Supervising Library Assistant

Berkeley, California is a small city with a big reputation. At just ten square miles of land and seven square miles of water, Berkeley is famous around the globe as a center for academic achievement, scientific exploration, free speech, and the arts, and home to over 50 parks, a top-ranked university, and the largest public marina in the San Francisco Bay.

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Supervising Library Assistant with the Berkeley Public Library! As a Supervising Library Assistant, you will play a crucial role in leading positive changes. You will guide a team of Library Assistants and Library Aides, provide excellent customer service to the diverse community members of Berkeley, and work with other leaders to enhance our library services. The current vacancy is in Circulation Services at the Central Library branch.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and community service. We hope to find individuals who share these values. You will succeed in this role if you have attention to detail and good time management skills, the ability to handle many tasks at once while maintaining a positive attitude, strong communication skills including listening and understanding, the ability to solve problems calmly and respectfully in challenging situations, and sound judgment and the ability to think clearly under pressure.

A variety of experiences makes our library a better place for everyone. Please contact us if you are creative, enjoy helping others grow, and are committed to teamwork. You should take pride in offering excellent customer service and be dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe library environment for all. Strong leaders who can inspire their team, provide the right tools and support, and celebrate accomplishments are encouraged to apply.

See the full job class specification here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/105188

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years of library support experience, or 3 years of experience at a level equivalent to Library Assistant I or higher in the Berkeley Public Library system. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate lead or supervisory experience, coursework in the principles of effective supervision, and some college-level coursework or advanced training in library-related subjects is desirable. A valid California driver's license is desirable.

Applications must be received by Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm PT and must include a completed application and resume. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application.

Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to ada@berkeleyca.gov. Please allow 10 days for the production of the material in an alternative format.

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application Review for minimum qualifications and required documents
• Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
• Oral Board Exam (Tentatively schedule the week of September 14)

The test may consist of any combination of written, oral, or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading,  writing, and analytical skills; problem-solving ability; computer software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment comment as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment-eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and the work environment. individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to hr@berkeleyca.gov at the time of application.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS 

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting. 

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER 

The City of Berkeley is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All employment actions shall be administered regardless of race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, physical or mental disability or medical condition, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, political affiliation, veterans’ status, or any other status protected under federal, state, or local law. 

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER 

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.