Community Librarian

City of Hillsboro; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PERS retirement contributions

Comprehensive medical, dental, and视on

Paid time off (vacation, personal, and

Holidays

Job summary

The City of Hillsboro invites applications for a Community Librarian at Shute Park Library. This full-time role focuses on welcoming patrons, sharing information, building community connections, and developing programs that meet local needs.

You will work at Shute Park Library with colleagues and partners, delivering outreach, learning opportunities, and services that empower diverse community members to engage with information and resources.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science or Information Science required.
• Six months of library experience preferred.
• Experience with public service and outreach helpful.

Responsibilities

• Provide welcoming, responsive service to a broad range of community members and help them find information, materials, Library resources, and community services.
• Provide reference, research, and readers advisory assistance in person and through phone, email, and online service points.
• Build relationships with community members and organizations to understand local interests, needs, and barriers to access and help identify priorities for collections, programs, services, and outreach.
• Create or adapt, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate educational, informational, instructional, and recreational programs.
• Participate in community events, tabling opportunities, and outreach activities with the Outreach Coordinator to build relationships and connect more people with Library services and resources.
• Create learning materials, presentations, displays, resource lists, and other tools that help patrons and employees find and use information.
• Train, mentor, and share information with employees, volunteers, interns, or student workers as assigned.
• Collaborate with Library colleagues, Washington County Cooperative Library Services partners, service providers, and community organizations.
• Support daily operations and a safe, welcoming environment by following Library and City policies, maintaining records, contributing to projects, and serving as Person in Charge when assigned.
• Serve as Person in Charge of a Library branch on an occasional basis.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Public service

Community engagement

De-escalation

Trauma-informed care

Collaboration

Privacy & ethics

Microsoft Office

Education

Master's degree in Library Science / Information Science

Job description

Help Hillsboro community members connect with information, resources, learning opportunities, and each other. As the Community Librarian at Shute Park Library, you will provide direct library service, build relationships, and develop programs that respond to the interests and needs of the community.

About Hillsboro Public Library

Hillsboro Public Library connects people with information, learning opportunities, and each other. Our mission, For Everyone | Para Todos, guides how we serve the community. Our work is grounded in the Library’s five values: Belonging, Credibility, Excellence, Sustainability, and Innovation with Purpose. These values shape how we welcome patrons, provide access to resources, and respond to changing community needs.

Position Overview

This is a generalist Librarian role with a strong focus on community engagement, information sharing, and relationship building. You will spend regular time assisting patrons at the service desk at Shute Park Library while also developing programs, participating in outreach, supporting learning, and connecting people with useful services and opportunities.

You will report to a Library Supervisor and work closely with library staff, the Outreach Coordinator, community partners, and volunteers. The role requires initiative and professional judgment while contributing to shared Library goals.

What You Will Be Doing

• Provide welcoming, responsive service to a broad range of community members and help them find information, materials, Library resources, and community services.
• Provide reference, research, and readers advisory assistance in person and through phone, email, and online service points.
• Build relationships with community members and organizations to understand local interests, needs, and barriers to access and help identify priorities for collections, programs, services, and outreach.
• Create or adapt, coordinate, deliver, and evaluate educational, informational, instructional, and recreational programs.
• Participate in community events, tabling opportunities, and outreach activities with the Outreach Coordinator to build relationships and connect more people with Library services and resources.
• Create learning materials, presentations, displays, resource lists, and other tools that help patrons and employees find and use information.
• Train, mentor, and share information with employees, volunteers, interns, or student workers as assigned.
• Collaborate with Library colleagues, Washington County Cooperative Library Services partners, service providers, and community organizations.
• Support daily operations and a safe, welcoming environment by following Library and City policies, maintaining records, contributing to projects, and serving as Person in Charge when assigned.
• Serve as Person in Charge of a Library branch on an occasional basis.

Current and Upcoming Projects

• Continue community tabling at locations such as the Hillsboro Community Senior Center and Civic Center, with a focus on introducing community members to Library services and bringing new visitors into Shute Park Library.
• Build on the community resource fair at Shute Park Library by connecting residents with organizations and services that respond to local needs, including resources for veterans, older adults, LGBTQIA+ community members, and other community groups.
• Broaden Spanish-language programming opportunities, support existing English language learning opportunities, and identify community partners and resources that can participate in programs and tabling events at Shute Park Library.
• Use community conversations and partner relationships to identify and develop new programs, outreach activities, and ways the Library can respond to local interests and needs.

What You Will Need to Succeed

You bring a curious, respectful, and compassionate approach to public service and enjoy learning about the people and communities you serve. You listen carefully, follow through on commitments, and can balance independent work with collaboration. We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience in serving a broad general public, balancing competing needs, responding compassionately during challenging interactions, setting respectful expectations, and using de‑escalation techniques when appropriate.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build trust, listen for needs, explain information clearly, and set respectful expectations.
• Experience engaging community members and building relationships with community organizations, service providers, or other partners.
• Experience developing, delivering, or evaluating programs, services, learning opportunities, outreach, or community activities.
• The ability to identify information needs and connect people with accurate, useful Library and community resources.
• The ability to engage compassionately and productively with people experiencing houselessness or other complex barriers. Experience using de‑escalation techniques or a trauma‑informed approach is especially valuable.
• Sound judgment when handling challenging service situations, patron privacy, intellectual freedom, sensitive information, and competing needs.
• Basic computer skills, including routine electronic communication and drafting documents using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong organization, collaboration, and follow‑through, with the flexibility to adjust as community and operational needs change.

Experience to Highlight in Your Application

Qualified applicants may be evaluated on evidence in the following areas. In your application and supplemental responses, describe your role, the approach you took, and the results or lessons learned.

• Community engagement and partnerships: Building trust, listening to community members, developing relationships with organizations, reaching people beyond routine service points, and using what you learned to improve services or outreach.
• Program planning and evaluation: Identifying a community interest or need, developing or adapting a program, coordinating delivery, and using participant feedback or other results to improve it.
• Public-facing customer service and de‑escalation: Serving a broad general public, balancing competing needs, responding compassionately during challenging interactions, setting respectful expectations, and using de‑escalation techniques when appropriate.
• Accessible, inclusive, and trauma‑informed service: Adjusting communication or service for different backgrounds, languages, disabilities, experience levels, or barriers to access while supporting dignity, safety, and belonging.
• General librarian and information service: Clarifying information needs; providing reference, research, readers’ advisory, or resource‑navigation assistance; protecting privacy; and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Collaboration and knowledge sharing: Working across roles or organizations, communicating responsibilities and expectations, following through on shared commitments, and creating materials or instruction that help others learn.

Relevant examples may come from employment, volunteer work, internships, education, or other applicable experience. Public library experience is valuable but is not the only way to demonstrate these qualifications. Experience in education, nonprofit or community‑based organizations, public‑facing customer service, outreach, human services, and program development may also be relevant.

Job Classification

For more details, review the Librarian classification description.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Master's degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a closely related field and six months of library experience;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

A master’s degree is preferred. Applicants without a master’s degree may qualify through the equivalent combination of education and experience described above. Relevant backgrounds may include education, community‑based or nonprofit work, program development, community engagement, and direct customer service with a broad general public. Education and experience will be considered together in determining whether an applicant meets the qualifications.

Preferred Language Skills

• Preference will be given to candidates who demonstrate limited working proficiency in Spanish.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Work Location and Schedule

• Full‑time position based at Shute Park Library.
• Work includes public service desk coverage, community engagement, program development and delivery, outreach, and rotating Person in Charge responsibilities.
• Work may take place at community events and other Library or partner locations based on operational needs.

The anticipated regular schedule is Sunday through Thursday. Monday hours are 11:15 a.m. to 8:15 p.m.; Sunday and Tuesday through Thursday hours are 9:15 a.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Why Join Us

Working for the City of Hillsboro means being part of a team that values community, inclusion, and meaningful public service. You will have the opportunity to make a direct impact by helping people connect with information, resources, learning opportunities, and each other.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed and supported.

Application Guidelines

• Apply Early Submit your application by October 18, 2026.
• Complete Your Application Please fill out all sections thoroughly and accurately, as resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. Your application responses are the primary way we assess your qualifications.
• Highlight Your Unique Skills Provide specific examples addressing the Experience to Highlight in Your Application section. Describe your contributions and what you learned or accomplished.
• Be Authentic Please ensure your responses reflect your own experience and are written in your own words. We value clear, specific examples that demonstrate your skills and contributions.

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline

Application Open: October 5, 2026

Application Close: October 18, 2026

Application Review Complete: November 3, 2026

Second Round Interviews In Person: November 30-December 4, 2026

Selection: December 2026

*Timeline subject to change based on operational needs.

Why Work for the City of Hillsboro

At the City of Hillsboro, we value innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. Our culture encourages professional growth and supports employees who are passionate about making a difference in their community. You will find meaningful work, great people, and opportunities to grow your career in public service. We are committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.

When you join our team, you will enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Paid time off for vacation, personal leave, sick leave, and holidays.
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to support your future savings.
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long‑term disability insurance.
• Bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements.
• A free annual TriMet Hop pass.
• Free SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center access for you and your immediate family.
• Paid time to volunteer through Hillsboro Helps.
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive workplace that values work-life balance and employee wellness.

To learn more about the City's full‑time benefits package and collective bargaining agreements, visit the Benefits Page.

Employees who can demonstrate the ability to speak Spanish, ASL, or another language spoken by more than 10% of City residents, as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, will receive a monthly 3% premium. The incentive is paid only on hours in paid status. Proficiency will be determined through a City‑administered test.

Helpful Information for Applicants

Candidates may find the following information helpful when learning about Hillsboro Public Library and the upcoming changes to collection management:

• Hillsboro Public Library Strategic Plan 2026–2031
• The Future of Collections in Washington County Libraries
• Hillsboro Public Library Collection Development Policy
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Hillsboro

Commitment to Equity

At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.