PRINCIPAL LIBRARIAN (Assistant Library Manager)

Updated 10/8/24

Note: This position will remain open until filled. First review of applications is scheduled to occur for applications received before 5:00 PM on November 1, 2024. This recruitment may close at any time after that date, once a sufficiently strong candidate pool has been established.  

Here in Huntington Beach, we believe passionately that the key to becoming the best beach City in the world starts and ends with finding the right people to join our team.  At this time, we have an outstanding career opportunity available, as we're looking for the "right person" to serve as Principal Librarian with the Community & Library Services Department. 

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on manager who can work collaboratively across multiple divisions within library services, is a big-picture thinker and passionate about current and future library services to the community, and is able to communicate effectively with a wide range of constituents. 

• Supervises all aspects of facilities including maintenance, rentals, security, building projects, and furniture 
• Leads emergency preparedness plans for the Library and liaises with City departments on emergency response, continuity of operations, and staff training
• Participates on the Library Management Team; assumes all management duties in the absence of the Community/Library Services Manager
• Supervises staff, evaluates performance, and recommends personnel actions
• Develops and implements service goals, objectives, and programming for special areas as required and coordinates joint projects with other department supervisory staff and other City departments
• Makes recommendations for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies;
• Acts as a key contact person for assigned work unit
• Researches, analyzes data and prepares comparative and statistical responses to other City departments and the library, including State Library reports
• Monitors work flow, reviews and evaluates work products, methods, and procedures
• Evaluates community needs and library programs and implements program changes in response to community needs
• Recommends training programs for specialized instruction within assigned work unit
• Develops, writes, and coordinates Library grants and contracts and monitors performance
• Supervises implementation of volunteer program
• Assists in the management, monitoring, and implementation of the division budget
• Attends professional training to stay abreast of industry best practices
• Reports to work as scheduled and works a variety of schedules including evenings, weekends and holidays as required
• Maintains a regular and consistent attendance record
• Travels to offsite locations within and outside the City
• Performs other related duties as assigned.  

Any combination of education, training, and experience that would likely provide the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform in the position is qualifying.  A typical combination includes:
 
Knowledge of:  
 - Theories, principles and practices of library and information science
 - Automated library information systems, software and equipment usage
 - Library materials and resources in a broad spectrum of subjects and formats
 - Collection development and cataloging and classification procedures for a variety of materials and formats
 - Research methods, report writing techniques, and statistical concepts and applications
 - Principles and practices of supervision, staff development, training, performance evaluation, and discipline assessment
 - Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration
 - Project management
 - Methods and techniques of grant application and administration
 - Customer service and public relations
 
Ability to:  
 - Develop, coordinate and implement library service programs and activities for all functions of the library system
 - Plan, organize, train, direct, and evaluate the work of professional and paraprofessional staff and volunteers
 - Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials
 - Identify and mitigate customer service issues
 - Oversee the development of appropriate and effective collections/resources for all assigned areas
 - Operate library automation systems and other computer equipment
 - Conduct detailed research and analysis and prepare statistical reports using spreadsheet programs
 - Develop and administer budget information
 - Maintain accurate records; operate personal computer and standard software applications
 - Establish and maintain effective interpersonal relations with those contacted in the course of work
 - Communicate effectively, both orally; and in writing
 - Analyze data, recognize problems, arrive at sound conclusions, and make logical decisions
 
Education/Training:   ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science.

Experience:  Five (5) years of increasing responsible full-time professional library experience, including two (2) years of supervisory experience.  Experience working in branch libraries, a Central Library division and/or technical services is highly desirable.

Certificates/Licenses:  A valid California Class C driver license with an acceptable driving record required at time of appointment and during course of employment.
 
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
Employees regularly assigned/required to drive a city or personal vehicle in the course and scope of work shall be required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull Notice program
 
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker:   In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all Huntington Beach city employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

• Application Review
• Examination(s) - A virtual oral exam (weighted 100%) is tentatively scheduled for November 14, 2024. 
• Selection Interview
• Background Investigation
• Appointment  

Physical Tasks and Environmental Conditions
The incumbent must meet the physical requirements of the class and have mobility, balance, coordination, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties performed.
 
Tasks involve the ability to exert physical effort in sedentary to light work including moving from one area of the office to another; lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling objects and materials of light weight (5 - 10 pounds), and sitting, reaching, twisting, and leaning.  Requires the ability to operate, maneuver, and/or control the actions of equipment, machinery, tools, and/materials used in performing essential functions such as computer keyboards, calculators, copiers, and other office equipment.  Requires hearing and speaking to answer the telephone or respond to questions of co-workers, subordinates, or the general public.  
 
Reasonable accommodation(s) for an individual with a qualified disability will be considered on a case-by-case basis.