Supervising Library Assistant

City of Berkeley, CA; Berkeley (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 84,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Berkeley invites applications for Supervising Library Assistant in Circulation Services at the Central Library. Lead Library Assistants and Aides, deliver exceptional customer service to Berkeley’s diverse community, and collaborate with library leaders to improve services and programs.

Ideal candidates will bring supervisory experience, strong communication, time management, and problem-solving skills, plus a commitment to inclusion and teamwork.

Qualifications

• Equivalent to graduation from high school and three years of library support experience, or three years at a level equivalent to Library Assistant I or higher.
• Willingness to work evenings and weekends.
• Lead or supervisory experience is desirable, with coursework in supervision principles and library-related subjects preferred.
• A valid California driver’s license is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Library Assistants and Library Aides in Circulation Services at the Central Library.
• Provide excellent customer service to diverse community members of Berkeley.
• Collaborate with library leadership to enhance library services and programs.
• Foster a welcoming, safe library environment and demonstrate sound judgment under pressure.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Leadership

Customer service orientation

Communication skills

Time management

Problem solving

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Some college coursework in library-related subjects (desirable)

Job description

The City of Berkeley invites you to apply for the position of Supervising Library Assistant with the Berkeley Public Library! As a Supervising Library Assistant, you will play a crucial role in leading positive changes. You will guide a team of Library Assistants and Library Aides, provide excellent customer service to the diverse community members of Berkeley, and work with other leaders to enhance our library services. The current vacancy is in Circulation Services at the Central Library.

We value diversity, equity, and inclusion in our workplace and community service.

We hope to find individuals who share these values.

You will succeed in this role if you have attention to detail and good time management skills, the ability to handle many tasks at once while maintaining a positive attitude, strong communication skills including listening and understanding, the ability to solve problems calmly and respectfully in challenging situations, and sound judgment and the ability to think clearly under pressure.

A variety of experiences makes our library a better place for everyone. Please contact us if you are creative, enjoy helping others grow, and are committed to teamwork. You should take pride in offering excellent customer service and be dedicated to creating a welcoming and safe library environment for all. Strong leaders who can inspire their team, provide the right tools and support, and celebrate accomplishments are encouraged to apply. See the full job class specification here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/berkeley/classspecs/105188

A typical way of gaining the knowledge, skills, and abilities for this position is equivalent to graduation from high school and three (3) years of library support experience, or 3 years of experience at a level equivalent to Library Assistant I or higher in the Berkeley Public Library system. Must be able to work evenings and weekends.

In addition to the qualifications above, the ideal candidate will demonstrate lead or supervisory experience, coursework in the principles of effective supervision, and some college-level coursework or advanced training in library-related subjects is desirable. A valid California driver's license is desirable.

Applications must be received by Monday, August 24, 2026at 5:00 pm PTand must include a completed application and resume. Please note that resumes are not a substitute for a completed application. Applications are available in alternative formats (audio-format, braille, large print, electronic text, etc.) upon request to [e-mail]. Please allow 10 days for the production of the material in an alternative format.

The exam process will include, but may not be limited to:

• Application Review for minimum qualifications and required documents
• Review of Supplemental Questionnaire
• Oral Board Exam (Tentatively schedule the week of September 14)

The test may consist of any combination of written, oral, or other exercises or assessment procedures that test content and may include but are not necessarily limited to, typing, math, reading, writing, and analytical skills; problem-solving ability; computer software proficiency, or any other job-related knowledge, skill, ability or qualification. The examination process and dates are subject to change. The City may, without notice, change or eliminate any assessment comment as needs dictate. Applicants passing all examination phases will have their names placed on an employment-eligible list that hiring departments will use to conduct final selection interviews.

Reasonable Accommodations: The City is committed to making reasonable accommodations in the examination process and the work environment. individuals requesting reasonable accommodations in the examination process must submit a request in writing to [e-mail] at the time of application.