ASSISTANT CITY LIBRARIAN in Torrance, California at City of Torrance

WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
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The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.

The City of Torrance invites your interest in the position of Assistant City Librarian!

Monthly Salary Range

$9,958 (Minimum) - $13,198 (Reference) - $15,180 (Maximum)
Appointment to the position is made between the minimum and reference point depending on qualifications.

The Department

The mission of the Community Services Department is to enrich the community through the provision of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for persons of all abilities. The goals of the Department are to provide stewardship of the City’s public open space including parks; to provide materials and services in a variety of formats that satisfy the educational, information, recreational, and cultural needs of our diverse community supporting lifelong independent learning; and to serve as a center for community information, services and activities in easily accessible locations throughout the community. A philosophy of community and customer services continues to provide the focus for our efforts. The Community Services Department offers Torrance residents the unique opportunity to help achieve a sense of purpose, identity, self-worth, and improved self-esteem within the specialized areas of Cultural Arts, Library, Parks, and Recreation. The Department has five divisions: Library, Administrative, Cultural, Recreation, and Parks. The Community Services Department is a diverse organization ranging from maintenance of parks facilities and grounds, development of open space, recreational programming, continuous public education in library services, and cultural services with unique features such as a local museum.

The Division
The Torrance Public Library provides outstanding services, exceptional resources, and accessible spaces to support an independent, literate, and informed community.

The Library Services Division dedicates itself to providing a diverse range of educational resources that reflect community needs. It remains committed to offering materials, programs, and services that respond to the interests and priorities of the community. The Library Commission, along with various community groups, also plays an important role in representing and advocating for the interests of neighborhood libraries.

The Position

The Assistant City Librarian serves as a key member of the Library’s leadership team, reporting directly to the City Librarian and overseeing a team of up to five staff. This position is responsible for strategic program management, budget oversight, daily operations, staff supervision and development, and fostering positive employee relations, while also serving as a liaison to the community.

Assistant City Librarians support the Library Services Division’s mission to deliver responsive, high-quality educational resources and programs aligned with community needs. Working collaboratively with the City Librarian and other leadership staff, they help implement the Library’s strategic plan and ensure exceptional patron services across all service areas. The role requires flexibility to function in either Public Services or Operations and to act on behalf of the City Librarian when needed.

In the Operations area, responsibilities include oversight of technology systems and automation, digital services and web management, collection development, technical and circulation services, facilities and safety management, emergency preparedness, and budget administration. In Public Services, the role focuses on branch supervision, adult and youth programming, community outreach, partnerships with community groups and commissions, grant-supported services, and volunteer coordination.

Overall, the Assistant City Librarian plays a critical role in advancing library services, strengthening community connections, and ensuring efficient, innovative, and customer-focused operations.

For more information about the duties of the position, click here.

The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives!

Education and Experience

Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities would be:

Four years of professional library experience, including at least two years of experience supervising professional library staff; and a Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science degree from an ALA accredited college or university.

License and/or Certificates

Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.


A successful candidate is an inspiring team-builder with steadfast integrity who possesses an adaptable management style. They demonstrate high self-awareness and effectiveness in managing workplace relationships and are talented at mentoring and developing staff with current public library trends and forecasts. They are experienced in employee relations, knowledgeable in public library operations, and resourceful when seeking and managing library funding. Additionally, they exhibit effective written and oral communication skills, outstanding interpersonal skills, strong customer service orientation, and they recognize the need for political sensitivity. Most importantly, the successful candidate has the ability to work with shifting organizational priorities.

Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance.

Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.

As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.

The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.