James Moss

Assistant Secretary
Photo: James Moss
​​​Gubernatorial Appointee

Current term ends June 2022

​Jim Moss was appointed director of the Energy Department for the United Association, a multi-craft International Union representing plumbers, pipefitters, sprinkler fitters, welders and HVACR technicians in 2012. Gov. Jay Inslee appointed him in 2013 to the Energy Northwest Executive Board and re-appointed in 2014 and 2018 to serve additional terms.

The UA Energy Department, created to respond to ever-evolving industry needs concerning the training and attainment of a robust energy sector workforce, serves as a resource for local unions and signatory contractors, and actively promotes common-sense energy policy on behalf of 340,000 members across North America.

Since becoming the director of the UA Energy Department, the mission of department has remained to actively identify and research power generation projects and work to enhance opportunities for UA local unions and signatory contractors to secure and successfully complete projects to the customer’s satisfaction. This includes forecasting new energy development projects, including nuclear power plants, refineries, solar, geothermal and alternative energy sources, as well as traditional energy facilities, such as coal, oil and natural gas-powered generating plants. The department also assists project owners where needed in the planning, permitting and development of projects, specifically in regards to manpower supply, specialized skill training, certification and safety.

Prior to 2012, Jim held numerous leadership positions in the Northwest region of the United States, including president, business agent, business manager and trustee of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Trust for Local Union 32 in Seattle; president of the Washington State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters; and UA international representative responsible for Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Presently, he serves as a delegate to the AFL-CIO Energy Committee, which promotes reasonable, job-focused energy policy on behalf of 12.5 million hardworking men and women represented by AFL-CIO affiliated unions. 

Executive Board Member Since 2013