Salary : $102,192.00 - $126,156.00 Annually
Location : City of Santa Monica, CA
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 261327-01
Department: Library
Opening Date: 10/12/2026
Closing Date: 10/29/2026 5:30 PM Pacific
Job SummaryThe eligibility list that will be established as a result of this recruitment will be used to fill both bilingual and non-bilingual vacancies that occur during the life of the eligibility list. The current vacancy in the Library Department is for a full-time bilingual (English/Spanish) position in the Branch and Neighborhood Services Division. Only those candidates who are identified as bilingual (English/Spanish) will be referred to this position.
DEFINITIONPlans, organizes, and implements the day-to-day operations and specialized programs for adult and neighborhood services in the Library system.
SUPERVISION Works under the administrative supervision of a Principal Librarian who outlines work, monitors work in progress, and reviews completed work. Exercises general or immediate supervision over professional, paraprofessional, technical, and clerical support staff.
Representative DutiesOversees the day-to-day in-person and virtual operations of adult and neighborhood services for the Library system, including coordination of programs, collections, and services; daily operations of library branches; communication with the public; and delivery of customer service.
Selects, schedules, trains, reviews, and evaluates the work of staff, including librarians, paraprofessional, clerical, and volunteers, engaged in providing adult and neighborhood services system-wide.
Prepares, administers, and monitors the budget for the adult and neighborhood services activities of the Library. Allocates funds and monitors expenditures.
Addresses the needs of the community by planning and engaging in decision-making activities pertaining to library operations and priorities.
Implements and evaluates system-wide adult and neighborhood programming through community engagement and partnerships. Sets goals and priorities for adult and neighborhood services.
Identifies, prepares, implements, and oversees grant requests and other funding sources related to adult and neighborhood services, collections, or programs.
Performs neighborhood outreach and collaborates with community partners to implement system-wide adult and neighborhood programming.
Analyzes data, surveys, and outcomes; maintains records; and prepares a variety of statistical and analytical reports.
Attends and participates in a variety of internal and external meetings, including professional library organizations. Makes public presentations and represents the Library on committees and at various professional meetings on a City, local, and regional level.
Provides input and recommendations on the acquisition and development of adult collections and materials.
Keeps abreast of developments and trends in library services, collection development, programming, technology and related areas. Makes recommendations for changes.
Responds to various inquiries and complaints from the public. Interprets and explains library policies and procedures to staff and patrons.
Assume the duties of the Principal Librarian in his or her absence.
Performs other duties as assigned.
RequirementsKnowledge of: Principles, practices, and procedures of public librarianship
Principles of budget development and management
Principles and methods of conducting research
Principles and practices of supervision, mentorship, leadership, and training
Principles of customer service
Principles of developing and maintaining a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment
Communication techniques and practices
Principles of programming, readers' advisory, reference, collection development, and management
Ability to: Select, coach, mentor, and evaluate employees
Plan, supervise, and coordinate branch operations
Coordinate adult programming and senior services, oversee branch facility usage, and performs community outreach
Develop and conduct staff training programs system-wide
Develop, learn, and implement new procedures and technology
Cultivate partnerships and collaboration opportunities with community organizations and other agencies in order to carry out the Library's mission and vision
Analyze and solve technical problems, including recommending practical solutions
Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
Work with individuals and groups of varying levels of technical expertise
Work with persons from diverse social, cultural, and economic backgrounds as well as a variety of work styles, personalities, and approaches
Facilitate and de-escalate difficult or challenging conversations and behaviors
Generate, coordinate, and analyze reports, statistics, data, and program outcomes
Prepare written reports and training manuals
Performs community outreach and presentations to neighborhood associations or other community groups
Delegate work, set priorities and meet deadlines in a demanding environment with constantly shifting priorities
Provide effective customer service
Establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with City
employees, community, neighborhood associations, vendors, contractors and the general public
REQUIREMENTSMinimum Qualifications:Education: Graduation from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university with a master's degree in library science .
Experience: Four years of paid and progressively responsible work experience as a professional librarian. Experience must include planning and developing programs for adults and older adults including conducting outreach and program coordination. At least two of the four years must have included supervising or coordinating the work of others.
License and certificates:Possession of or the ability to obtain and maintain a valid Class C driver license or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
Desirable Qualifications: Bilingual skills are desirable.
WORKING CONDITIONS Work is regularly performed inside within the environment of the library with some off-site assignments. Incumbent in this position will be required to work evenings and weekends and may be required to work irregular hours and/or report to off-site locations. This position requires frequent sitting, standing, walking, reaching, bending, stepping up on a step stool, shelving, and occasionally lifting of light equipment or library material.
Supplemental Information HOW TO APPLY: All applicants must submit an online City application and required supplemental questions to be considered for this position.
Please note, applications may be rejected if incomplete. Résumés, CVs and cover letters are not reviewed as part of the application screening process and should not be submitted.NOTE: You must submit a copy of your college diploma/transcript with your application. Applicants who indicated receipt of degree from a foreign institution must provide United States degree and credential equivalency verification along with a copy of your college diploma/transcript. All materials must be received in the Human Resources Department no later than close of business on the application closing date. Failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified. You must upload and attach a scanned copy of your transcripts or diploma to your on-line application.
SELECTION PROCESS: All applicants must submit clear, concise and complete information regarding their qualifications for the position. All applicants will be reviewed and only those candidates determined to be most qualified on the basis of experience and education, as submitted, will be invited to participate further in the selection process. Testing may consist of the following:
Training & Experience Evaluation - Qualifying
Oral InterviewNOTE: If three or more qualified City employees apply and pass the examination, a promotional list will be established in addition to an open-competitive list. If fewer than three qualified City employees pass the examination, the appointing authority, in accordance with the City's civil service rules and regulations, can decline to use a promotional list, in which case a promotional list will not be established for this position.
01
The Librarian III - Adult and Neighborhood Services position requires a master's degree in Library Science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited college or university. Do you meet this requirement?
(NOTE: If you answered yes, you must submit a copy of your transcripts or diploma in the attachment section of your application. If your degree was earned from an institution outside the United States, you must also provide U.S. degree and credential equivalency verification along with your diploma or transcripts. Failure to provide the required documentation will result in disqualification of your application.)
02
Describe your work experience planning and developing programs for adults and older adults including conducting outreach and program. If you have no such experience, type N/A.
03
Describe your supervisory experience and/or manager experience with staff. In your response, include the types and number of staff you supervised or managed. Please provide a specific example of how you supported staff development, performance, or team culture, and explain how you ensured accountability and alignment with organizational goals. If you have no such experience, type N/A.
04
Describe a library program or initiative that you developed or led. In your response, explain the community need or issue you aimed to address, your role in planning, outreach, and implementation, any partnerships or collaborations involved, and how you evaluated success and what results or outcomes were achieved. If you have no such experience, type N/A.
05
Are you bilingual in Spanish?(Certification to a bilingual position shall require proof of proficiency)
06
Are you bilingual in any other language(s)? If so, please indicate the language(s) below. If you are not bilingual in any other language(s), please type N/A. (Certification to a bilingual position shall require proof of proficiency)
Required Question
