LIBRARY ASSISTANT III Job at County of Monterey in Salinas

LIBRARY ASSISTANT III

County of Monterey – Monterey County Free Libraries

Position Overview

This is the advanced journey level class in the Library Assistant series. Employees in this class perform a full range of duties, possess technical or functional expertise, and perform specialized duties in a highly independent manner. Incumbents exercise direct supervision over subordinate paraprofessional and library support staff. Current vacancies exist in the Marina and Greenfield Branches.

Final Filing Deadline: November 24, 2025 (11:59 PM PST)

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise, train, assign, and schedule tasks for subordinate paraprofessional and library support staff; supervise library volunteers, youth employment program participants, and other non‑funded workers.
• Answer patrons’ reference questions, referring difficult questions to other staff or the system reference unit.
• Assist the public in selecting library materials using the automated catalog and other means; locate materials in the branch or secure them through system hold or inter‑library loan.
• Explain library policies and services to the public.
• May function as branch manager or branch assistant manager.
• Oversee sorting, shelving, and maintenance of proper shelf order; assist in weeding the branch collection.
• May oversee copy cataloging or simple original cataloging of materials under the direction of a librarian.
• May supervise placement of inter‑library loan requests and oversee the response to those requests placed by other libraries.
• Keep library records and prepare simple reports and lists.
• Conduct training for other staff on the operation of the automated library system and other computer products and systems.
• May supervise the materials holds and overdue materials notification process.
• Oversee preparation of materials for mailing or shipping.
• May operate the library bookmobile or drive other library vehicles.

Qualifications & Skills

• Thorough knowledge of public libraries, including general purposes, routines, procedures, and services.
• Working knowledge of books and other library materials, basic reference sources, library technology, and computer applications for libraries.
• Some knowledge of general principles and practices of library science, standard supervisory theory, and quality customer service.
• Skill in selecting, training, scheduling, supervising, and evaluating the work of subordinate library paraprofessional and support staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to carry out policies and operating procedures within county library guidelines.
• Ability to interpret policies and procedures for staff, volunteers, and the public.
• Effective communication skills, both oral and written.
• Proficiency with a personal computer and standard office software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and the ability to learn specialized library systems such as Polaris.
• Desirable: Bilingual in English/Spanish and bicultural experience.

Education & Experience

• Minimum of approximately two years performing duties equivalent to a Library Assistant II for the county library.
• Alternatively, completion of courses required for an associate’s degree with emphasis in library science, liberal arts or related field, or completion of courses required for a bachelor’s degree with similar emphasis, plus post‑degree, college‑level courses in library science.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid California Class C driver’s license or approved transportation.
• Availability for a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency duties.
• Successful completion of a background review.

Benefits

County of Monterey offers an excellent benefits package. Refer to the Benefit Summary Sheet for details (see County of Monterey personnel policies).

Application Process

• Complete the County of Monterey Employment Application.
• Respond to supplemental questions (see attached list).
• Submit all required materials by the final filing deadline.
• Applications may be submitted online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/montereycounty or by mail to Cynthia Juarez, Human Resources Analyst II, 168 W. Alisal St., 3rd Floor, Salinas, CA 93901 (8 AM–5 PM, Monday‑Friday).

Supplemental Questions

1. Have you read and understand the instructions? Yes / No
2. Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability to work in a library providing an in‑depth summary.
3. Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability to supervise and train library support staff and/or volunteers.
4. Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability to assist the public in selecting materials using an automated library catalog.
5. Describe your education, training, and/or experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skill, and ability to explain library policies and services to the public.

Equal Opportunity and Reasonable Accommodation

Monterey County is a drug‑free workplace and an equal‑opportunity employer. To request accommodation, contact Cynthia Juarez, Human Resources Analyst, at (831) 755‑5228 or email juarezc@countyofmonterey.gov.