Employee News - Feb. 21

A service of the King County Department of Human Resources

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King County Employee News

Feb. 21, 2023

Highlights

Snow 2

Be prepared for cold temperatures, snow, and possible freezing rain

Extremely cold temperatures, snow, and possible freezing rain are forecast for our region this week, so please be prepared for possible commute delays and impacts to business operations. 

Be prepared for cold weather. Have a plan for your commute, dress warmly, and let safety be your guide. Read more.


King County Wastewater Treatment Division's Operator-in-Training program recognized for national award

Cross-posted from Clean Water Stories

Operator in Training

A King County Wastewater Treatment Division Operator in Training class

The National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) recognized King County Wastewater Treatment Division’s Operator-in-Training program as a 2023 National Environmental Achievement Award winner for “initiatives that have made a remarkable impact on environmental protection, the advancement of the water sector, and the betterment of their communities.” Read more.

Program now accepting applications

The Operator-in-Training program is now accepting applications. There is no experience necessary for this paid, on-the-job training. Visit the Operator in Training website for more information.


Employee Spotlights

Kevin Nuechterlein

KCIA's Kevin Nuechterlein presents at national transportation conference

Cross-posted from Plane Talk

Kevin Nuechterlein, Capital Project Manager at King County International Airport (KCIA), was one of three KCIA employees who attended the Transportation Research Board’s Annual Meeting, the world’s largest transportation research conference.

More than 8,000 people attended the event in Washington, D.C., participating in more than 600 workshops and sessions, including a “Fireside Chat” with U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.

Nuechterlein served as a panelist during a session about community engagement, sharing lessons learned on earlier projects and upcoming airport plans to work with the community on the Vision 2045 Master Plan. Read more.


Announcements

2FA image

Upcoming changes coming to two-factor authentication

On Wednesday, Feb. 22, Microsoft will update the Authenticator phone app that King County employees use for multi-factor authentication (MFA).

After the update, employees who use the Authenticator app will no longer click the “Accept” button to confirm their identity. Instead, the app will generate a random number you will type into the security pop-up window on your computer. This improved security will better protect King County’s data and systems from cyberattacks. Read more. 


African Am man phone

Report non-urgent public issues with the Find It, Fix It mobile app

It’s now easier than ever for residents and people working in Seattle, including King County employees, to report non-urgent public issues. The City of Seattle’s Find It, Fix It mobile app is a simple way to report an issue, track reports, and view service requests.

Examples of issues include a streetlight outage, clogged storm drain, graffiti, abandoned vehicles, illegal dumping, unauthorized encampment, and potholes. 

If you see an issue that needs addressing near or on the way to a County workplace in Seattle, use the app to report it.

The app is not for reporting urgent matters or emergencies. However, the app does include phone numbers and links for reporting urgent matters to the City, Seattle City Light, Seattle Public Utilities, Street Repair and Maintenance, and other non-emergency criminal activity. In an emergency situation where you feel threatened or witness a serious event, you should always call 911 first.


Do the Right Thing

Black film series: Do the Right Thing

In celebration of Black History Month, the Department of Executive Services (DES) is presenting a three-part film education series from the golden era of Black cinema. 

The second film in the series is Do the Right Thing by Spike Lee. The film was a critical and commercial success and received numerous accolades, including an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay. In 1999, the film was deemed "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant" by the Library of Congress, and was selected for preservation in the National Film Registry.

The presentation will feature commentary with Marcus Stubblefield, the Criminal Justice Strategy and Policy Section Manager for the King County Executive Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget.

  • Friday, Feb. 24 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. via Zoom. Passcode required.

To obtain the passcode for this event, or for more information, contact Cecelia Hayes.

The Black Film Series is sponsored by DES. Employees should check with their supervisor for approval before attending this virtual gathering.


mindfulness fall 2022

Attend a Mindfulness Class

Balanced You partners with Mindfulness Northwest to offer free mindfulness classes and workshops to King County employees. Register for an upcoming class below or view the full schedule here.

Mindful Communication 2: Underlying Issues

When we communicate mindfully, every interaction is fresh with opportunity and open to discovery. Mindful Communication helps us break down the complex process of communication, increase awareness of what's really going on, and bring greater clarity and kindness to our interactions. Underlying Issues: Investigate underlying challenges and issues that hinder good communication with the tools of mindfulness. Can be taken on its own or as a follow-up to Mindful Communication 1: Recognizing the Inner Life.

Mindful Gratitude

Learn how mindfulness can help you become a more compassionate and grateful person.

Mindful Movement

An hour of gentle, guided movement appropriate for all bodies. This workshop is an experiential deep dive into the practice of moving mindfully and learning to relate to our bodies with awareness, intentionality, and gentleness–through practices such as walking meditation and mindful movement with gentle yoga postures. Comfortable clothing may be helpful as participants are typically offered standing, sitting, and on-the-floor practices. All bodies and abilities are welcome and modifications will be offered.


women coffee laughing

MSA Live! Women and money 

As the wealth gap narrows between women and men, there are still certain financial challenges that are unique to women. This My Secure Advantage (MSA) session will empower you with action steps to create financial wellness and help you assess your history with money.

We will discuss the importance of incorporating emotional intelligence as well as technical aspects of money management to help direct your finances to their highest potential.


Sea Dragons

Discounted tickets for Seattle Sea Dragons

Join King County employees at Lumen Field with preferred pricing when the Sea Dragons XFL football team takes on the Houston Roughnecks.

See all available discounts on the Employee Discount webpage.


Training Spotlight:

Leader Mindset – Online – This webinar for King County supervisors and managers sets a foundation that leading a team starts with understanding yourself and your responsibility to create a team culture of belonging where all employees can thrive. In this interactive webinar, participants will take part in engaging activities, small group discussions, and action planning.

Please visit the King County Eventbrite website, Learning and Development website, and Career Support Services website for more learning opportunities. For more information, contact the Learning and Development Team at KCTraining@kingcounty.gov or visit Learning and Development at www.kingcounty.gov/learning


Featured job

Real Property Agent III

Salary: $92,206.40 - $116,896.00 annually

Location: Seattle, WA

Job Type: Career Service, Full Time, 40 hrs/week

Department: DES - Executive Services

Job Number: 2023JM18148

Division: FMD - Facilities Management

Closes: Feb. 26 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific time

The Facilities Management Division is seeking a Real Property Agent III fluent in lease negotiations, sales, and easements to join their Brokerage Services Unit. This position involves collaboration with the public and multiple County business units.

Learn more about this position and view all available positions


King County Headlines

Executive Services Express: King County selected for national initiative to boost high-quality jobs

Sound Transit Board meeting on Feb. 23 extended from noon to 5 p.m.

Emergency Management: Preparing for the unthinkable

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.

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