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Clean energy projects bring $5.2 million in savings for WTD
Balanced You attends the Healthy Worksite Summit
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Plan ahead, expect delays during SR 99 closure beginning Jan. 11, 2019
Dear fellow King County employee, Starting January 11, 2019, after the evening commute, the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) will close SR 99 through downtown Seattle for approximately three weeks, and permanently close the SR 99 Viaduct. Additional ramp closures mean this work could create up to six weeks of traffic disruption. No matter how you commute, or where from, you should expect significant delays during these closures and be prepared for crowded buses, trains, water taxis, and light rail. All buses coming into or through downtown Seattle will face delays…. Read More
Pet of the Week: Kingston
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC This regal-looking fellow is Kingston, our Pet of the Week! Kingston is a German Shepherd/Australian Shepherd mix who is smart, playful, and protective of his people. Since he’s so spirited and fun-loving, he’s one of our “Rambunctious Red” pets. Read more at Tails from RASKC
Featured Job: Chief Legal Counsel
Salary: $155,783.00 – $209,511.00 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Appointed Department: King County Council Job Number: 2018-08997 Closing: 1/1/2019 11:59 PM Pacific The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking an experienced, enthusiastic attorney with a passion for Public Policy, Leadership and Professionalism to join our team. The Chief Legal Counsel serves as a legal advisor to the Council and staff on a variety of matters dealing with public policy, legislation, and Council actions. The ideal candidate will be adept at municipal law, and the powers and duties of public officials and… Read More
Training Spotlight: How to Navigate Amidst Overwhelming Times, Lean Basics and Introduction to Career Development
How to Navigate Amidst Overwhelming Times, Dec. 11: The King County Office of Equity and Social Justice is hosting a workshop that centers on the lived experiences of native employees and employees of color. This session will pay special attention to the intersection of trauma and oppression especially that of indigenous and people of color lived experience and background. This will be a large a cross disciplinary gathering that works towards building a critical mass of those striving for sustainability. Register and learn more, use password affinitygroup. Lean Basics, Jan. 8: Have you heard about… Read More
Kudos! King County Archives welcomes UK film crew
On November 13, three representatives of London-based Arrow Media came to the King County Archives to see the Ted Bundy collection. Assistant Archivist Amanda Demeter laid out a selection of maps, photographs, and documents from the collection, and the crew also got footage of the collection in the vault. A documentary about Bundy is in production and slated for release some time next year. Arrow Media is expected to return to Archives soon for footage on a documentary about Gary Ridgway. Kudos to King County Archives for being a valuable international resource on Pacific Northwest history!
Did you know you had this benefit? Volunteer sick days
King County will pay you to volunteer: Eligible employees may use up to three days of sick leave each year to volunteer at any local school or any nonprofit organization participating in the King County Employee Giving Program. Learn more here.
Inmate program provides opportunity and education
The Maleng Regional Justice Center’s Janitorial Certificate Program was recently featured on KING5 News. A story highlighting the program aired on Nov. 2 that featured how the custodial program sparks positive change for inmates. Through an interview with Renton Technical College instructor Martin Douthit and current students, the video shows how programs like this provide people a second chance. View the below or at this link.
Looking to reduce stress? Try a mindfulness class
Balanced You offers a variety of health and well-being options to support employees so you can feel good, get the most out of life, and do your best work for the people of King County. If you’re looking to reduce stress, give one of our popular mindfulness classes a try. Practice mindfulness at County worksites, online, or in the community. There are still spots available in many upcoming classes. Contact Balanced You with questions at BalancedYou@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-9626.
Radio shop star: Ric Myers
KCIT Electronics Communications Specialist Ric Myers was assigned the task of finding a vendor to install a bi-directional Amplifier system (BDA) in the Shoreline Police Department’s new building, located at Shoreline City Hall. After he received the bids, Ric declared he would do the work himself. Ric, along with coworkers Aaron Oestmann and Sean Bachler, ran cable and installed antenna systems throughout the Shoreline Police headquarters, saving thousands of dollars and completing the project three months ahead of schedule. Because of Ric’s great attitude and great customer service, Shoreline Police have made him their… Read More
Health Hero Karin Collinsworth uses her experience to help others live healthy
Crossposted from Balanced You Karin Collinsworth is a familiar face to many employees. For the past 10 years, she has taught yoga twice a week in the Chinook Building’s Activity Center. Teaching the stretching art to County employees is her way of giving back. “I learned early on how important exercise is to reduce stress and be healthy, so I enjoy showing my co-workers how they can achieve both through yoga,” says Karin. Karin is a systems analyst for King County Information Technology (KCIT). When she isn’t solving a systems crisis or teaching yoga,… Read More
John Parrott named director of King County International Airport
Crossposted from The Centerline King County International Airport-Boeing Field will have new leadership in the New Year. John Parrott, who has four decades of experience in the aviation industry, has been selected as the airport’s next director as part of a highly competitive, nationwide recruiting effort. Parrott will begin his duties on January 14, 2019. “I’m excited to join the team at King County International Airport,” Parrott said. “The airport is a key driver of economic growth for the region, and I look forward to building on its legacy of success.” Parrott… Read More
DAJD recognizes standout employees at annual Awards Ceremony
On October 30, 2018, the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) held its 19th Annual Employee Awards Ceremony. King County Chief Operating Officer Casey Sixkiller attended the ceremony and recognized staff achievements. DAJD employees were also able to say goodbye to Director William Hayes as he entered retirement. This year 98 staff members were recognized for various awards, including lifesaving, meritorious achievements, distinguished service and one medal of valor given to an officer for a heroic act. We congratulate all those that were recognized and say a fond farewell to Director William Hayes.
Go Public with King County
Every day our employees work to make King County a better place for every person who lives, works and does business here. As an organization we are constantly working to bring new people into our organization, people who share our passion for public service. As part of our recruitment efforts we have produced a series of videos featuring employees talking about why they chose a King County career and how they are making a difference in our community. This first video features Jameelah Cage, Project Program Manager IV, Juvenile Division, Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention. … Read More
Executive meets with employees from Native American Leadership Council
King County Executive Dow Constantine recently met with employees from the County’s Native American Leadership Council (NALC) to learn about their experiences as employees, what the County can do to bring more Native American employees into its workforce and help them advance, and how the County can be more effective in serving Native people in local communities. At his November 19 Employee Listening Session, Executive Constantine discussed a wide range of issues with Tristen Gardner from the Local Hazardous Waste Management Program, Andy Boland from Parks Division, Natasha Frazier from the Department… Read More
Featured Job: Market Innovation Manager
Salary: $115,717.00 – $146,678.00 Annually Location: Seattle, WA Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week Department: Department of Transportation – Transit Division Job Number: 2018AH08947 Closing: 12/9/2018 11:59 PM Pacific This is an exciting time for King County Metro Transit, which was just named the best large transit agency in North America. The Market Innovation Manager will play a leadership role as Metro continues its transformation into a cutting edge mobility agency, with high capacity transit at the center, and shared mobility services complementing the regional system. The Market Innovation Manager will be central… Read More
What is Lean? A quick refresher
Lean is a way to solve problems. With Lean thinking, we can address issues like unmet customer demand, or unexpected ‘fires’ at work. Using Lean can also help us achieve our goals of delivering more value to our customers. The foundation of Lean is continuous improvement and respect for people. These are mutually reinforcing: we develop continuous improvement by building a culture of respecting the people who do the work as the experts. A Lean organization develops and engages all employees as learners, as thinkers, and as the source of continuous improvement. Respect for people… Read More
Take the King County Parks and Trails User Survey!
What do you think of King County Parks such as Cougar Mountain, Marymoor Park or the Sammamish River Trail? As part of our commitment to improving visitor experience, King County Parks is looking for visitor opinions – what’s great about King County’s parks, trails, and natural areas, and what could be improved to make them even better. Take our survey to provide feedback! The survey will be open until Dec. 7. Upon completing the survey, respondents can leave their email addresses to be entered in a drawing to win two tickets to a concert at… Read More
Meet the winners of the 2018 Performance Excellence Awards
The following groups were recognized at the inaugural Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, held November 26, 2018. These awards recognize projects, improvements, and innovations in departments that are driving exceptional, measurable results. Meet the winners: Cost – Fleet Diagnostics (DOT/Fleet) Project Team: Erik Ferkingstad, Chris Gavigan, Cindy Kittleston, Isaac Wisdom Problem: In most cases, heavy-duty vehicles with a “check engine” light had to be diagnosed before they could be driven. Non-drivable vehicles were towed to the Renton Shop or the field mechanic had to go to the Renton Shop to get the diagnostic computer. The Renton Shop… Read More
The lasting legacy of Senior Deputy County Executive Fred Jarrett
At the Executive’s Performance Excellence Awards, King County Executive awarded the Executive’s Leadership Excellence Award to Senior Deputy County Executive Fred Jarrett for being the driving force behind the County’s Lean and continuous improvement work over the last nine years. He also announced that going forward, this award will be known as the Fred Jarrett Leadership Excellence Award in honor of Jarrett’s legacy in King County’s best-run government journey. Jarrett is retiring this year and leaves behind a lasting legacy not only at King County but across Washington state. We spoke to… Read More
Building a culture of performance excellence
At King County we are building a workplace culture that embraces Lean thinking, data and measurement, teamwork and respect for people, service excellence, and continuous improvement. Hear from Executive Constantine and five employees in this short video as they talk about their work and the way they approach it.
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