Hiring Managers: Vets 4 HIRE funding available

Hiring managers have the opportunity to support veterans in their transition to civilian employment by creating a Vets 4 HIRE fellowship within your organization. The Vets 4 HIRE learning experience should last a minimum of six months and can be either full- or part-time. The goal of the fellowship program is to provide veterans with training and practical, hands-on experience to increase their skills for future opportunities at King County and other civilian employment.

You can be reimbursed up to 50 percent of the first six months of the veteran’s wages, up to a maximum of $6,250. There is funding for 16 opportunities on a first come, first served basis. Upon completion of the initial six months, departments have the option to extend the fellowship for up to a maximum of 2,080 hours, and assume 100 percent responsibility for additional costs.

Veterans offer a proven work ethic, and many are problem-solvers, fast learners, excellent team players and leaders. They have great experience working effectively in multi-cultural environments and are very comfortable with technology.

For more information, contact Vets 4 HIRE Program Manager Susan Navetski at Susan.Navetski@KingCounty.gov or 206-477-3271. Please speak with your department HR staff to begin the process of creating a veteran internship opportunity. Thank you for supporting our veterans!

Estimated cost for a six-month Veteran Fellowship

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* Levy will reimburse 50 percent of wages, up to $6,250, upon completion of the first six months.

Environmental education programs and resources

King County’s Department of Natural Resources and Parks has made it easy for educators and students to find guidance on habitat, invasive plants, clean water projects and more in curricula that meet state and federal education requirements, that is customized for our Pacific Northwest environment, and that offers students ideas for future careers.

The guides provided list resources that include curricula, transportation, in-class trainers, workshops, costs, presentations, camps, and grant and professional development opportunities.

The Stormwater Runoff Education Resource Guides, the Green Schools Program, internships and more are in the Environmental Education section of our Services website.

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Graphics like this are just some of the many resources available.

Kudos! to Deputy Joshua Lanich, King County Sheriff’s Office, for restoring faith in humanity!

homepage-badge-sheriffDonna Wright sent a great, public Thank You tweet to Deputy Lanich of the King County Sheriff’s Office for his assistance Friday in helping an incapacitated driver who had driven the wrong way onto a freeway ramp. “…such an inspiring example of what a public servant should be … you restored my faith in humanity. Thank you for your professionalism and your service!”

Thank you, Donna!

Kudos, Deputy Lanich!

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Save the Date: 44th Annual Seattle Pride Parade

The King County Pride T-shirt orders have been placed, and the parade kicks off at 11 a.m. Sunday, June 24 at 4th Avenue and Union Street.cropped-pride_logopng

Lasting about 2.5 hours, the parade will end near Seattle Center at 2nd Avenue and Denny Way.

Viewers are encouraged to watch the parade from the sidewalks, leaving the street open for the parade. No parking will be permitted in any area along the parade route and all vehicles must be registered, must display an event pass and must have a driver in the vehicle at all times. Unattended vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense.

Visit the Seattle Pride website for more information.

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Noxious weeds to watch for in June

Crossposted from Noxious Weeds Blog

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Giant hogweed’s 2-foot-wide umbrella-shaped clusters of tiny white flowers are starting to appear.

If you’ve made it outside on a recent sunny day, you’ve probably noticed the abundance of flowers blooming in gardens, parks, forests, and throughout King County right now. Unfortunately, the noxious weeds are out there, too—many of them bolting, flowering, and even going to seed already.

Below are some of the top regulated noxious weeds to keep an eye out for this month. Please let us know if you see one of these high-priority invasive plants, so we can make sure they’re controlled or eradicated in time! Report locations and share photos with us easily on our new and improved Report a Weed online form.

Read the rest of the story on the Noxious Weeds Blog.

Social Media Spotlight: King County Parks on Facebook

iheartkcparks_400x400Summer is just around the corner, and Your Big Backyard is ready!

King County Parks – Your Big Backyard – enhances quality of life and communities by providing environmentally sound stewardship of regional and rural parks, trails, natural areas, and recreational facilities, supported by partnerships and entrepreneurial initiatives.

Whether it’s the BBY5K, movies in the park, Chomp!, or any of the other countless opportunities Parks provides, you can connect with @iheartkcparks on Facebook and stay informed!

Follow King County Parks on Facebook today.

Featured Job: Director, Legislative Analysis

Closing: 06/27/18 11:59 PM (GMT -8:00)

Salary: $153,814.75 – $194,969.01 Annually

Location: King County Courthouse, Seattle

Job Type: Appointed

Department: King County Council

Job Number: 2018-08195

Description: The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a dynamic leader to manage the King County Council’s policy staff team and ensure staffing and policy endeavors are consistent with the Council’s vision for Equity and Social Justice. The Director of Legislative Analysis will develop and administer analytical standards for staff, as well as assign staff to policy and budget topics. Policy staff support the Council in fulfilling its mission to set policies, enacts laws and adopt budgets that guide an array of regional services for the residents of King County. The ideal candidate will be a practiced manager, adept at policy, providing and presenting impartial analysis, politics and relationships.

Contact: For more information, contact Tracy Calderon at 206-477-0979 or Tracy.Calderon@KingCounty.gov.

Learn more about this position or all available jobs.

Let’s talk about: Financial Wellness

Crossposted from Balanced You

financial-wellnessThis summer, Balanced You is serving up programs, resources, and tools to keep you financially fit because you told us financial wellness is important to you.

Over the next few months, we’ll shine the spotlight on financial wellness resources. We want to help you reduce financial worries and feel more confident about your financial future, so if there’s a specific topic you’d like us to feature, let us know.

There’s a variety of information to help relieve some of your financial stress. Check out the many options and consider trying something new.

Give us feedback

What does financial wellness mean to you? We think of it as knowing your financial situation, and creating a plan to help you reduce financial stress now and in the future. We look forward to hearing what it means to YOU.

Let us know about your experience—what financial resources are helpful, what financial topics you’d like to see offered, and what we can do differently.

Contact us at BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov or (206) 263-9626

Pet of the Week: Smokey

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC

This handsome gent is Smokey, our Pet of the Week!

smokeySmokey was brought in by his previous family due to allergies. They described him as shy and loving. He does well with other cats, and was initially brought in with his brother Pisely (who has already been adopted). Smokey has a gorgeous thick coat that could benefit with nice brushing!

Smokey is more confident when he is surrounded by confident buddies. He has a “Bashful Blue” personality, meaning he is gentle and loving, and likes to take things slow. He may get nervous in new situations, and is looking for a family who understands he might need some time to warm up. Once he does however, Smokey will be a very devoted friend!

Smokey tested positive for Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV). Cats with FeLV can live long, fulfilling lives, but they may need some extra care. Our staff and volunteers would be happy to discuss his needs with you when you visit. Because he is FeLV+, Smokey should be an indoors-only cat.

Smokey is neutered, litter box trained, current on vaccinations, and microchipped. His adoption fee includes a certificate for a free veterinary exam and 30 days of free pet insurance through Trupanion.

See Smokey’s profile on our website at kingcounty.gov/AdoptAPet, or visit him at the Pet Adoption Center in Kent.

Metro’s 42nd Annual Metroadeo Saturday

ICYMI: join Metro General Manager Rob Gannon and Metro’s Safety team Saturday from 9 a.m to 2 p.m. to recognize the skills of our fantastic bus operators!

metroadeo_postcardThere are three ways King County employees can participate in the Metroadeo:

  • Bus operators can sign up now to compete.
  • Employees can bring their antique, classic or special interest cars, trucks, motorcycles – or any other vehicle – to the 30th Annual Employee Car Show.
  • Save the date and attend the event. Bring your family and friends!

Visit the Metroadeo website for more information on the event and the employee car show.

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