Senior Library Assistant at City of Mission Viejo – Mission Viejo, California

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

Senior Library Assistant

$27.17 - $42.31 per hour

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., THURSDAY, JULY 31, 2025

The City of Mission Viejo is seeking a motivated professional to join our team as a Senior Library Assistant in the Library & Cultural Services Department. This is a “hands-on” working position that will be responsible for performing both routine and complex paraprofessional and technical library work; conducting and participating in the activities of the circulation function; and providing general information and assistance to the public.

Currently, there is one (1) full-time vacancy in the Library & Cultural Services Department assigned to the Mission Viejo Library. This position is scheduled to work: Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Wednesday and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The schedule may vary depending on the needs of the City including potential weekend assignments or special events. This is an FLSA non-exempt position and is entitled to overtime.

The eligibility list established during this recruitment may be used to fill future full-time, part-time or temporary Senior Library Assistant vacancies.

SEARCH SCHEDULE: The first round of Zoom interviews is scheduled for August 11, 2025. Only one date will be available for an applicant to attend. The City will not accommodate applicant scheduling requests for alternate dates. It is recommended that you plan your calendar accordingly when you apply.

Your impact

Senior Library Assistant is the advanced journey-level in the Library Assistant class series and is characterized by a greater degree of decision-making, direct supervisory responsibilities over lower-level classes, and enhanced program management duties. Depending on the area assigned, responsibilities include collection development, readers advisory and reference services, managing and developing special programs and book clubs, scheduling and overseeing library tours, and youth outreach services. Supervisory responsibilities include staff training as well as hiring, planning, assigning, directing and reviewing work of volunteers and lower level employees. This class is distinguished from Librarian in that the latter is a professional-level class and requires a Master’s degree; the Senior Library Assistant works under the oversight and direction of a Senior Librarian or other higher-level supervisor.

When Assigned to All Functions:

• Interprets and applies library policies and procedures for patrons and staff; accesses and retrieves information for library patrons and staff as requested.
• Advises and assists library patrons in the use of library services and tools.
• Performs a wide variety of advanced clerical work including maintaining accurate and detailed records, verifying accuracy of information, researching discrepancies and recording information.
• Composes, types, formats, and proofreads a wide variety of reports, letters, and memoranda.
• Coordinates routine maintenance of library equipment.
• Establishes and maintains effective customer service for library patrons and provides customer service training for staff.
• Manages library support functions.
• May exercise functional and technical supervision over assigned library clerical, part-time, and volunteer personnel.
• May assist in planning, implementing and conducting a variety of library programs and services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

When Assigned to the Circulation Services Function:

• Supervises the day-to-day activities of the circulation division; coordinates and administers the registration of new borrowers, the collection of fines and fees, the assessment of damaged items, and the interpretation and enforcement of library policies and procedures.
• Responds to and resolves inquiries relating to circulation activities.
• Compiles and maintains statistics; posts, files and maintains a variety of records and reports relating to circulation functions, including cash reports.
• Maintains a variety of library support activities including collection agency and passport acceptance functions.
• Provides circulation-related information and services at outreach events.
• As a Senior Library Assistant, directly hires, schedules, supervises, and evaluates the work of lower-level and volunteer staff.
• Assists in circulation activities as needed.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Senior Library Assistant job description by visiting the City’s website at https://cityofmissionviejo.org.

YOUR TEAM

The members of the Mission Viejo Library & Cultural Services Department are passionate and dedicated to enriching the lives of their community through literature, art, resources, and programs. They are looking for someone with the same commitment to service and team spirit to join them.

The Mission Viejo Library serves over 190,000 total cardholders and circulates over 835,000 items annually. Cultural Services hosts hundreds of classes and provides dozens of programs throughout the year. The Department is passionate about welcoming all members of our community to engage in lifelong learning, literacy, and artistic endeavors.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Strong work experience providing confidential and responsible library circulation related assistance requiring the use of independent judgment, tact and discretion;
• Working knowledge of computer applications such as Word, Excel, SirsiDynix and Outlook with the ability to learn new programs;
• Good oral and written communications skills;
• Ability to remain calm in stressful conditions and take charge and oversee the work of others;
• Possess strong and effective customer service skills in-person, orally and in writing when dealing with customers, Passport Agents, Circulation staff, and volunteers;
• Experience in cash handling; collecting fines and fees, counting change, and reconciliation; and
• Ability to train, supervise and evaluate assigned staff

• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Current consumer technology and devices such as smartphones, computers, tablets, etc.
• Applications of integrated library system software.
• Library terminology and practices.
• General principles of public library services and programs.
• Library classification and cataloging, and bibliographic terminology.
• Effective public relations.
• Modern office procedures, methods, and computer equipment.
• Basic principles and practices of data collection and report preparation.
• Principles and procedures of record keeping.
• Principles of business letter writing.
• English usage, spelling, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation.
• General principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area.

• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices.
• Passport processing, rules, and regulations, and all passport services, if assigned as a certified Passport Acceptance Agent.

• Performing varied library work accurately and under minimal supervision.
• Accessing, retrieving, entering, and updating information using a computer workstation.
• Organizing work and managing projects and programs.
• Learning, interpreting and applying Federal, State, and local, administrative and departmental laws, codes, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Scheduling and coordinating projects; setting priorities; adapting to changing priorities.
• Compiling and maintaining a variety of records and files; preparing routine reports.
• Dealing courteously and effectively with the public.
• Supervising, training, and evaluating assigned staff.

• Using English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.

• Using tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with employees and those contacted in the course of the work.
• Operating modern office equipment including computer equipment, copiers, printers, software programs, and cash register.
• Operating a motor vehicle safely.

Education and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade supplemented with college coursework in Library Technology, Social Science, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Business, Graphic Arts or a related field, and four (4) years of experience in library services with a minimum of one (1) year in a lead role. Knowledge of program and collection development experience is highly desirable.

When assigned to the Passport Office, must also meet the strict guidelines set by the National Passport Office to be designated a Passport Acceptance Agent.

License:

A driver’s license is not required, but the employee must be able to arrange for reliable and timely transportation to offsite facilities and public outreach events to complete essential functions.