Library Branch Manager

Please click here for the Total Compensation Package for this job classification which includes county paid employee health benefits after 30 days of employment, county paid retirement benefits, vacation accruals, etc. The Total Compensation Package outlines the various benefits offered by Washoe County and the annual earnings based on the entry level salary for the job classification.

Under general direction, manages, organizes, coordinates, and evaluates all aspects of a full-service library branch; and performs related work as required.

This is an Open Competitive/Countywide Promotional recruitment being conducted to fill a current full-time vacancy in the Washoe County Library System. The list established from this recruitment may be used to fill future vacancies as they occur.

Area of Assignment - Downtown Reno Library
The Downtown Reno Library is an iconic midcentury modern building located in Reno's downtown Riverwalk District. Opened in 1966, the library is renowned for its dramatic interior garden spaces, which integrate plants, trees, water, and natural light throughout the multilevel building and make it one of the most distinctive public library spaces in the region.

As a major urban branch, the Downtown Reno Library serves a broad cross-section of the community, from families, students, professionals, and visitors to individuals experiencing homelessness and other vulnerable populations. Its location in the heart of downtown creates opportunities for strong partnerships and community engagement while also requiring thoughtful, responsive management of the complex issues facing an urban public library.  

The Downtown Reno Library is also home to the Washoe County Library System's administrative offices, making the branch a hub for both public service and systemwide operations. The building features a large auditorium that supports library programs, community meetings, performances, presentations, and special events.

With its distinctive architecture, central location, varied patron population, and important role within the Library System, Downtown offers a unique opportunity for a branch manager who is excited to lead a highly visible library while helping shape the future of one of Reno's most recognizable civic spaces.

For more information on this position, please see the Job Specification at https://www.washoecounty.gov/humanresources/Careers/jobspecs.php 

Three years of professional library experience AND a master’s degree in library science or library information science from an American Library Association accredited college or university; OR five years of professional library experience AND a master’s degree from an accredited college or university in any discipline; OR an equivalent combination of training and experience.

License Or Certificate
A valid driver’s license is required at the time of appointment and must be maintained for continued employment in this classification.

The Ideal Candidate Citeria
The ideal candidate for Branch Manager of the Downtown Reno Library is an experienced, adaptable leader who is energized by the opportunities and complexities of managing a busy urban library. They will balance excellent public service with strong operational leadership, creating an environment that is welcoming, safe, and accessible to everyone.

The successful candidate will be skilled at leading staff in serving a broad and diverse community, including families, students, downtown residents and workers, visitors, and people experiencing homelessness or other challenging circumstances. They will approach this work with empathy, sound judgment, consistency, and a commitment to maintaining appropriate boundaries and expectations for library use. 

As manager of one of Washoe County Library System's most visible and distinctive locations, the ideal candidate will be a confident communicator and collaborative partner who can build relationships with community organizations, downtown stakeholders, and Library System leadership. They will be comfortable managing a complex facility, supporting high-profile programs and events, and leading staff through the day-to-day challenges of a dynamic public service environment.

Above all, the ideal candidate will recognize the Downtown Reno Library as an important community resource and a remarkable civic space which will bring creativity, stewardship, and a strong sense of public service to the community.  

The Washoe County Employees Association (WCEA) Supervisory Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) covers the Library Branch Manager position.
  
Background checks will be conducted on selected applicants through the State of Nevada and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
 
Per the Washoe County Background and Reference Checks Policy, new and rehired employees are required to submit to a fingerprint based background investigation. Effective October 1, 2026, the $40.00 fee associated with this background investigation will be paid by the employee (if applicable) and deducted automatically from the first paycheck. Employment is contingent upon the results of the background check, although a record of conviction will not necessarily bar an applicant from employment.

Washoe County requires its employees to reside in the state of Nevada or neighboring California communities such as Truckee, South Lake Tahoe or Susanville as of their first day of work.

Washoe County hires all new employees at the minimum rate of the salary range and eligible employees may receive an annual merit increase of 5% until they reach the maximum salary for the classification.  Upon promotion, current Washoe County employees are placed at the minimum rate of the salary range for the higher classification of the new position OR a promotional calculation, whichever is greater. 

1. After your application is screened, you will be notified via the email you provided whether you have met the minimum requirements for the position. Those applicants who do not meet the qualifications have one (1) business day to file an appeal and request a review of their qualifications. Written appeals should be submitted via email to the assigned Human Resources Business Partner using the contact information listed on this job announcement.

2. Applicants who meet the minimum requirements will receive an email invitation to take the Supervisory Level online exam administered remotely; notices will be delivered within 1 week from the closing of the recruitment. 
 
This exam link will tentatively be delivered via email the week of October 12 and qualified candidates will have a time limit to complete the exam, within 4 calendar days. **You will be notified if you are eligible to transfer an exam score within 1 week following the closing date of the recruitment.

 The exam will evaluate your expertise, knowledge, skills and abilities in the following areas:

• General Supervisory Concepts
• Performance Management
• Employee Relations
• Analytical Skills
• Communication Skills

• “Applications” to view a list of the recruitments which you have applied for, your submitted application for each recruitment, a copy of the job listing, and your applicant history for each recruitment.
• “Inbox” to view the notices which have been sent to you for each recruitment
• “Account” to update your contact information. Please note to update your phone number on previously submitted applications you must contact careers@washoecounty.gov.