The year in review: Responding to climate change by taking strategic actions in 2017
Crossposted from Keeping King County Green King County bolstered its reputation as a national leader in the effort to confront climate change in 2017, delivering on Executive Dow Constantine’s commitment to protect the region’s natural environment while creating more resilient communities. Whether it’s a pledge to operate one of the nation’s largest zero emission battery bus fleets, expanding non-motorized transportation options, or investing in alternative energy sources, King County’s efforts are helping people, neighborhoods and even cities adapt to a changing world. The Department of Natural Resources and Parks coordinated much of the County’s work… Read More
Featured Job: Environmental Scientist III
Closing Date/Time: Sun. 11/05/17 11:59 PM Pacific Time Salary: $39.58 – $50.18 Hourly Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Location: King Street Center – 201 S Jackson St, Seattle, Washington Department: Department of Natural Resources & Parks – Water and Land Resources Division Description: This position will perform a wide variety of work tasks related to river facility maintenance and property management activities. This position will work with the Maintenance Supervisor and collaborate with other staff in the River and Floodplain Management Section (RFMS) in the Water and Land Resources Division to implement countywide levee and revetment… Read More
2017 Annual Giving Drive: Environment conservation
Crossposted from KC Employee Giving Whether you want to be part of the change in a child’s life or a defender of the environment, the Employee Giving Program’s (EGP) Annual Giving Drive provides a plethora of prescreened nonprofit organizations to choose from. As part of the Annual Giving Drive, week three highlights nonprofit organizations that are preserving the environment for generations to come. Earthshare WA (2500) 1402 Third Avenue Suite 525 Seattle, WA 98101 – Together, championing Washington’s future. Since 1987, EarthShare Washington has helped companies and employees connect with, contribute to, and volunteer for outstanding environment…. Read More
Featured Job: Health and Environmental Investigator IV
Closing Date/Time: Open continuously Salary: $40.53 – $51.38 Hourly Job Type: Career Service Location: Chinook Building, Downtown Seattle, Washington Department: Department of Public Health–Environmental Health Services Description: The Environmental Health Services Division is seeking, enthusiastic and dedicated Health and Environmental Inspector Supervisor (HEI IV) for the Solid Waste, Rodent Control and Zoonotic Diseases Program, Public Health Seattle – King County. Under the direction of the Community Environmental Health (CEH) Section Manager, the supervisor oversees environmental health services mandated by local, state and federal regulations governing solid waste facilities and broader issues in King County. The responsibilities focus on overall… Read More
Confronting climate change aboard a floating classroom
Crossposted from Inside Transportation The King County Water Taxi functioned as a floating classroom recently for a firsthand lesson on how King County is confronting climate change. On an unusually hot day on the waterfront, in the midday hours when our vessels are docked, the Marine Division hosted 13 high-schoolers from the Woodland Park Zoo’s Seattle Youth Climate Action Network (Seattle Youth CAN). They boarded the Sally Fox for our new “Floating Classroom” program, designed to engage students of all ages in environmental and climate change education, and introduce them to internship and job opportunities in both King County… Read More
Monitoring the environment during West Point restoration
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories King County shared good news April 27 that West Point Treatment Plant is back online. Employees and contractors worked around the clock to restore critical mechanical and electrical systems that were damaged by severe flooding on Feb. 9. Whenever clean water infrastructure is affected, King County Wastewater Treatment Division (WTD) gets in front of environmental monitoring. The scale of the West Point incident called for increased environmental monitoring and close coordination with the State Department of Ecology. King County knows how much people in our region care… Read More
Kudos to employees who care about our residents and our environment!
This piece was featured in the Seattle Times’ Rant and Raves list. Kudos to a DNRP employee for saving a bird’s day! “RAVE To the woman working for King County who took my Saturday call about a coot (bird) trapped in a storm drain in Covington. She reached someone in Covington public works, who called me and said they were closed, but they were there first thing on Monday freeing the trapped animal. Public-sector heroes!
From deckhand to climate change manager
Crossposted from Inside Transportation What Alex Adams saw in the waters of Southeast Alaska, and closer to home in Elliott Bay, impressed upon him the urgency of confronting climate change. “It became clear to me that globally, we’re in deep trouble, and we need to work collectively to change the course we’re on to ensure our oceans continue to host a diversity of species, and to ensure people on land are able to lead productive, happy, and healthy lives. The direction in which we’re headed is putting those things in jeopardy.” Adams was… Read More
Walk in the Shoes with Doug Dobkins, Department of Permitting and Environmental Review
A few months back, I spent some time in Snoqualmie with staff at the King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER). DPER ensures that folks are building in ways that are safe for people and for the environment. They are the keepers of a land use code that was developed with input from thousands of stakeholders in our region. With millions calling King County home, and scores more arriving each day, it is important to ensure that we are smart about our growth. So I was excited to visit DPER,… Read More
Recycled Water Climate Preparedness Lunch and Learn February 8
Join us to hear from King County’s Wastewater Treatment Division about how the Recycled Water Program is preparing the county for climate change impacts. Thursday, February 8, from noon to 1 p.m. King Street Center, 6th Floor, King and Chinook Rooms All King County employees welcome, but space is limited. Please sign up here.
Employee News 