Customer Assistant - Circulation Assistant (Casual)

City of Lethbridge; Kenora; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Lethbridge is seeking enthusiastic Customer and Circulation Assistants for the Lethbridge Public Library. Candidates will provide excellent customer service, handle materials, and assist with various circulation tasks in a dynamic environment. This casual position requires flexibility and adaptability to cover shifts across multiple locations.

Qualifications

• Availability for call-in shifts during the day, evenings, and weekends.
• Customer service and cash handling experience.
• Proficiency in general office computer use and basic troubleshooting skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer service through materials handling.
• Create new memberships, collect fines, and check out materials.
• Resolve operational customer issues related to circulation.

Skills

Customer service

Problem-solving

Effective communication

Attention to detail

Flexibility and adaptability

Education

High school diploma

Post-secondary education or related training

Job description

What we’re looking for:

Lethbridge Public Library is a welcoming, inclusive space that connects and strengthens community through equitable access to learning and leisure. We are looking for candidates who will embrace and live our mission statement every day.

Are you passionate about interacting with a wide variety of people? Are you a detail-oriented multi-tasker? Do you love problem solving? Lethbridge Public Library is seeking enthusiastic, positive, and thoughtful customer and circulation assistants who will deliver excellent customer service through materials handling in our workrooms and at the customer service desks. Our environment varies—sometimes busy, sometimes quiet, and always dynamic—so adaptability is key. The top priorities include delivering first-rate customer service, communicating effectively, building relationships, being flexible to meet individual customer needs, creating a welcoming and positive presence, and contributing to a supportive team environment.

Your typical day at LPL as a Customer Assistant includes:

1. Representing the library as an initial point of contact for members of the public.

2. Creating new memberships, collecting fines and fees, checking out materials, and other related circulation tasks.

3. Providing basic reference, reader’s advisory, and search assistance.

4. Resolving operational customer issues related to circulation and customer service.

5. Providing basic troubleshooting of computers, printers, photocopiers, self-checkout stations, and other equipment as needed.

6. Assisting customers with online resources such as Bibliocommons, library databases, and downloadable collections.

7. Performing opening and closing procedures and other duties at the customer service point.

8. Other duties as required.

Your typical day at LPL as a Circulation Assistant includes:

1. Moving, lifting, sorting, and processing library materials (some tasks are repetitive).

2. Pushing and pulling carts to move materials throughout the library.

3. Monitoring the condition of returned materials and making minor repairs as needed.

4. Running circulation system reports and performing related tasks.

5. Resolving operational circulation issues and communicating with customers as necessary.

6. Other duties as required.

What you need to bring to this position:

• High school diploma; post-secondary education or related training is an asset.

• Availability for call-in shifts during the day, evenings, and weekends.

• Ability to contribute positively and work effectively within a team.

• Customer service and cash handling experience.

• Class 5 driver’s license is an asset.

• Proficiency in general office computer use and basic troubleshooting skills.

• Problem-solving skills and proficiency with searching online resources.

• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals, demonstrating cultural awareness, non-judgment, and sensitivity.

• Decision-making skills and good judgment aligned with library interests.

• Ability to work quickly and efficiently with attention to detail.

• Effective communication and listening skills.

• Commitment to confidentiality and adherence to privacy legislation and policies.

• Flexibility and adaptability, as staff may work across multiple locations and roles.

Hours of work and location:

• Up to 75 hours bi-weekly, including day, evening, and weekend shifts.

• This is a casual position with no guaranteed hours. Flexibility is required to cover shifts on short notice across all branches, reporting to the Manager: Customer Services.

Salary Range:

Customer Assistant: $22.44 - $26.53 hourly (as per C.U.P.E. Local 70 Collective Agreement, under review)

Circulation Assistant: $20.05 - $23.66 hourly (as per C.U.P.E. Local 70 Collective Agreement, under review)

Note:

The successful candidate will need to complete a Police Information Check before starting.

To apply:

Submit a cover letter addressing the following questions:

1. How would you contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment?
2. What excites you about this role and public libraries in general?

Applicants should demonstrate how their qualifications match the requirements. Assessments may include interviews, written or practical tests, and reference checks.

This posting closes on May 30, 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Lethbridge Public Library values diversity and is committed to reconciliation, equity, and inclusion. We encourage Indigenous and underrepresented applicants to apply, and support accommodations during the hiring process upon request.