate Action Team has recently updated the County’s climate change website! The website highlights what climate change is, how it affects our region, how individuals and communities can act on climate, and how King County is taking action. You can find useful information and materials on the Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP), Partnerships and Collaborations, Initiatives and Programs, and transcreated climate infographics in Spanish, Samoan, Chinese, and Arabic. We have also launched a new public input tool for the 2020 SCAP update.
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