Library Assistant I/II - Bilingual Language Skills Preferred-Bookmobile Driver Services (Extra-Help)

County of San Mateo; California (MO); On-site; USD 41,314 - 54,497; Part time

Job summary

A local government library department is looking for a part-time Extra-Help Library Assistant to support the Bookmobile services in various communities. The role combines customer service with the driving of a specialized library vehicle. Ideal candidates should have excellent customer service skills and a valid California Class B Commercial Driver’s License. Bilingual skills are preferred, and candidates must be available for a flexible work schedule consisting of day, evening, and weekend shifts.

Qualifications

• Effective in communicating with people from a variety of backgrounds.
• Flexibility to work a combination of day, evening, and weekend shifts.

Responsibilities

• Serve customers and provide library services using the Bookmobile.
• Drive and maintain the Bookmobile while ensuring a welcoming experience.
• Engage with the community and promote library programs.

Skills

Excellent customer service practices

Internet and computer skills

Ability to plan and promote library programming

Bilingual language skills (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish)

Education

No specific education required for Library Assistant I

One year of public contact and support experience in a library for Library Assistant II

Tools

California Class B Commercial Driver’s License

Job description

Do you want to be a part of an award-winning team and work with amazing people? Apply for an Extra- Help Library Assistant - Bookmobile Driver Services position with San Mateo County Libraries where together, we build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity.

At San Mateo County Libraries you can make a difference in our communities through outreach. The San Mateo County Libraries Bookmobile brings library services to residents throughout San Mateo County, including unincorporated coastal communities from Montara to Pescadero, and inland locations in La Honda, Skylonda, and Kings Mountain. The Bookmobile visits area schools and communities with a collection that includes materials for children and adults in English and Spanish. The Bookmobile also regularly supports special events, fairs, etc. throughout the County.

San Mateo County Libraries is looking for a driver for our Bookmobile, a 35’ Bluebird bus with seating for one passenger. The driver, along with one other Bookmobile staff, will also offer customer service at all stops, ensuring a welcoming experience for all visitors. Because of the diversity of the communities we serve, bilingual language skills (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish) are preferred. The successful candidate must be available to work a schedule that typically includes a combination of day, evening, and regular weekend shifts. The positions are part-time and extra-help and those hired will generally work between 8 and 18 hours per week.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

We are looking for an enthusiastic, customer service-oriented and flexible Library Assistant who is effective in communicating with people from a variety of backgrounds. Experience working in a library, social services, youth development, education, or early childhood setting is also highly preferred.

• Possess a valid California Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake endorsement. Passenger endorsement a plus.
• Be flexible with a schedule that includes a combination of day, evening and weekend shifts.

In addition, the ideal candidate will have the ability to:

• Seek out opportunities to inspire with friendly customer service and actively provide opportunities for discovery, enrichment, and uplifting the community.
• Contribute innovative ideas for library programs and services in the Bookmobile and throughout SMCL.
• Model exemplary customer service in all interactions—at in‑person programs, outreach events, library card or circulation assistance, and whenever patrons may need help.
• Use independent judgment to interpret and apply library policies and procedures.
• Thrive in a changing environment, initiating conversations and marketing the library to the community, one person at a time.
• Communicate inclusivity and cultural sensitivity and be approachable in verbal, written, and non‑verbal communications.
• Work a required schedule that includes a combination of day, evening, and weekend shifts.

SALARIES

Library Assistant I: $29.99 – $33.51 hourly
Library Assistant II: $31.64 – $39.56 hourly

NOTE

The Bookmobile is based out of library administration in San Mateo and has routes throughout San Mateo County. This is an extra‑help, at‑will assignment, paid on an hourly basis. Extra‑help hours are dependent on the business needs of the department and therefore work hours may vary from week to week. Extra‑help employees shall not exceed 1,040 hours of work per fiscal year. Extra‑help employees are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the assignment. Some extra help positions may be eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. For more information, see: ACA‑Eligible Employees | County of San Mateo, CA.

QUALIFICATIONS

Kind of knowledge, skill, and abilities required for the position:

• Excellent customer service practices.
• Modern library services and functions.
• Internet and computer skills.
• Correct written and oral English usage.
• Basic math.

SKILL/ABILITY TO

• Deal tactfully and effectively with a wide variety of individuals.
• Interpret and apply library procedures and policies.
• Use, and teach patrons to use, a changing variety of technologies.
• Plan, promote, and execute library programming.
• Be flexible in responding to frequent change.
• Direct and instruct volunteers.
• Understand and follow oral and written directions.
• Demonstrate accuracy and attention to detail.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION

Qualified candidates possess any combination of education and experience that would likely provide them with the required knowledge, skills, and ability.

• Library Assistant I: No specific education or experience is required.
• Library Assistant II: One year of public contact and support experience in a library.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess a current Class B Commercial Driver’s License with Air Brake endorsement. Passenger endorsement a plus.
• Must be available to work a schedule that includes a combination of days, evenings, and weekends.

APPLICATION/EXAMINATION

This is an extra‑help assignment. Anyone may apply.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications will be reviewed by supervisors or managers; candidates successful in the application phase may be invited to participate in interviews. Vacancies may be filled at any time and qualified candidates are not automatically guaranteed to advance to the interview round.

Please send an email with your resume and with responses to the Supplemental Questions, to the supervisor below.

• Nicole Cuadra, Library Services Manager at [e-mail]

IMPORTANT

You must submit the following to be considered for this opportunity:

• Resume
• Responses to the Supplemental Questions:
• A valid California Class B Commercial Driver’s License with an Air Brake endorsement is required to drive the Library Bookmobile. A Passenger endorsement is preferred but not required.

Do you currently possess a California Class B Commercial Driver’s License with an Air Brake endorsement? (Yes/No)

Do you also have a Passenger endorsement? (Yes/No)

• If you answered 'Yes' to possessing a California Class B Commercial Driver’s License, please provide the following details:
• License number
• Expiration date
• Describe a time you went above and beyond to provide excellent customer service. What was the effect on the customer?
• Describe your professional driving experience, including relevant positions held.
• Because of the diverse population in San Mateo County, bilingual language skills are preferred. (1) Please list any languages, other than English, in which you are fluent, and (2) if you have had opportunities to utilize your bilingual skills in a work setting, please describe your experience. (If you are not bilingual, please answer "n/a" to this question.)
• This position requires availability for weekday, weekend, and evening shifts. Does your availability align with this requirement? (Yes/No)

CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT

This recruitment is open on a continuous basis and selections may be made at any time within the process. The final filing date will be posted 5 days in advance in the San Mateo County Human Resources Department.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

FINAL FILING DATE

Continuous

ABOUT THE COUNTY