Senior Substitute (Intermittent)

City of Cambridge; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 34,000; Part time

Job summary

City of Cambridge is seeking Senior Substitutes to provide reliable coverage across Main Library and branches, delivering high-quality customer service and assisting patrons with library resources.

The role emphasizes teamwork, adaptability, and strong knowledge of library operations, with responsibilities spanning circulation, shelving, and daily operations in multiple locations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Willingness to be a strong team player and treat colleagues with courtesy and respect.
• Ability to stay calm and professional under pressure.
• Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources.
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately.
• Diversity awareness and ability to interact with people from varied backgrounds.

Responsibilities

• Provide substitute coverage for all departments and branches of the Library.
• Perform circulation tasks: check-outs, check-ins, holds, renewals, fines, and related duties.
• Deliver outstanding customer service to the public and staff.
• Assist patrons in locating books and using library resources; refer to staff as needed.
• Shelve materials and read shelves.
• Process deliveries; move and unload bins; check in items.
• Monitor public areas and enforce library policies.
• Other duties as needed for library operations.

Skills

Team player

Positive attitude

Remain calm under pressure

Public library concepts

Follow instructions

Diversity awareness

Education

High school diploma

Bachelor's coursework desirable

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Reporting to Library Administration, Senior Substitutes provide outstanding customer service to members of the public and support to library staff through shift coverage at the Main Library and all branches.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide substitute coverage for all departments and branches of the Library.
• Perform functions related to circulation: check-outs, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessment and collection, and similar related tasks.
• Provide outstanding and engaging customer service to the public and colleagues.
• Assist patrons in locating books and materials and using library resources, referring them to other staff members as needed.
• Shelve materials and read shelves.
• Process deliveries; move and unload bins and check in items.
• Monitor public areas of the library; communicate and apply library policies and procedures.
• Any other duties required for the good of the library.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience:

• High school diploma or high school equivalency required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability and willingness to be a strong team player and treat colleagues with courtesy and respect
• Ability to exhibit a positive attitude in all situations
• Ability to handle the unexpected and stay calm and professional under pressure
• Working knowledge of basic public library concepts and resources
• Ability to follow oral and written instructions accurately and thoroughly
• The City of Cambridge's workforce, like the community it serves, is diverse. Applicants must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies.

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor's degree or coursework beyond the high school level is desirable.
• Fluency in a language in addition to English and prior library experience is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

The job occurs primarily in library locations. Works in assigned area, including public spaces, office areas, work rooms, and training rooms as needed. May be exposed to moderate to high levels of noise, stress, and frequent interruptions.

SCHEDULE:

This is a substitute position without regular hours. Average of 10 hours per week within the following hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-9, Friday 8:30-6, and Saturday 8:30-5. Shifts and total hours will vary week-to-week based on operational needs. Candidates must be very flexible and able to work at all library locations.