Community Engagement Library Specialist

ABOUT THE POSITION AND OUR AGENCY

The City of Carpinteria is Accepting Applications for Community Engagement Library Specialist

Are you passionate about connecting people through literacy, programs, and inclusive access to information? Do you enjoy developing programs that inspire curiosity, build community connections, and serve diverse populations, including historically underserved groups? Are you excited about the opportunity to make a lasting impact in our small, close-knit coastal community?

If so, the City of Carpinteria invites you to apply for the Community Engagement Library Specialist position!

Deadline to Apply: Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm

Salary Range: $71,150.78 - $97,832.33 annually

plus, a generous benefits package.

A potential cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) of 3.1% is anticipated effective July 1, 2025.

Position Purpose:

Under the direction of the City Librarian, leads and executes a variety of professional library functions including assisting library patrons with their informational needs; planning and implementing library programs; participating in the development of the library collection; and providing assistance, education and information to the public regarding library use and services.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND BASIC DUTIES

May include, but are not limited to, the following:

Plans, organizes and conducts programs designed to engage the wider community in a variety of literacy, educational and cultural programs

Builds and maintains relationships with schools and community groups.

Provides exemplary customer service to the public by demonstrating a willingness to be attentive, understanding, responsive, fair, courteous and respectful, and to actively participate in maintaining a positive customer service environment.

Maintains assigned sections of the library collection; evaluates and selects library materials; recommends and purchases materials for collection development; deselects materials as needed.

Performs copy cataloging of the collection.

Plans, implements, and maintains automated systems of library operations; trains staff in new systems; troubleshoots software operational problems; helps maintain library website.

Provides ongoing training to paraprofessional staff in a variety of areas such as customer service, reference services, readers advisory, etc.

Assists City Librarian in the preparation of a variety of records and reports; compiles and analyzes data; participate in the development of grant proposals.

Responds to inquiries from the public using reliable resources.

Promotes library services and resources through the use of exhibits, tours, outreach and media; prepare outreach materials including social media posts, print, and digital content.

Participates in the administration of library programs including volunteers and youth; develop and coordinate library programs.

Recommends policy and procedural changes in order to improve operations and customer service.

Works with City Librarian to supervise, coordinate and train staff and volunteers.

Attends and participates in professional group meetings, workshops, training opportunities, and/or professional conferences; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of library science.

May make presentations to City Council, boards, or other groups.

May be required to work some holidays, evenings and weekends.

Maintains communication and collaboration with the libraries of the BlackGold library consortium.

Performs related duties and responsibilities as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and/or Experience:

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with course work in library science.

Two (2) years professional library work experience in an area of library specialization.

License, Certification and Other Requirements

Bilingual (English/Spanish, desirable).

Possession of a valid California Class C driver's license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSA's)

The following are a representative sample of the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities necessary to perform essential duties of the position:

Knowledge of:

Principles and practices of professional library services including collection development and maintenance, book and materials selection and cataloging procedures.

Modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

General and specialized reference materials, bibliographic sources, and on-line databases.

Modern library equipment including a computer and applicable software.

Methods, practices and techniques of library classification, cataloging and referencing.

Computerized cataloging, bibliographical, acquisition and circulation system databases and maintenance.

Library policies, procedures and functions.

Basic accounting procedures and techniques.

Principles of excellent customer service.Ability/Skill to:

Manage and oversee programs and services within a major library program area.

Operate computerized cataloging, bibliographical, acquisition and circulation data systems.

Conduct reference and research using data bases and other sources.

Provide high-level customer service to a diverse population.

Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Establish and maintain effective working relationships with patrons, colleagues, and community partners.

Assist library patrons with complex reference and directional library questions.

Work independently and exercise sound judgment in the absence of supervision.

Serve as the person-in-charge as needed.

SELECTION PROCESS AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

To be Considered - Apply by Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at 11:59 pm

Applications must be submitted online through GovernmentJobs.com

Click Here to Apply: Community Engagement Library Specialist Opportunity

Application materials must be complete and clearly indicate the candidate meets the minimum qualifications.

Incomplete, late, emailed, and faxed applications are not accepted.

Resumes are not considered in lieu of the required employment application.

Please be sure to review the complete job description:

Click Here: Community Engagement Library Specialist Job Description

Certificates, resumes, and/or cover letters must be uploaded with your application through this applicant tracking system.

Statements made on the application, resume, and supplemental materials are subject to verification.

False statements may be cause for immediate disqualification, removal from eligibility list, or discharge from employment.

All completed applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and assessed for each applicant's ability to meet the minimum work experience, training, and education qualifications. Those candidates whose skills and abilities best meet the needs of the department will be invited to move to the next step in the recruitment process.