Soundgarden helps Executive launch the SoundGuardian, King County’s new environmental research vessel

Members of the iconic Seattle band Soundgarden help Executive Constantine launch the SoundGuardian, King County’s new environmental research vessel. The new 48-foot vessel will be used by field scientists at the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks to collect samples in Puget Sound, Lake Washington and the Duwamish River. For more information view the video on King County TV or read more in the official press release..

Data-Driven Justice Community Workshop at the White House

Shared from the DCHS Touching Base Newsletter Adrienne Quinn, Director of the Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS), Jesse Benet, DCHS Diversion and Reentry Coordinator, and Cindy Spain, United Healthcare (Managed Care Organization – WA Apple Health provider), attended a day-long convening at the White House called Data-Driven Justice Community Workshop on June 13. Fifty-five counties and seven states were represented at the event, each sending human services leadership, police chiefs, commissioners/judges, and diversion and reentry subject matter experts to discuss the intersection of data science with intentional diversion practices to… Read More

Protect pets from Fourth of July fireworks

Crossposted from Tails from RASKC Fireworks are beautiful to look at, but they can be scary for our pets. The bangs and booms are hard on their sensitive hearing, and even the calmest pet can get upset by the unfamiliar loud noises. To help your pet cope with the noise from fireworks, and reduce the chance that it runs away, Regional Animal Services of King County offers these tips: Keep your pet secured indoors in the quietest room of your home while fireworks are audible. You can also use soothing music or… Read More

Featured Job: Information Technology Division Director

Closing date: Continuous (Until Filled) Salary: $114,920.00 – $145,683.20 Annually Job Type: Appointed Location: King County Elections – 919 SW Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 Department: Department of Elections Description: With a growing commitment to providing an accessible voting experience to the residents of King County, the Department of Elections is looking for a dynamic and visionary leader to manage the daily operations of the Information Technology Division. Just like industry leaders in our region, we are looking for an out-of-the-box thinker, who will break down barriers and challenge us to continuously improve. We… Read More

Wastewater Treatment Division: From intern to process analyst

As shared from the DNRP WTD Watermark Newsletter Jessica Tanumihardja recently joined West Point [treatment plant] as the newest process analyst. Prior to WTD, Jessica was an engineer-in-training at Northwest Water Systems and earned her graduate degree in environmental engineering from the University of Washington. Jessica first learned about WTD by meeting HR staff at a college job fair. “They were really nice and friendly so I applied for an internship  in project management.” Jessica worked with Project Manager Erica Jacobs and others during her internship. After graduating, Jessica received emails about… Read More

New role for Paula Harris-White

Crossposted from DES Express Many of you know Paula Harris-White from her service as the Department of Executive Services’ Equity and Social Justice (ESJ) Manager, heading up King County’s annual Martin Luther King Day Celebration, working with the Civil Rights Commission, or managing the Employee-Based Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action (EEO/AA) Committee. Now, Paula has been named the Workforce Equity Manager for King County, working out of the Human Resources Division (HRD). In her new role, Paula will serve as a subject matter and technical expert in the areas of workforce equity, racial… Read More

Social Media Spotlight: Public Health – Seattle & King County Twitter

Public Health – Seattle & King County works to protect and improve the health and well-being of all people in King County, WA state. Follow Public Health – Seattle & King County on Twitter today! Click here to view all King County social media pages.

Kudos! King County Metro Transit Manager recognized in Public Fleet Hall of Fame

John Alley, King County Vehicle Maintenance Section Manager, was one of a select group of public sector fleet professionals inducted into the Public Fleet Hall of Fame this year. John received the honor for being an industry leader and pioneer who has significantly contributed to the public fleet profession. The award is sponsored by the National Joint Powers Alliance (NJPA). John has 49 years of experience in the fleet industry. He is a retired colonel who served 30 years in the  U.S. Army, and worked for the Washington State Patrol and the… Read More

Kudos! King County Sheriff’s Office appreciated for keeping community safe

Marchers in Sunday’s Pride Parade took to Twitter to show their gratitude for the presence of King County Sheriff’s Officers who helped ensure that all participants enjoyed themselves and had a peaceful day. This user tweeted “Thx for being out w/the community 2day @kingcosoPIO esp to keep hateful protestors at bay #PrideSeattle #LovesWins” Kudos to KCSO for being one with the community and keeping the people of King County safe and secure!

Watch new video series on Professional Development and Career Growth

Welcome to “Hot Topics,” our new video series where we look at topics that matter to you, the employees of King County. For the first edition, we are focusing on one of the biggest issues that employees raised in the 2015 Employee Survey and Equity and Social Justice workshops: Professional Development and Career Growth. This edition of “Hot Topics” is comprised of four short videos that includes an overview by King County Executive Dow Constantine and segments featuring employees discussing their careers, the County’s professional development services and programs, and their experiences with… Read More