Principal Library Assistant - Bookmobile Job at Jersey City Free Public Library

Overview

Job title: Principal Library Assistant - Bookmobile

Department: Outreach Branch

Location: Five Corners – Bookmobile

Reports to: Supervising Library Assistant

Civil Service job title: Principal Library Assistant

Salary range: $47,479 - $50,615 per year

Full-time/Part-time: Full-Time

Workweek: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. or 10:00 to 6:00 p.m. (35 hours/week). May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Application deadline: October 23, 2025

Benefits: This summary outlines the general benefits available to library employees, designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits available to Full-Time Employees include medical coverage (60 days from first day of employment), prescription coverage (first of the month following 60 days at no cost to employee; additional cost per dependent), dental coverage (no cost after 60 days), vision coverage (no cost, reimbursed up to $250/year), life & AD&D insurance, 403b, pension plan eligibility (depends on age at hire). Part-Time benefits include participation in pension plan and sick/vacation leave. A detailed summary is on the Employment Opportunities page at www.jclibrary.org.

About JCFPL: JCFPL is the largest municipal library in New Jersey, with ten locations and a collection of over 2.5 million print and digital items. We serve residents, students, and workers of Jersey City, the largest city in Hudson County, NJ, and the second-largest city in New Jersey. Our staff reflects the community’s diversity, speaking over 16 languages. JCFPL is committed to meeting the needs of Jersey City’s growing and diverse community.

Position responsibilities

The Principal Library Assistant, under general direction, performs technical and/or paraprofessional duties of considerable difficulty in one or more areas of librarianship, including the acquisition, organization, and distribution of library materials on the Bookmobile. Responsibilities include circulation, evaluation and weeding, processing new books, organizing shelves, re-shelving, and managing holds. The role coordinates with team members to address activities of a library unit or section (e.g., circulation desk, periodical section, shelving, book processing, interloan). The role may conduct programs such as story hours, preschool programs, programs for school students, and services for seniors, ethnic groups, and other community members. It also answers patron inquiries, explains basic index systems, and prepares content/arrangement of materials for displays and special programs. The role may require driving Bookmobiles and learning to use electronic/manual information systems used by the agency.

Job duties

• Participates in implementation of library extension programs on mobile units and at community settings; conducts programs (story hours, preschool, senior/ethnic group programs); promotes extension programs; provides routine information to community residents.
• Coordinates activities of library units/sections; revises work methods to increase efficiency; assigns tasks and trains subordinate staff.
• Processes interloan requisitions between area libraries and main library; manages circulation, weedings, damage inspections, overdue notices; performs filing/shelving using Dewey Decimal and alphabetical systems.
• Promotes customer service; registers new members; reviews card applications; answers inquiries about hours, location, and services; supports diverse community needs; maintains cooperative relationships with residents and staff.
• Determines and prepares content for displays, exhibits, and special programs.
• Gathers data and compiles numerical reports on circulation and operations using basic arithmetic.
• Learn to utilize agency electronic/manual recording and information systems.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Core competencies

• Communication/Collaboration: effective communication, relationship-building, teamwork, and conflict management across diverse audiences.
• Customer Service: model and deliver high-quality service to users and internal stakeholders.
• Professional Development: manage own learning and encourage staff development; foster a culture of continuous learning.
• Community Engagement: promote library value, build relationships with community organizations, and maintain a welcoming environment.
• Technology: basic computer skills, familiarity with MS Office/Google, and information security basics.

Required experience/education

• Practical knowledge of library functions and tools (ILS, Dewey Decimal, shelving, circulation systems) and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.
• Two years of experience with library functions or completion of a two-year library technician course from an accredited college or university.

Additional relevant skills

• Preference for candidates pursuing a master’s degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited program or NJ college master’s program acceptable to Thomas Edison College.
• Ability to plan and administer library programs; knowledge of Jersey City demographics/geography.
• Proficiency in a non-English language common in Jersey City (e.g., Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog) is desirable.
• CDLB license highly desirable; NJ driver’s license required.

Notes

All employees are considered primary employees of JCFPL; work hours are assigned by the library’s operational needs and are not arranged to accommodate outside obligations unless agreed in writing with the supervisor.

This vacancy is associated with a New Jersey Civil Service job title. The New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires incumbents to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the title.

This position is subject to residency requirements per the New Jersey First Act and not available for work visa sponsorship.

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