Librarian II Assistant Manager

City of Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 50,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Houston's Houston Public Library system seeks a Librarian II Assistant Manager at a Neighborhood Library. You will lead staff, deliver outstanding public service, and oversee programs for all ages, engaging with diverse communities.

Requires MLS from an ALA-accredited program (or progress) plus library experience; evenings/weekends required; valid driver license and strong MS Office/Sirsi Symphony skills expected.

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited school and 1 year library experience.
• Or Bachelor's + 18 hours toward MLS and 2 years library experience; MLS must be completed within 2 years.
• Valid driver's license and ability to work evenings/weekends as required.
• Experience in staff leadership and customer-focused service.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise assigned staff with timely feedback and development.
• Deliver exceptional public service and maintain a welcoming library space.
• Oversee programs and library services for all ages.
• Resolve issues creatively and apply sound decision-making.
• Interact with customers at the desk to assist with information needs.
• Liaise with community groups and develop partnerships.
• Perform collection development and management.
• Serve as Assistant Manager when the location manager is absent.

Skills

Leadership

Customer service

Communication

Team supervision

Problem solving

Staff development

Diversity engagement

Education

Master of Library Science

Bachelor's + MLS in progress

Tools

Sirsi Symphony

MS Office Suite

Job description

Position Overview

Division: Customer Experience

Reporting Location: Neighborhood Library

Workdays & Hours: Monday - Sunday, 8:00am - 8:00pm (varies)

• Subject to change

Description Of Duties/Essential Functions

Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking an energetic, flexible, team-oriented person with a passion for customer service to work as a Librarian II Assistant Manager in Neighborhood Libraries. Under the leadership of the library manager, the Librarian II will be responsible for providing leadership for assigned staff. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, deliver outstanding customer service, and exhibit a genuine interest in engaging with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

• Leading and supervising assigned staff including providing timely and objective feedback of performance and fostering the learning and development of staff.
• Providing and modeling exceptional public service and making the library a welcoming space for all.
• Overseeing programs and library services for all ages.
• Taking initiative to creatively solve problems and possessing sound decision-making skills.
• Having a strong working knowledge of Microsoft software, electronic devices, and other technologies.
• Interacting with customers at the customer service desk to find information and library materials.
• Liaising with the community through outreach and developing partnerships with local community organizations.
• Performing collection development and maintenance.
• Serving as the Assistant Manager and as the person in charge for the location or grouping in the absence of the manager.
• Requires evenings and weekends (Saturday and Sundays) 8am-8:15pm shift work on a rotating basis.
• Other duties as assigned.

About Us

The Houston Public Library’s mission—Linking YOU to the World—guides our vision to be Houston’s most trusted source of information. We are dedicated to fostering a connected and informed community, where all Houstonians have equitable access to resources and innovative tools that empower them to thrive in a global society. From early literacy to career development and lifelong enrichment, we are proud to support lifelong learning at every stage of life. We are more than just a place for books; we are a hub for community connection, where Houstonians come together to engage, collaborate, and build a sense of belonging.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires stooping and bending; lifting of library materials up to 20 pounds. Must be able to move freely throughout the library to file/retrieve library materials. Must be able to effectively communicate orally and in writing.

Minimum Requirements

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

• Requires a Master of Library Science degree from a school accredited by American Library Association (ALA) and one (1) year of library experience.
• OR
• Requires a Bachelor’s degree plus 18 hours toward a Master of Library Science degree from a school accredited by ALA and two (2) years of library experience. A Master of Library Science degree must be completed within two (2) years from being hired into this classification.

License Requirements

A valid driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).

PREFERENCES

• Bilingual skills (Spanish/English) preferred
• Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.**
• Experience in personnel management and supervision.
• Ability to plan and organize work and skilled at prioritization.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with others.
• Experience working with people of diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Ability to motivate, develop, train, and direct staff in a collaborative team environment.
• Knowledge of current versions of MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, OneDrive and Outlook), Sirsi Symphony.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Selection / Skills Tests Required: Department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION: Yes

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

PAY GRADE

21

EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.