Librarian II

Contra Costa County’s Library Department is seeking qualified candidates to fill vacancies for the Librarian II classification. We offer a monthly salary differential of $200 to employees in assignments that require bilingual proficiency.

The Contra Costa County Library is a dynamic system of nearly 400 dedicated employees, including multilingual staff who make up 15% of the workforce. Together, they serve 26 diverse communities across the county. 

Each year, the Library welcomes more than 2.4 million visitors and circulates approximately 4.8 million items. 

The Library’s Strategic Plan guides its commitment to fostering personal and community engagement through literacy and reading. This plan shapes the Library’s priorities, ensuring it delivers essential services and resources in safe and welcoming spaces. The Library is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and is actively working to advance anti-racist practices within the organization. 

As a County Department, the Library works to ensure every resident can learn, grow, and thrive in strong, inclusive communities. 

We are looking for someone who is:

• A responsive communicator and collaborator
• Creative and adaptable in their work
• Positive in their attitude with a strong orientation towards customer service
• Motivated in group problem solving situations
• Inspiring and inspires the trust of others
• Supportive of the Library’s efforts to provide equitable service to its patrons
• Able to thrive in an ever-changing environment

What you will typically be responsible for:

• Conducting reference searches using a variety of database online and other search techniques
• Providing general reference and reader’s advisory services to the public
• Suggesting the addition and deletion of books, reference materials, audio, and video, electronic media and other library materials
• Recommending policy and procedure revisions to improve patron service and efficiency
• Conducting story time, outreach, and on-site programs for various age groups
• Analyzing use patterns and assessing community needs, developing action plans to improve marketing of library materials
• Representing the Library in meetings with the community or special interest groups
• Training of other paraprofessional and or clerical support staff

A few reasons you might love this job:

• You will have continuous learning opportunities and ongoing training
• You will have career growth and upward mobility within the department
• You will work in a supportive and respectful working environment that values work-life balance

A few challenges you might face in this job:

• You will be faced with evening and shift work according to established or flexible schedules
• You will be required to be available to travel to various branches or outlets throughout the County
• You will be required to adapt to ever-changing technology

Competencies Required: 

• Critical Thinking: Analytically and logically evaluating information, propositions, and claims  
• Decision Making: Choosing optimal courses of action in a timely manner
• Using Technology: Working with electronic hardware and software applications
• Action & Results Focused (Taking Initiative): Initiating tasks and focusing on accomplishment  
• Adaptability: Responding positively to change and modifying behavior as the situation requires
• Attention to Detail: Focusing on the details of work content, work steps, and final work products   
• Handling Stress: Maintaining emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, or adversity
• Innovation: Imagining and devising new and better ways of doing things  
• Professional Integrity & Ethics: Displaying honesty, adherence to principles, and personal accountability
• Oral Communication: Engaging effectively in dialogue
• Presentation Skill: Formally delivering information to groups  
• Writing: Communicating effectively in writing  
• Building & Maintaining Relationships: Establishing rapport and maintaining mutually productive relationships
• Customer Focus: Attending to the needs and expectations of customers  
• Teamwork: Collaborating with others to achieve shared goals
• Valuing Diversity: Appreciating the benefits of varied backgrounds and cultures in the workplace  

Desirable Qualifications:

• A passion for serving the public
• Experience in training development and/or training delivery roles, public speaking
• Experience with grant writing and knowledge of grant administration
• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or a Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) is highly desirable

To read the complete job description, please visit the website, www.cccounty.us/hr. The eligible list established from this recruitment may remain in effect for 6 months.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Possession of a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) or a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from a school of librarianship accredited by the American Library Association (ALA).
 
Experience: Two (2) years of full-time, or its equivalent, experience in a customer-oriented environment, at least one of which must have included public contact work within a library.
 
Substitution for Education: Two (2) additional years of full-time, or its equivalent, experience as a Librarian I with Contra Costa County, or in a related position performing similar duties, AND possession of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for the required Master’s degree.
 
Other Requirements: Some positions may require candidates to possess and maintain throughout the duration of employment a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License.

Selection Process

 

1. Application Filing: All applicants must apply online at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/contracosta and submit the information as indicated on the job announcement by the final filing date.
2. Application Evaluation: Depending on the number of applications received, an Application Evaluation Board may be convened to evaluate and select the best-qualified candidates for invitation to the next phase of the examination.
3. Online Skills Assessment: Candidates invited to take the online skills assessment will need access to a computer and internet.  Test items may consist of the following assessment categories: Attention to Detail, Customer Focus, Strategic Thinking, Analyzing & Interpreting Data, Teamwork, Professional Integrity & Ethics, and Building & Maintaining Relationships.  Tentatively scheduled for November 6th – 10th, 2025. (Weighted 100%)
   
   If you apply for another recruitment that uses this exam and the test is scheduled within 6 months of the date you took the test this time, you will not have the option to re-take the exam.  

The Human Resources Department may change the examination steps noted above in accordance with the Personnel Management Regulations and accepted selection practices.

 

CONVICTION HISTORY

After you receive a conditional job offer, you will be fingerprinted, and your fingerprints will be sent to the California Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The resulting report of your conviction history (if any) will be used to determine whether the nature of your conviction conflicts with the specific duties and responsibilities of the job for which you have received a conditional job offer. If a conflict exists, you will be asked to present any evidence of rehabilitation that may mitigate the conflict, except when federal or state regulations bar employment in specific circumstances. Having a conviction history does not automatically preclude you from a job with Contra Costa County. If you accept a conditional job offer, the Human Resources department will contact you to schedule a fingerprinting appointment.

 DISASTER SERVICE WORKER

All Contra Costa County employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law. Employment with the County requires the affirmation of a loyalty oath to this effect. Employees are required to complete all Disaster Service Worker-related training as assigned, and to return to work as ordered in the event of an emergency.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

 It is the policy of Contra Costa County to consider all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender, gender identify, gender expression, marital status, ancestry, medical condition, genetic information, military or veteran status, or other protected category under the law.