City of Oakland
City of Oakland is hiring: Librarian II (Selective Certification - Youth Service
City of Oakland, Oakland, CA, US, 94616
Salary : $93,015.00 - $114,250.50 Annually
Location : Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full Time Civil Service
Job Number: 25-AP217-11SC
Department: Oakland Public Library
Opening Date: 12/02/2025
Closing Date: 12/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SD1
The Position
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland Public Library?
Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect and grow. Through our eighteen (18) branches over three-hundred dedicated employees serve multiple communities located within the Cities of Oakland, Piedmont, and Emeryville.
OPL is an indispensable partner in transforming lives through robust equity and diversity initiatives, responsive services, and unique programming adapted to serve the needs of a multifaceted community. We champion a future filled with joy for all people, and our staff actively engages and works in conjunction with various community partners to envision, develop and promote our evolving services.
We are looking for someone who is:
Read the complete job description by clicking on the link below:
Librarian II
*Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
A few reasons you might love this job:
A few challenges you might face in this job:
Competencies Required:
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.
This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Selective Certification (Youth Services)
This recruitment is being announced in accordance with Section 5.03 of the Civil Service Rules. The eligible list generated from this announcement will only be used to fill Librarian II positions specialized in Youth Services, including full-time and permanent part-time positions, if applicable, and may be used to fill future vacancies with the same Selective Certification.
Education:
A Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited graduate program. Job training and/or special courses in the library needs of the community, specialized areas of library services or technical areas are desirable.
Experience:
One year of experience comparable to the Librarian I (Teen or Children's Services) positions in the City of Oakland.
License or Certificate / Other RequirementsPossession of a California Driver's License will be required if assigned to drive the Bookmobile. Proficiency in a foreign language or special skills as a children's librarian may be required
Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the "minimum qualifications" listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be sent a writing exercise (weighted 100%), which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The tentative date that the writing exercise will be sent to you for completion is tentatively scheduled for the week of December 29, 2025.
Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you're applying to a "restricted" posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What's in it for you?
*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here:
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Will Sun, HR Analyst, at
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Current MOUs may be reviewed here:
01
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Responses to the supplemental questions may determine your application status. By answering "yes" to this question, I certify that I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental question responses.
02
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process. Are you a current full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland employee?
03
If you are a current City or Port of Oakland employee, what is your job title and employee ID number? If you are not a City or Port employee, type "N/A".
04
Have you previously been employed by the City or Port of Oakland?
05
If you have previously been employed by the City or Port of Oakland, please enter the dates and titles of the jobs you previously held at the City or Port of Oakland below. If not applicable, put "N/A".
06
Please list other names used while employed by the City or Port of Oakland. If you have not been employed by the City or Port of Oakland, put "N/A".
07
Do you confirm that the address on your application matches your current residency?
08
Please enter your current address if it does not match your application. Put "N/A" if you answered "Yes" above.
09
What is the highest degree or level of education that you have completed?
10
If you indicated your highest educational achievement is "Some college credits", how many units of college level coursework have you completed?
11
For your highest degree, what was your major?
12
If you selected "Other", please list the major for your degree.
13
Please describe your experience in detail as related to the Librarian I class specification: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca/classspecs/817188. Be sure to include detailed information about your experiences comparable to the Librarian I (Teen or Children's Services positions) in the City of Oakland. If you do not have this experience, please put, "N/A".
14
Acting assignments: If you have served in an Acting assignment that you would like considered as experience towards the minimum qualifications requirement, please list the Acting assignment(s) separately in the "Work experience" section of your application. For each Acting assignment, the description must include the Acting job title (use the word Acting as part of the job title), dates and hours served, and duties performed.I understand the above statement and will list any Acting assignments separately in the "Work experience" section of my application form.
15
Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.
Required Question
Location : Oakland, CA
Job Type: Full Time Civil Service
Job Number: 25-AP217-11SC
Department: Oakland Public Library
Opening Date: 12/02/2025
Closing Date: 12/16/2025 11:59 PM Pacific
FLSA: Non-Exempt
Bargaining Unit: SD1
The Position
The City of Oakland is an equal opportunity employer that values workforce diversity, inclusion, and equity. Oakland has a long history of activism around issues of justice and equity. Both oppression and this resistance to oppression have shaped the city's historical roots and the lives of its residents to this day. As public servants in one of the most diverse cities in the nation, we strive to develop employees who understand the harm and impacts of systemic inequity to create lasting, meaningful outcomes for everyone. Oakland strives to establish an environment that embraces the richness of culture, community, and individualism of employees.
Why join the City of Oakland Public Library?
Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore, connect and grow. Through our eighteen (18) branches over three-hundred dedicated employees serve multiple communities located within the Cities of Oakland, Piedmont, and Emeryville.
OPL is an indispensable partner in transforming lives through robust equity and diversity initiatives, responsive services, and unique programming adapted to serve the needs of a multifaceted community. We champion a future filled with joy for all people, and our staff actively engages and works in conjunction with various community partners to envision, develop and promote our evolving services.
We are looking for someone who is:
- Community Focused - You will be skilled at building meaningful community partnerships and promoting library services to diverse communities through education and outreach.
- Creative & Committed - You will develop innovative programs and manage multiple projects to completion, requiring great attention to detail, accuracy and the ability to analyze and assess effectiveness.
- A Skilled Leader and Coach - You will guide and encourage others to accomplish common goals.
- Trusted - You will follow through on commitments and respect the confidentially of information and concerns shared by others.
- Collaborative - You will demonstrate cooperation and foster teamwork while working within and across divisions; branches; functions or teams.
- Relationship Oriented - You will consider and respond appropriately to the needs and feelings of others in different situations and build trust with youth.
- Effective - You will prioritize the use of fiscal and material resources to maximize organizational effectiveness.
- Technologically Skilled - You will be adept at learning and working with a variety of electronic hardware and software applications.
- Serving as the specialist for children or teen services for branch or unit, coordinating with and supporting staff in delivery of services; identifying and analyzing situations or problems and offering thoughtful solutions; applying soft skills to communicate with various library stakeholders effectively and tactfully.
- Driving community engagement and outreach efforts for children or teens, including designing, and delivering innovative programs and services that are responsive to the needs of community members and partner organizations.
- Planning, designing, and directing the implementation of programs and special projects for youth, ensuring that programs/projects are delivered on-time, within budget and achieve their objectives; evaluating the effectiveness of programs based on community response.
- Providing direct public service to all users of a branch or Main library unit, modelling trauma-informed and relevant customer service and reference skills.
- Coaching and mentoring (and supervising if assigned) Oakland Public Library public-facing staff, ensuring superior individual and group performance at every level by engaging others for input and shared responsibility for outcomes; affecting change in others' positions and opinions; and presenting oneself as a positive representative of the organization.
- Managing the adult, children's or teen collection at a branch or section of the Main library, ensuring active patron engagement and use of collections.
- Collaborating on system-wide teams to support equity-focused initiatives for youth.
- Developing programs and activities to engage children ages 0-18 and their caregivers.
- Managing a collection of books and other materials for children 0-18 years.
- Conducting library and research orientation to visit K-12 classes.
- Providing outreach to neighborhood schools and groups that serve youth/teens.
- Providing reader's advisory for youth.
- Providing high-interest programming to a specific group (i.e. conduct story time for children ages 0-5 or teens).
- Preparing of specialized programming and selection materials geared toward youth.
Read the complete job description by clicking on the link below:
Librarian II
*Click on the link below to see a video on what it's like to work for the City of Oakland!
A few reasons you might love this job:
- Your work will make an impact in Oakland's diverse community and beyond.
- You will have the opportunity to work both independently, with your team, and with the public to forward the OPL vision of inclusive community engagement.
- You will work directly with and advocate for youth.
- You will have great colleagues at all levels who value each other's strengths and the strengths of the Oakland community, and who bring joy to their daily work.
A few challenges you might face in this job:
- You will balance the needs of a variety of patrons from differing backgrounds and various socio-economic statuses who have unique needs and challenges.
- You will work with youth who are experiencing significant challenges in their community.
- You will work 1-2 evenings a week, and Saturdays every other month.
Competencies Required:
- Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
- Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
- Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims
- Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers
- Handling & Resolving Conflict: Managing interpersonally strained situations
- Involving Others (Engaging Teams): Engaging others for input, contribution, and shared responsibility for outcomes
- Leadership: Guiding and encouraging others to accomplish a common goal
- Managing Organizational Complexity: Maneuvering through complex political situations and functions within the organization
- Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
- Professional & Technical Expertise: Applying technical subject matter to the job
- Project Management: Ensuring that projects are on-time, on-budget, and achieve their objectives
- Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace
- Writing: Communicating effectively in writing
Minimum Requirements for Application
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City and Port of Oakland employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process.
This is a public contact position. The City highly encourages all bilingual candidates to apply! Some positions may require bilingual skills in Spanish, Cantonese, or Mandarin. Under the authority of Civil Service Rules Section 5.03, if a position requires bilingual language skills, only those candidates who have indicated they are bilingual in the required language(s) will be referred. Bilingual candidates will be required to successfully pass a language proficiency test if selected for hire.
Selective Certification (Youth Services)
This recruitment is being announced in accordance with Section 5.03 of the Civil Service Rules. The eligible list generated from this announcement will only be used to fill Librarian II positions specialized in Youth Services, including full-time and permanent part-time positions, if applicable, and may be used to fill future vacancies with the same Selective Certification.
Education:
A Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited graduate program. Job training and/or special courses in the library needs of the community, specialized areas of library services or technical areas are desirable.
Experience:
One year of experience comparable to the Librarian I (Teen or Children's Services) positions in the City of Oakland.
License or Certificate / Other RequirementsPossession of a California Driver's License will be required if assigned to drive the Bookmobile. Proficiency in a foreign language or special skills as a children's librarian may be required
Supplemental Information
The Recruitment Process:
The City of Oakland works with a Civil Service system. Applicants apply online, and HR staff reviews their experience, education, and training listed on the application against the "minimum qualifications" listed for each position.
Candidates who demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements are then invited to participate in an assessment process (or testing) to measure their knowledge, skills, and abilities in job-related areas.
Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the minimum qualification requirements will have an opportunity to request a final review. Candidates must request a final review within 5 business days of being notified that they did not meet the minimum qualifications.
In the final review, candidates may clarify information already provided on their application. No additional work history, education, or certifications will be accepted. Any decisions made during this review process will be final.
For this recruitment, all qualified applicants will be sent a writing exercise (weighted 100%), which will then be evaluated and rated by subject matter experts. The tentative date that the writing exercise will be sent to you for completion is tentatively scheduled for the week of December 29, 2025.
Candidates who pass each stage in the process will be placed on an eligible list. Some candidates may receive extra points, for example, if you are a Veteran with an honorable discharge, or if you are a current City of Oakland resident. If you're applying to a "restricted" posting and you are eligible as a current City employee, you may also receive additional points for your City service. Extra points are only applied to passing scores, so if you do not pass every element of the testing process, you cannot use extra points to pass.
The City of Oakland reserves the right to modify the selection process and date of examination as necessary to conform to administrative or business necessity. The information contained in this announcement is subject to change and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
What's in it for you?
- Work/Life Balance: 37.5 hour work weeks
- 15 paid holidays
- Vacation: 2 weeks per year minimum with the ability to accrue more depending on public sector years of service
- Retirement: CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System) with a pension formula of 2.5% @ 55 (for Classic CalPERS members) and 2% @ 62 for new CalPERS members. Classic Employees contribute 8% of pre-tax wages. The City of Oakland does not participate in Social Security
- Health: The City of Oakland pays the full cost of employee and eligible dependent coverage at the Kaiser rate. Other plans include Anthem, Blue Shield, United Health Care, and other HMO and PPO plans
- Dental: Delta Dental full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Vision: VSP full premium for employees and eligible dependents
- Sick leave: Employees accrue 12 days per year
- Deferred Compensation: 457(b) pre-tax plan and an after-tax ROTH 401(k)plan
- Other benefits include a Flexible Spending Account, Wellness Program, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Reimbursement, Life Insurance up to $200k & Employee Training.
*Benefits described herein do not represent a contract and may be changed without notice. Additional information can be found here:
Applicants are required to submit criminal history information upon request after receiving a conditional offer of employment. If the requested information is not furnished in a timely manner, applicants will not qualify for further consideration and will be removed from the eligible list.
Disaster Service Workers
All employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.
How to Apply
Apply prior to the closing time of the job announcement and allow at least two to three hours to submit your application if you are a new user of the system.
APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ONLINE ONLY. You may apply and view current openings by visiting our employment opportunities webpage at: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/oaklandca/default.cfm.
If you do not have access to a computer, there are computer stations available at any City of Oakland Public Library. There are also workstations at the Human Resources Management Department, 150 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, 2nd Floor, Oakland, CA 94612. Workstations are available during regular business hours (normally 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.).
Our online application system is provided by GovernmentJobs. If you have problems while applying online, please contact GovernmentJobs Live Applicant Support at (855) 524-5627 between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM Pacific Time, Monday - Friday. You may also call the City of Oakland Human Resources Management Department during regular business hours at (510) 238-3112 for information; however, we are unable to provide technical support for the online application system. For recruitment-specific questions, please contact Will Sun, HR Analyst, at
The City of Oakland is committed to the wellbeing of its employees and offers comprehensive health and wellness services along with an array of other benefits for most positions. Benefits may include*:
• CalPERS Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Medical Waiver Plan - Cash-In-Lieu
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Commuter Benefits
• Group & Supplemental Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Guaranteed Ride Home (GRH)
• Pension Benefits
• Deferred Compensation
* Specific benefits may vary depending on the assigned specific bargaining unit. Information regarding most benefits can be reviewed here: Current MOUs may be reviewed here:
01
Please be sure to answer the supplemental questions thoroughly and accurately. Applicants are responsible for clearly, completely, and accurately identifying their qualifications. Responses to the supplemental questions may determine your application status. By answering "yes" to this question, I certify that I have read and understand the statement above concerning submission of supplemental question responses.
- Yes
- No
02
This recruitment will produce two eligible lists. The restricted list will be for full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City employees who maintain employment for the duration of the recruitment and pass all stages of the recruitment process. The open list will be for all other applicants who pass all stages of the recruitment process. Are you a current full-time, permanent part-time, or part-time City of Oakland employee?
- Yes
- No
03
If you are a current City or Port of Oakland employee, what is your job title and employee ID number? If you are not a City or Port employee, type "N/A".
04
Have you previously been employed by the City or Port of Oakland?
- Yes
- No
05
If you have previously been employed by the City or Port of Oakland, please enter the dates and titles of the jobs you previously held at the City or Port of Oakland below. If not applicable, put "N/A".
06
Please list other names used while employed by the City or Port of Oakland. If you have not been employed by the City or Port of Oakland, put "N/A".
07
Do you confirm that the address on your application matches your current residency?
- Yes
- No
08
Please enter your current address if it does not match your application. Put "N/A" if you answered "Yes" above.
09
What is the highest degree or level of education that you have completed?
- High school graduate, diploma or equivalent
- Some college credit, no degree
- Associate degree
- Bachelor's degree
- Master's degree
- Doctorate degree
- Other
10
If you indicated your highest educational achievement is "Some college credits", how many units of college level coursework have you completed?
- 1-14 semester / 1-21 quarter units / or equivalent
- 15-29 semester / 22-44 quarter units / or equivalent
- 30-59 semester / 45-89 quarter units / or equivalent
- 60-89 semester / 90-134 quarter units / or equivalent
- 90+ semester / 135+ quarter units / or equivalent
- N/A
11
For your highest degree, what was your major?
- Library Science
- Business Administration
- Another closely related field
- Other
12
If you selected "Other", please list the major for your degree.
13
Please describe your experience in detail as related to the Librarian I class specification: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/oaklandca/classspecs/817188. Be sure to include detailed information about your experiences comparable to the Librarian I (Teen or Children's Services positions) in the City of Oakland. If you do not have this experience, please put, "N/A".
14
Acting assignments: If you have served in an Acting assignment that you would like considered as experience towards the minimum qualifications requirement, please list the Acting assignment(s) separately in the "Work experience" section of your application. For each Acting assignment, the description must include the Acting job title (use the word Acting as part of the job title), dates and hours served, and duties performed.I understand the above statement and will list any Acting assignments separately in the "Work experience" section of my application form.
- Yes
- No
15
Answers to the above supplemental questions MUST be supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application. Answers not supported by information contained in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of this application will NOT be considered. Resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. I have read and understand this statement.
- Yes
- No
Required Question