New Departments and Leadership Transitions
Dear fellow King County employee,
King County Executive Dow Constantine
I am grateful and inspired by the many years of service and accomplishments by members of the County leadership team. I want to let you know about a number of transitions taking place as we establish the Metro Transit Department, the Department of Human Resources, and the Department of Local Services, as well as other key leadership changes.
As you may have heard, in August the Council approved my proposal to create the new Metro Transit Department and confirmed my nomination of Rob Gannon as the director. The Council’s Government and Accountability Oversight Committee also just gave a “do pass” recommendation to the creation of the Department of Human Resources, which is up for final action on September 24th.
Just yesterday the Council approved the creation of the Department of Local Services, which includes the Road Services Division, the newly titled Permitting Division, and the Community Service Area program. We are in the final stages of the recruitment for the director who will lead this new Department.
Our Community and Human Services Director Adrienne Quinn will be leaving the County on November 30th for an appointment as Distinguished Practitioner at the University of Washington’s Evans School. She will help develop the next generation of local leaders in public policy after a very successful launch of the County’s Best Start for Kids program and developing new approaches to the delivery of effective human services.
Willie Hayes, the director of the Department of Adult & Juvenile Detention, has announced his December 1st retirement after 34 years of service. Willie is an example of an employee who worked his way up through the ranks, and his leadership will be missed. The recruitment for the new director is currently open for applications.
Finally, the process for selecting a new Public Defender for the Department of Public Defense continues. The Public Defense Advisory Board will be recommending candidates in October.
Our goal is to have the leadership positions filled by the end of the year. We are seeking outstanding candidates who can best support you, our employees, and we are committed to hearing your thoughts and voices as we recruit and select for these important positions.
Our commitment to be the Best Run Government combined with the Investing in YOU initiative keep the focus on the important work you are all doing. I look forward to sharing more information with you as we stand up these new agencies and go through these changes.
Thank you again for everything you do for our residents and our region.
Sincerely,
Dow Constantine
King County Executive
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2018 Clean Water Ambassador Internship
Crossposted from Clean Water Stories
With the goal of fostering the next generation of environmental leaders, the King County Wastewater Treatment Division and Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust offer an intensive 6-week summer internship for high school students.
As the interns learn about human and natural water systems, they are answering questions such as “Where does our water come from, and where does it go when we’re done using it?” and “How can we help conserve and protect salmon streams?” They gain valuable field experience, hone their leadership and communication skills, and make professional connections.
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Pet of the Week: Figaro
Crossposted from Tails from RASKC
We’re singing the praises of Figaro, our Pet of the Week! This senior black and white boy is a shy and timid cat who likes to take things slow, so he’s one of our “Bashful Blue” personality pets. However, with just a little time, Figaro will be a devoted friend!
Read more at Tails from RASKC
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Training Spotlight: Lean Problem-Solving and Stories that Lead
Lean Problem-Solving, Oct. 10: In order to effectively solve problems once and for all, they must be solved at the root. Participants I this course will learn basic A3 Problem Solving, the powerful method borrowed from the Toyota Production System (TPS), techniques to incorporate problem solving and continuous improvement in daily work and build on existing Lean practices within your organization. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.
Stories that Lead, Oct. 18: This one-day class explores stories as creative strategies that can help you create a workplace—and a life—that inspires profound results.Through reflective processes and story sharing, participants explore three qualities of leadership stories-Voice, Values and Vision- and how these help us show up as leaders. We also experience shaping our stories to build connection with those who might follow. Learn more and register on Eventbrite.
Visit www.kingcounty.gov/learning to learn more about trainings and other opportunities to invest in YOU!
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Shots aren’t super-flu-ous, they keep our community healthy!
Crossposted from Public Health Insider
We can no longer deny the signs, the sun is setting earlier, and kids are back in school, summer is coming to an end. Now is the perfect time, before bugs start spreading in your kids’ class and sneezes begin echoing through your office, to get your recommended yearly flu shots.
To help you decide when, where, and how to get vaccinated, we compiled answers to some of the most common questions we see regarding to flu vaccinations below.
Read more at Public Health Insider
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Featured Job: Legislative Records Specialist
Salary: $37.20 – $50.03 Hourly
Location: Seattle, WA
Job Type: Appointed, Part-Time
Department: King County Council, Office of the Ombuds
Job Number: 2018-08597
Closing: 9/19/2018 11:59 PM Pacific
The King County Ombuds Office is seeking a resourceful, detail oriented Legislative Records Specialist with knowledge of the Washington Public Records Act (PRA) to join our team. The Legislative Records Specialist is a part time, benefited position that will manage public records requests made to the Ombuds and Tax Advisor Offices and assist the Ombuds in the retention of Ombuds records to the County’s Records Center and Archives and of electronic records to the County’s electronic records management system.
The ideal candidate will be a certified Public Records Officer with the ability to exercise sound, independent judgment; exhibit strong organizational skills and use a high degree of tact, discretion and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive situations and concerned or upset individuals.
For more information contact Tracy Calderon at 206-477-0979 or tracy.calderon@kingcounty.gov.
Learn more about this position or all available jobs.
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State retirement plan contributions increased Sept. 1
Employee and employer contribution rates for the following retirement plans increased Sept. 1, 2018, as approved by the State Legislature.
In addition, the King County employer contribution rate for PERS Plan 3 and PERS JBM Plans 1 and 3 increased to 12.83%.
Law Enforcement Officers Fire Fighters (LEOFF) plans do not have a rate adjustment.
New contribution amounts will be deducted from the second paycheck:
- If you are paid on the 5th and 20th of the month, your new contribution will appear on your September 20 paycheck.
- If you are paid every other Thursday, your new contribution will appear on your September 20 paycheck.
If you have any questions about the rate change, please contact the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) at 800-547-6657 or recep@drs.wa.gov. More information is available on the DRS website at drs.wa.gov.
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GPS locators coming to fleet vehicles
This fall, King County is installing Global Positioning System (GPS) equipment, also known as the Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) System, in most County vehicles. KCIT is overseeing implementation of this technology.
AVL is designed to enhance internal services and public service delivery, as well as advance the Executive’s Best Run Government and Combating Climate Change initiatives. The AVL System will automate and expand data collection to drive decisions on issues such as right-sizing our fleet, minimizing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, and helping us better manage field operations. Implementing this technology will help County agencies optimize routing and dispatch, improve response times, facilitate data-driven capital and operating decisions, and expedite sharing of accurate real time service information (such as snow plowing) with the public.
The system will be implemented in phases throughout the remainder of 2018 and into 2019/2020. Employees will receive more information from their department leadership when their phase is coming up.
An executive policy is being developed to establish standards for uses of the AVL System. The policy will also provide users with guidelines regarding their authority and responsibilities for the data collected and the records generated by the system. When the policy is finalized, it will be available here.
AVL will be installed on most vehicles managed by the Fleet Administration Division. The system will not be installed on revenue-generating vehicles such as buses, vanpools, or Access vans. You can find more information about the AVL Project here.
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Discount available for Seattle Symphony performances, Sept. 12, 13 and 15
King County employees are welcome to take advantage of an available discount for upcoming Seattle Symphony performances tonight, tomorrow and Saturday.
Sept. 12 and 13 – For Distant Worlds: Final Fantasy the music will be performed by the Seattle Symphony while the video game plays on the giant screen above. Buy tickets to Final Fantasy and the symphony will waive the handling fee when promo code FANTASY19 is entered. Purchase tickets here.
Saturday, Sept. 15 – The Opening Night concert will kickoff music director Ludovic Morlot’s final season and feature pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet performing. Buy tickets and receive 20% off using promo code LUDO20. Purchase tickets here.
See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.
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City Hall Park line up
Food trucks will be in City Hall Park from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. between 3rd and 4th Avenues, just south of the Courthouse Building.
- Today, Wednesday, Fish Basket NW. More info here.
- Tomorrow, Thursday, Plum Bistro Mobile. More info here.
- Friday, Kukree. More info here.
Every weekday a park concierge will be on-site from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. There will be games, outdoor seating and buskers from noon to 4 p.m. View the upcoming schedule here.
Employee News 