Branch Manager I - Point Roberts Library

Whatcom County Library System; Point Roberts (WA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is seeking a Branch Manager I for the Point Roberts Library, with a requirement to work at least one shift per week at the Blaine Library. The role directs all branch operations, provides reference and reader's advisory services, and leads community partnerships.

Responsibilities include supervising staff, developing services, managing branch operations and budgets, and collaborating with other departments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required with 5+ years of relevant library experience.
• Experience in reference and reader's advisory services and literature for all ages.
• Strong supervisory skills and ability to build a cohesive team.
• Eligibility for driver's license and reliable transportation; ability to travel to Canada.
• Ability to handle materials up to 40 pounds and stand/walk extensively.

Responsibilities

• Directs all branch operations and serves as frontline reference and reader's advisory provider.
• Supervises staff, evaluates performance, and guides professional development.
• Builds partnerships with schools, Friends groups, volunteers, and local organizations.
• Oversees branch operations, budgeting, and coordination with IT, Collection, Admin.
• Upholds library values and leads collaborative problem solving.

Skills

Customer service

Staff supervision

Community outreach

Communication

Team leadership

Reference services

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Integrated Library System (ILS)

Database information retrieval

Computer hardware & software

Job description

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is accepting applications for a full-time Branch Manager I position at the Point Roberts Library. This position requires working at least one shift per week at the Blaine Library as well.

This posting will close at midnight on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

Summary: The Branch Manager Directs all branch operations; assists patrons by providing reference and reader's advisory services and community referrals; performs other duties as assigned.

Essential functions include:

• Public Services: develops, delivers and continually evaluates and improves services for a diverse population. Coordinates branch services with WCLS's system-wide priorities and resources. Provides reference and other public services including outreach. Participates in system-wide project teams.
• Staff supervision: develops and guides staff toward the highest standards of customer service. Supervises staff and evaluates performance. Oversees the selection, training, performance appraisal and recognition, discipline and professional development of branch staff.
• Community outreach: initiates, develops and maintains effective working partnerships with Friends, schools, volunteers, business and community groups. Identifies emerging needs for new library services and sets goals and priorities accordingly.
• Branch operations: Makes recommendations to the Facilities department to ensure that the building and grounds are adequately maintained. Coordinates branch operations with other WCLS departments including Information Technology, Collection Services, and Administrative Services. Ensures the branch collection is balanced and current.
• Branch administration: assists with developing branch budgets and monitoring expenditures. Oversees staffing and adherence to WCLS's mission, administrative policies and procedures. Serves as a resource to other branch staff.
• Promotes core WCLS values: supports intellectual freedom. Assumes responsibility for how library is perceived by the staff and the public. Provides leadership to WCLS though collaborative problem solving.

WORKING HOURS

Typical schedule is 40 hours per week at the Point Roberts Library unless noted differently, as follows: Tuesday 10:45 am - 7:15 pm, Wednesday 9:15 am - 5:45 pm, Thursday 9:15 am - 5:45 pm at the Blaine Library, Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm, and Saturday 9:15 am - 5:45 pm. Meetings with community groups and the Friends of the Library, subbing for ill or absent staff or responding to emergencies may occur outside this schedule and require additional hours or a change in schedule. Regular weekly shifts at the Blaine Library are required. Training opportunities may be scheduled at the WCLS Administrative Services office or at any other WCLS library location. Successful candidates may be required to adapt to future schedule and/or worksite changes depending on library needs.

QUALIFICATIONS

Ability to gain thorough knowledge of Whatcom County Library System's policies and procedures; Ability to act as a representative of Whatcom County Library System to the public; Ability to manage and direct all aspects of service at the assigned branch; Thorough knowledge of collection management practices and procedures; Ability to master the integrated library system procedures and explain to staff and patrons; Ability to establish priorities and organize workload; Ability to maintain tact, courtesy, confidentiality, and strict discretion in dealing with the public; Ability to maintain a pleasant and productive working atmosphere and maintain composure and work under the stress of handling several tasks at one time; Ability to keep all relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate; Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with people from diverse backgrounds; Ability to work with diverse staff in order to accomplish library and department goals and objectives; Ability to supervise, train and motivate staff; Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other professionals and the general public; Knowledge of electronic resources, including the Internet and database information retrieval; and Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines. This position requires a Bachelor's degree, and five years or more relevant experience; including knowledge of reference and reader's advisory services, and literature for children, teens and adults. Eligibility for and ability to obtain a driver's license, reliable transportation, and required documentation for travel to and from Canada. Experience working with all age groups. Strong supervisory skills with a demonstrated ability to create a positive work environment for staff with varying degrees of experience and responsibilities, and evidence of ability to build a cohesive team. Evidence of successful experience with community partnerships. Equivalent knowledge, skills, technical training, education, and/or experience will be considered. For example, experience working in the service or retail industries in a supervisory capacity may be considered equivalent. Work requires considerable physical effort in the handling of materials up to 40 pounds and/or continual standing or walking 80%+ of the time.

The Whatcom County Library System values diversity and inclusion and we are interested in hiring candidates that are representative of the communities and patrons we serve.

New employees are subject to a CRC (criminal records check) per RCW 43.43.832.