Employee News - July 17, 2019

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Highlights

Exec bikes Cedar River Trail, meets with employees 

King County Executive Dow Constantine recently rode 10 miles on Cedar River Trail, a 17.4-mile paved multi-use trail that runs along Cedar River from Landsburg to Lake Washington, as part of his 100 miles in 100 days through King County Parks.

On the way back, he stopped at Cavanaugh Pond where King County staff updated him on a major floodplain project that will protect property and improve salmon habitat.

“We are very fortunate in this region to have those kinds of resources like a regional trail network, and those who came before us had the foresight to set these resources aside, to develop them, to protect them, to maintain them,” Executive Constantine said at the trail. “So that today we can enjoy it, and [we] have an obligation, I think, to keep building on that legacy.”

Watch the video below. 

Cedar

Employee Spotlights

frank wood

Supporting coworkers and setting high standards, Metro’s 2019 ‘Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year’ leads by example 

In just seven years at King County Metro, Frank Wood has established himself as the kind of coworker his fellow mechanics want to have around. 

His supportive attitude and willingness to mentor new mechanics has inspired others and is a large part of why Wood was recently honored as Metro’s Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year for 2019. 

Wood accepted the award at East Base in front of family, coworkers, supervisors, and King County General Manager Rob Gannon. 

“Frank Wood has set a standard that his fellow mechanics look up to and that is why we are here today. He is an integral member of his base team – reliable and positive in his work,” General Manager Gannon said. “His willingness to mentor new mechanics really strengthens and knits together the maintenance team and inspires others and shows why he is so deserving of this recognition. All of us at King County Metro value Frank’s service and dedication.” Read more.

Pictured: Frank Wood is presented with the “Vehicle Maintenance Employee of the Year” certificate by General Manager Rob Gannon.


Announcements

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The Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28

The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry will remain in service the week of July 22-28. The scheduled temporary suspension of sailings on those dates has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date. The King County Water Taxi and Kitsap Fast Ferry look forward to providing service from the new facility as soon as work is completed. We apologize for the inconvenience and we will update you on changes as soon as possible.

You can also visit your Employee Transportation Program (ETP) for information about your transportation benefits as a King County employee. While you’re browsing, make sure to view the brief video on the first page. 


kcexec

Executive Constantine announces new funding to prevent spread of hepatitis A 

As urban areas across the United States grapple with hepatitis A outbreaks affecting people experiencing homelessness, Executive Constantine announced he is allocating $375,000 in new funding to expand free hepatitis A vaccinations to help prevent outbreaks in King County. 

In April, a King County man living without permanent housing was diagnosed with the disease, heightening concerns about the possibility of a local outbreak. Hepatitis A is highly contagious and can cause severe liver disease. 

Since 2017, Public Health – Seattle & King County has held dozens of free vaccine clinics for people experiencing homelessness. This new funding will allow Public Health to intensify and expand hepatitis A vaccination efforts to help reduce the risk for large scale outbreaks. 


retire

Learn how to boost your retirement savings     

You and your spouse or significant other are invited to learn more about saving for retirement with the King County Deferred Compensation Plan. 

Several in-person sessions are coming up July 30, July 31, and Aug. 1. See details and registration. Other education sessions are offered throughout the year.  

For more information about Deferred Compensation Plan education—including webinars—go to the Deferred Compensation web page.   

If you have any questions, please contact KC Deferred Comp. 


volunteer and cat

Volunteer in your community with King County 

Did you know that King County has many unique volunteer opportunities ranging from animal services to tackling climate change, and much more? Not only that, many employees can use up to three days of sick leave to give back to those causes. 

Volunteering with King County is an opportunity to give back to causes right here in your community. Volunteer opportunities include planting trees as part of King County’s effort to plant 1 Million Trees by 2020 to reduce carbon pollution; volunteering with Regional Animal Services of King County (RASKC) or temporarily fostering an animal, remove invasive weeds, and even volunteering with Marymoor Park during their summer concert series to help concert goers recycle, compost, and keep the venue litter-free. Read more.


sounders

Employee Discount: Seattle Sounders FC vs. Sporting Kansas City, August 4 and Employee Day at the Races, July 21

King County employees can get discounted tickets to the Seattle Sounders FC vs. Sporting Kansas City at 7 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, at CenturyLink Field. Click here to buy tickets. All fans will receive their tickets via email 48 hours before the event. Questions? Contact Marco Rodriguez at 206-512-1257 or MarcoR@soundersfc.com.

Employees and one guest will receive free admission to Emerald Downs Racetrack Sunday, July 21 for the King County Express Stakes, which includes the Fiesta Premio Esmeralda. Employees must show their King County ID at any of the 12 gates, which will provide the employee and one guest tickets that include free admission, official program and tip sheet, and chips and soda. Children 17 and under get in free. Read more.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage. 


outside music

City Hall Park treats and tunes 

Looking for some quick eats and free tunes this summer? Check out the food trucks from BBQ to Thai, at City Hall Park, on 4th Ave and Yesler Way.  

Upcoming concerts from noon to 1 p.m.: 

  • Tuesday, July 23: Happy Heartbreak 
  • Tuesday, July 30: Filion (Evie B) 

Click here for a complete schedule and menus of food trucks at City Hall Park, or for more information visit www.seattlefoodtruck.com. For the upcoming schedule of concerts and for more information, click here. 


Training Spotlight 

Basic Records Management, online: This course covers the basics of records management and the responsibilities of King County employees. It is required for most new employees by Executive Policy INF-15-6-EP. This class is available to King County employees online via the KC eLearning portal. If needed, learn how to logon to KC eLearning hereSign in and start the class. 

View more training and development opportunities at www.kingcounty.gov/learning. 


Tech Tip: Cyber Security Awareness Training is now available 

To start your Cyber Security Awareness Training please login at:  

Your account for Securing the Human:  

  • Username: King County email address  
  • Password: King County email password  

For more information about Cyber Security please visit our Sharepoint site:  


charlie

Pet of the Week: Charlie 

Looking for a spirited, fun-loving guy? Our Pet of the Week could be the one for you! 

Charlie is a young pittie mix looking for his forever home. His personality color is “Rambunctious Red.” He’s still working on his manners, so he will do best with a family who is willing to work with him and help him become the best dog he can be! 

Charlie is a very smart boy who already knows “sit” and “shake” and would love to learn more. This fun guy has lots of energy and just loves to run around and play. He is also very affectionate and loves hanging out with his favorite people. Read more.


Featured Job: Public Relations Specialist - Council 

Salary: $70,688.00 - $95,068.00 Annually 

Location: Seattle, WA 

Job Type: Appointed 

Department: KCC - King County Council 

Job Number: 2019-10211 

Closing: 7/24/2019 11:59 PM Pacific 

The Metropolitan King County Council is seeking a hardworking and detail-oriented Public Relations Specialist to provide production support on graphic design, social media, website updates, photography and email newsletters for the King County Council and the entire Legislative Branch. This is an exciting opportunity to join the King County Council as a contributing member of its Communications team.  The Public Relations Specialist must be a detail-oriented, customer-focused, and self-motivated individual who works well with other team members to convey public policy and legislative actions to the public and constituents of King County. The successful candidate must possess the necessary technical background skills and be a good team player. They will pursue their tasks with energy and drive, and utilize effective time management skills, multitasking, and be willing to attend to other projects as required. 

Learn more about this position or view all available positions. 


KC Headlines


Contact us!

Interested in sharing a news story, or have a news tip? Click here to submit an item to Employee News. For questions or suggestions, please contact KCEmployees@kingcounty.gov.