Customer Assistant - Circulation Assistant (Casual)

City of Lethbridge; Lethbridge; On-site; Part time

Job summary

Join a dynamic and welcoming environment at the Lethbridge Public Library as a Customer and Circulation Assistant. This role is perfect for those who thrive on engaging with diverse individuals and providing exceptional service. Your day will involve assisting patrons with memberships, handling materials, and resolving customer inquiries, all while contributing to a positive team atmosphere. Flexibility is key, as you will adapt to various shifts and tasks. If you're passionate about community service and eager to make a difference in people's lives through access to information and resources, this opportunity is for you.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; post-secondary education is an asset.
• Customer service and cash handling experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Deliver excellent customer service and assist with circulation tasks.
• Provide basic troubleshooting for library equipment and resources.

Skills

Customer Service

Problem-Solving

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Cultural Awareness

Education

High School Diploma

Post-Secondary Education

Tools

Office Computers

Library Databases

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 looking for enthusiastic, positive, upbeat customer and circulation assistants who will deliver excellent customer services through materials handling in our workrooms and at the customer service desks. Our environment can vary—sometimes busy, sometimes quiet, and always dynamic—so adaptability is key. The top priorities include delivering first-rate customer service, the ability to communicate and build relationships, being flexible in meeting our customer’s individual needs, being a welcoming and positive presence, and contributing to a supportive team environment.

Your average day at LPL as a Customer Assistant includes:

• Representing the library as an initial point of contact for members of the public.
• Creating new memberships, collecting fines and fees, checking out material to customers, and other related circulation tasks.
• Providing basic reference, reader’s advisory, and search assistance.
• Taking part in resolving operational customer issues and problems related to general circulation and customer service.
• Providing basic troubleshooting of area computers, printers, photocopiers, self-checkout stations, and other equipment as required.
• Assisting customers with the use of online resources such as Bibliocommons, library databases, and downloadable collections.
• Performing opening and closing procedures and other duties associated with working at a customer service point.
• Other duties as required.

Your average day at LPL as a Circulation Assistant includes:

• Moving, lifting, sorting, and processing library materials (some tasks are repetitive in nature).
• Pushing and pulling carts to move materials throughout the library.
• Monitoring the condition of returned library material and making minor repairs as needed.
• Running circulation system reports and performing related tasks.
• Processing and resolving operational circulation issues.
• Communicating with the customer as necessary.
• Other duties as required.

What you need to bring to this position:

• High school diploma. Post-secondary education and/or related training is an asset.
• Availability to take call-in shifts during the day as well as evenings and weekends.
• Ability to contribute positively and work effectively within a team environment.
• Customer service and cash handling experience.
• Class 5 driver’s license is an asset.
• Demonstrated proficiency in general office computer use and basic troubleshooting skills.
• Problem-solving skills and proficiency with searching and online resources.
• Ability to work effectively with a wide variety of people, and to be culturally aware, non-judgmental and sensitive to the needs of a variety of individuals with differing backgrounds.
• Decision-making skills and the ability to exercise good judgment in the best interests of Lethbridge Public Library.
• Ability to work quickly and efficiently while paying strict attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively and demonstrate good listening skills.
• A commitment to treat customer information confidentially, keeping within privacy legislation and library policy.
• Flexibility and adaptability as all casual staff will be trained to work in multiple locations in both positions.

Hours of work and location:

• Up to 75 hours bi-weekly, including day, evening, and weekend shifts.
• This position is casual and has no regular or guaranteed hours. The Non-Permanent workforce is used to supplement the Permanent workforce and will be required to be flexible to cover shifts on evenings, weekends, and with little notice.
• Working at all branches, and reporting to Manager: Customer Services.

Salary Range:

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

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

Note:

The successful candidate will be required to complete a Police Information Check prior to the start date.

To apply:

Submit your cover letter as part of your job application. In your cover letter, please include a response to the following questions:

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

This posting will close January 8, 2025. All candidates are thanked in advance for their interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The Lethbridge Public Library recognizes and values the diversity of our community and those we employ.

We are committed to advancing reconciliation in our community, as well as ensuring diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workforce. We encourage self-identifying Indigenous applicants (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit), as well as those from historically underrepresented groups to apply.

The Lethbridge Public Library is committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, including through all aspects of the hiring process. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply and self-identify. If you require support during this process, please contact our Executive Assistant at 403-380-7341 so that accommodation can be put in place to support you. All private information received in relation to your request for support will be kept confidential. Only information required to facilitate the accommodation will be shared with the selection committee.