Library Assistant - fixed-term parental leave cover

Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers; Carterton; On-site; NZD 24,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

Carterton Library is hiring a Library Assistant on a fixed-term basis to cover parental leave. The role supports customers, helps them find books and use digital resources, and keeps shelves and displays welcoming.

It requires a friendly, reliable team player with good customer service and a valid NZ driver's licence. The position is 21 hours per week across a three-week roster, including one Saturday morning every three weeks.

Qualifications

• At least two years’ customer service or relevant industry experience
• A minimum National Certificate Level 3 or NCEA Level 3
• Strong communication, relationship‑building and organisational skills
• Good digital and information literacy, with attention to detail and accuracy
• An understanding of public libraries and a genuine interest in books, learning and community service
• Respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with developing capability in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori
• A current New Zealand driver licence
• The physical ability to stand for periods of time, lift boxes and handle books.

Responsibilities

• Provide friendly, professional front‑of‑house service and respond helpfully to customer enquiries
• Help customers find books, information and age‑appropriate resources
• Support people to use library services, computers, printing and digital resources
• Process memberships, reserves, payments and other routine transactions accurately
• Keep collections well organised, displays fresh and library spaces welcoming
• Assist with book covering and repairs, programmes, events and special projects
• Use sound judgement and available support to manage challenging situations calmly
• Contribute to the visibility and use of te reo Māori in our services.

Skills

Customer service

Public library experience

Digital literacy

Technology confidence

Communication skills

Teamwork

Te reo Māori awareness

NZ Driver Licence

Education

National Certificate Level 3 / NCEA Level 3

Job description

Library Assistant - fixed-term parental leave cover

Help people discover, connect and feel welcome at Carterton Library

Fixed-term Parental leave cover commencing November 2026

21 hours per week

Are you a people person who loves books, learning and helping others? We’re looking for an energetic and approachable Library Assistant to join our friendly Carterton Library team on a fixed-term, part-time basis while a team member is on parental leave.

About the opportunity

This is a varied, hands‑on role where no two days are quite the same. You’ll be one of the welcoming faces of our library—supporting customers to find what they need, use library resources and technology with confidence, and enjoy a positive library experience. You’ll also help keep our collections, displays, programmes and day‑to‑day operations running smoothly.

Hours: This part‑time role is 21 hours per week across a three‑week roster, including one Saturday morning every three weeks. As several rostered shifts finish at 5.00pm, applicants must be available to work through to this time.

What you’ll do

Provide friendly, professional front‑of‑house service and respond helpfully to customer enquiries

Help customers find books, information and age‑appropriate resources

Support people to use library services, computers, printing and digital resources

Process memberships, reserves, payments and other routine transactions accurately

Keep collections well organised, displays fresh and library spaces welcoming

Assist with book covering and repairs, programmes, events and special projects

Use sound judgement and available support to manage challenging situations calmly

Contribute to the visibility and use of te reo Māori in our services.

About you

You’ll bring warmth, curiosity and initiative to the role. You enjoy meeting people from all walks of life, can stay organised when priorities shift, and are comfortable learning and explaining technology. You’ll also have:

At least two years’ customer service or relevant industry experience

A minimum National Certificate Level 3 or NCEA Level 3

Strong communication, relationship‑building and organisational skills

Good digital and information literacy, with attention to detail and accuracy

An understanding of public libraries and a genuine interest in books, learning and community service

Respect for cultural diversity and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, with developing capability in te reo Māori and tikanga Māori

A current New Zealand driver licence

The physical ability to stand for periods of time, lift boxes and handle books.

At Carterton District Council, people are at the heart of what we do. You’ll join a supportive team that values respect, accountability, working as one and welcoming fresh ideas. This is a great opportunity to make a visible difference in a community‑focused role while developing your library, digital and customer service skills.

Applications close: Thursday 15 October at 5pm

Please note: Applications may close before the advertised closing date if we receive a strong pool of suitable applicants, so early applications are encouraged.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and value the different perspectives and experiences they bring to our organisation and community.

We are not an accredited employer, so applicants must already have the legal right to work in New Zealand.

Your application will include the following questions:

• Which of the following statements best describes your right to work in New Zealand?
• What's your expected annual base salary?
• How many years' experience do you have as a Library Assistant?
• How much notice are you required to give your current employer?
• Do you have a current New Zealand driver's licence?
• What's your highest level of education?
• Do you have customer service experience?
• Are you willing to relocate for this role?