Assistant Director Of Library Services

Placer County is a beautiful place to live and work. Stretching from the suburban outskirts of the Sacramento Valley to the mountains of the North Lake Tahoe region, quality of life in Placer County is truly the key to its attractiveness. The County’s expansive elevation and landscape encompasses valley grasslands, oak-covered foothills, and snow-capped mountains. Recreational prospects abound in the County’s numerous rivers, lakes, state parks and ski resorts. Three vibrant suburban communities make up the south and western areas of Placer County and offer world-class shopping and dining, cultural activities, and the chance to tee off at one of several championship golf courses. The foothills, home to the world-famous Gold Country, offer well-stocked rivers and tree-lined lakes.  The High Country offers adventure as well as rest and relaxation.  From east to west, Placer County offers open space for peace, quiet, or adventure to enjoy leisure time to the fullest.  This distinctive area gives residents the opportunity to explore the lifestyle of country living with big city convenience while bringing them closer to nature and surrounding them with history.

The Placer County Library is seeking an energetic, knowledgeable, and innovative Assistant Director to assist the Director and staff members in providing twenty-first century library services to a community of approximately 189,000 in scenic Placer County, California.  Placer County's library system is comprised of 11 branches and a bookmobile.  Our staff is deeply committed to customer service and the communities in which we serve.

The Assistant Director of Library Services is an unclassified, executive management position which reports directly to the Library Director and is responsible for the implementation of the Library's mission, policies, and procedures throughout the library system.  The Assistant Director assumes the full responsibility of the Library Director when the Director is not available.  This position plays a key role in the administration and delivery of library services and assists and advises the Director in the development of the Library's strategic vision and the successful attainment of the system's goals and objectives.

The ideal candidate will possess the following abilities:

• visualize, design and deliver non-traditional and innovative library services that meet the needs of our community;
• inspire, motivate, and mentor others;
• build cooperative working relationships using effective communication skills to involve others, build consensus, and influence decision-making;
• demonstrate strong management skills with solid resource management and financial skills, a sound understanding of public library management, and a working knowledge of county government; and
• think strategically and use creative, collaborative approaches to problem-solving and decision-making.

To assist the Director of Library Services in managing and directing the Library Department; to plan, organize and direct the activities of the library branches; and to provide highly complex staff assistance to the Director of Library Services.

The Assistant Director level recognizes positions that serve as a full line assistant to a department director or assume responsibility for a major division and, in addition, perform general administrative tasks for a director.

Receives administrative direction from the Director of Library Services.

Exercises direct supervision over supervisory, professional, technical and clerical personnel.

Duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• In the absence of the Director of Library Services, to assume the responsibility of the Director as needed.
• Assist the Director of Library Services in managing and directing the Library Department.
• Assist in developing Department goals and objectives; assist in the development of and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Plan, organize and direct activities of library branches.
• Develop and implement branch work plans; assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow; review and evaluate work products, methods and procedures.
• Assist in preparation and implementation of Library budget; assist in budget implementation; participate in the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies.
• Recommend the appointment of personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; conduct performance evaluations; implement discipline procedures as requested; maintain discipline and high standards necessary for the efficient and professional operation of the Department.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Represent the department to outside agencies and organizations; participate in outside community and professional groups and committees; provide technical assistance as necessary.
• Research and prepare technical and administrative reports; prepare written correspondence.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

It is the applicant's responsibility to identify in their application materials how they meet the Minimum Qualifications listed below.

Experience: Six years of increasingly responsible experience in professional library work, including two years of management responsibility.

Training: Equivalent to a Master's degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university.

• Applicants receiving their degree outside the United States must submit proof of accreditation by a recognized evaluation agency.

License or Certificate:
May need to possess a valid driver's license as required by the position.  Proof of adequate vehicle insurance and medical clearance may also be required.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of library science, including automation and collection.
• Principles and practices of policy development and implementation.
• Principles and practices of leadership, motivation, team building and conflict resolution.
• Principles and practices of business correspondence and report writing.
• Pertinent local, State and Federal laws, rules and regulations.
• Budgeting procedures and techniques.
• Principles and practices of organizational analysis and management.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training and personnel management.
• Modern office procedures and computer equipment.

Ability to:

• Organize, direct and implement a comprehensive library services program.
• On a continuous basis, analyze budget and technical reports; interpret and evaluate staff reports; know laws, regulations and codes; observe performance and evaluate staff; problem solve Department related issues; remember various rules; and explain and interpret policy.
• On a continuous basis, sit at desk and in meetings for long periods of time.  Intermittently twist to reach equipment surrounding desk; see and read print; perform simple grasping and fine manipulation; and communicate through written means.
• Prepare and administer a budget.
• Supervise, train and evaluate personnel.
• Interpret and explain Department policies and procedures.
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions and implement recommendations in support of goals.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Gain cooperation through discussion and persuasion.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

Applications will be forwarded to the Director of Library Services on a weekly basis for review and appraisal.  The most highly qualified applicants will be contacted to schedule a hiring interview.  It is anticipated that the individual selected for this position will begin employment this summer.

Prior to the date of hire, applicants for regular full and part-time positions must pass a medical examination which may include a drug screening and possibly a psychological evaluation. Applicants for extra help positions may be subject to a drug screening. All applicants must sign a constitutional oath, submit proof of U.S. citizenship or legal right to remain and work in the U.S. and be fingerprinted. For some positions, applicants may also be required to submit proof of age, be bonded or undergo a background check.

Thank you for your interest in employment with Placer County. Placer County is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active nondiscrimination program. It is the stated policy of Placer County that harassment and retaliation is prohibited and that all employees and applicants shall receive equal consideration and treatment. All recruitment, hiring, transfer and promotion will be based on the qualifications of the individual for the positions being filled regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, color, ancestry, religious creed, national origin, physical disability (Including HIV and AIDS), mental disability, medical condition (cancer or genetic characteristics/information), age (40 or over), marital status, pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, or any other classification protected by federal, state or local laws or ordinance. Please contact the Personnel Department at least 5 working days before a scheduled examination if you require accommodation in the examination process. Medical disability verification may be required prior to accommodation.

The following information represents benefits currently available to permanent Placer County employees and may be subject to change.  It is advisable that applicants inquire as to the most current benefit package during hiring interviews or by contacting the Personnel Department.

Click here to view Management benefits