Librarian - Senior (Branch Librarian)

THIS RECRUITMENT IS OPEN TO PERMANENT PLACER COUNTY EMPLOYEES ONLY. 

The current Senior Librarian vacancy is in the Granite Bay Library. The Senior Librarian is in charge of managing the day-to-day operations of the Library. The Granite Bay Library is a large library with the 3rd highest circulation in Placer County's Library system. The Senior Librarian oversees the facility, the collection, and the staff. The person selected to fill this position will be required to work evenings and/or weekends.  This position requires two years of professional experience as a librarian II and a Master's Degree in Library Science.

Plan, organize and supervise one or more major functions of the Library Department; manage the operations of a large library branch; provide highly responsible, professional and technical staff assistance to the Director of Library Services.

This is the advanced journey level class in the Librarian series.  Positions at this level are distinguished from other classes within the series by the level of responsibility assumed, complexity of duties assigned, independence of action taken, by the amount of time spent performing duties and by the nature of the public contact made.  Employees perform the most difficult and responsible types of duties assigned to classes within this series, including responsibility for managing a large Library branch or a specific program area, such as Technical Services. Employees at this level are required to be fully trained in all procedures related to assigned area of responsibility.

• Plan, organize, manage and direct the day-to-day operations of a large library branch; assist in developing and implementing policies and procedures.
• Develop and implement programs and events within assigned library branch; conduct programs and events for the public.
• Participate in budget preparation and administration; prepare cost estimates for budget recommendations; submit justifications for personnel, supplies and equipment and capital outlay for assigned branch; monitor and control expenditures.
• Perform the most difficult professional work in rendering reference and advisory service to readers; perform technical work such as classifying and cataloging materials; assign Dewey numbers as required; review and select materials.
• Assess customers needs, utilizing reference interviews, and advise them in making effective use of library resources and services.
• Assist customers of all ages with reference questions and provide assistance in the selection of books, audiobooks, magazines, cassettes, compact disks, videos/DVDs, pamphlets and other library materials; place holds for customers.
• Instruct customers in the use of library tools including the catalog, computer databases, bibliographic resources, CD-ROM resources, Internet and indexes.
• Develop collection by reading, reviewing and selecting materials; review collection to determine additional materials needed and select materials for repair or discard; perform Selector duties, including the preparation of system wide lists in identified subject area.
• Supervise ordering, receiving, and processing of Library materials and encumbered funds.
• Meet with and make presentations to community groups; represent the department to outside groups and organizations; participate in community outreach programs and special Library programs; may attend Library Advisory Board meetings.
• Supervise, train and evaluate subordinates.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with co-workers, other County employees and the public using principles of good customer service.
• Adhere to safety policies and procedures.
• Acts as liaison with cooperative libraries, Friends of the Library and community groups.
• 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: Two years of responsible professional experience performing duties at a Librarian II level.

Training: Master's degree in Library Science or equivalent.

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:

• Operations of a large branch library.
• Principles of library cataloging, collection development, reference sources, and complex search techniques.
• Budget preparation and monitoring.
• Principles and practices of supervision, training, selection, motivation, training, team building, work evaluation, conflict resolution, discipline and personnel management.
• The local community and its library needs.
• Management and supervisory principles and techniques.
• Advanced collection development, including making selector lists, materials selection and cataloging procedures.
• Grant writing, administration, planning, public relations and report writing.
• Customer advisory methods and practices.
• Computer applications in a library environment.
• Safety policies and procedures.

Ability to:

• On a continuous basis, know and understand all aspects of the job; intermittently analyze work papers, reports and special projects; identify and interpret technical and numerical information; observe and problem solve operational and technical policies and procedures.
• Manage day-to-day operations of a large Library branch; apply library policies, procedures, and practices.
• Develop operating policies and procedures related to area of assignment.
• Perform professional library duties independently.
• Supervise, train and evaluate professional, technical and clerical personnel.
• Apply computer knowledge to library applications.
• Select books and other library materials to meet customers' needs.
• Develop and monitor an assigned budget; achieve budget goals within area of responsibility.
• Apply collection development principles including making selector lists, books and materials selection and cataloging procedures.
• Maintain accurate records and files.
• Work with various cultural and ethnic groups in a tactful and effective manner.
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively and determine proper course of action.
• Obtain information through interview; work fairly and courteously with the public; simultaneously handle many tasks and work effectively with interruption.  
• Work weekend or evening shifts as necessary.
• Work in a standard office environment, using standard office equipment and computer systems and attend off-site meetings.  Sit at desk and/or stand for long periods of time. Intermittently bend, twist, reach, grasp, kneel or squat while shelving, opening boxes or moving equipment; see and read handwritten and printed materials and a computer screen; write and use keyboard to communicate and to enter circulation and collection data; communicate in person and by telephone; file, lift and carry weight up to 50 lbs; push handcart up to 50 lbs.
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

Oral Examination (100%)

The oral examination will be conducted by a panel of raters who will assess and rate the degree to which each applicant demonstrates the knowledge and abilities required for this classification. Applicants’ responses to a series of job related questions, as well as their education and experience, will be rated in relation to the requirements for this classification.

All applicants who meet minimum qualifications will be required to respond to an online Conviction History Questionnaire, which will be sent as a link on their notification that minimum qualifications have been met.  Failure to respond to this questionnaire within (3) three calendar days of the minimum qualification notification will result in disqualification from the examination.

The eligible list(s) resulting from this recruitment may be certified as a substitute list for a substantially similar classification.  For this purpose, a substantially similar classification is one at a lower level in the same classification (example: entry level vs. journey) and/or a similar classification (similar work performed, similar training and experience qualifications required). If you are contacted for an interview by a County department, you will be informed of the classification and other relevant information. If you choose not to interview for a substantially similar classification, you will remain on the eligible list for which you originally applied.

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 benefits for Professional bargaining unit