Salary : $80,094.77 - $98,571.20 Annually
Location : Berkeley, CA
Job Type: Career
Job Number: 2026-08-5002
Department: Library
Division: Circulation
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

JOB OPPORTUNITY

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 branch.

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:
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

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.
APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications must be received by Monday, August 24, 2026 at 5:00 pm PT and 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 Please allow 10 days for the production of the material in an alternative format.
EXAM PROCESS
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 at the time of application.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT PROCESS

Candidates under final consideration for employment with the City will undergo an employment background check that may include, but is not limited to: confirmation of employment history, educational credentials and degrees, certificates, registrations, and licenses including driver's license; credit check; criminal history check; and Live Scan fingerprinting.

DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All City employees are required to provide services as Disaster Service Workers in the event of an emergency/disaster.
Benefited employees receive a myriad of financial and other , including CalPERS pension and other retirement plans, medical and dental coverage, tuition reimbursement, paid time off and more.

Benefit-eligible employees include those with a regular work schedule of at least 20 hours per week. Employees working less than 30 hours per week may receive pro-rated benefits.

Retirement
CalPERS
City employees are included in the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS). The retirement formula is either 2% at age 62 (PEPRA members) or 2.7% at age 55 (Classic members).

Supplemental Retirement Income Plan (SRIP)
The City contributes 6.7% of the first $32,400 of the employee's salary (up to $2,170.80 annually) into a 401(a) account. The City is not a member of Social Security, therefore only the Medicare portion is deducted from employees' salaries.

Deferred Compensation
The City offers voluntary 457 deferred compensation plans with CalPERS or Empower. Employees may contribute up to the IRS maximum on a pre-tax basis.

Medical Plans
Employees can choose coverage under Kaiser HMO or Sutter Health Plan HMO. The City contributes an amount equal to the cost of the Kaiser premium. Employees who have medical coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided medical coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Dental Plan
The City provides group dental benefits through Delta Dental of California. The City contributes up to the family coverage for the plan, which covers 90% of the dental charges up to $2,000 annually per person. Orthodontic benefits are offered at a $2,000 lifetime maximum per person. Employees who have dental coverage under another group plan may choose to waive City-provided dental coverage and receive a monthly stipend.

Vision Plan
The City provides vision benefits through Vision Service Plan. The plan covers 100% for eye exams and lenses every 12 months with $25 copays. The plan also provides an allowance for frames every 24 months.

Life Insurance
The City provides employees with a Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment policy in the amount of $50,000. Employees have the option to purchase additional term life insurance up to a maximum of $300,000.

Sick Leave
Employees earn one day of paid sick leave per month.

Vacation
New employees accrue 80 or 120 hours of vacation annually, depending on classification. Vacation accrual rates increase with additional years of service. See the for details.

Holidays
15 paid holidays and 3 floating holidays annually

Uniform Allowance
Employees in select classifications receive up to $1,400 annually (see )
(SEIU CSU)
01

Do you possess a high school diploma or GED equivalent?

• Yes
• No

02

How many years of library support experience do you have?

• None
• Less than one year
• One year but less than two years
• Two years but less than three years
• Three years or more

03

This position requires that you work weekends, evenings, and irregular shifts. Are you able to work these hours?

• Yes
• No

04

Which location are you interested in working at? Select all that applies.

• Central
• Claremont
• North
• South
• West

05

In 250 words, describe an instance in which you were the mediator in helping two coworkers solve a conflict. What was the conflict about and what steps did you take to defuse the situation?
06

In 250 words, provide examples of when you were in a situation where you had to communicate a process change. How did you communicate with staff about the change and what did you do to ensure that the change was implemented smoothly.
07

In 250 words, what is the value of diversity when putting together a work team? What challenges might it present? What opportunities might it create?
Required Question