Library Specialist

City of Mission Viejo Invites Applications for

LIBRARY SPECIALIST 

$21.48 - $34.43 per hour

APPLY BY: 3:00 P.M., FRIDAY, JULY 31, 2026

SEARCH SCHEDULE: Online applications must be completed & submitted no later than 3:00 p.m. on the filing deadline. NeoGov will reject all applications started prior to 3:00 p.m., but not submitted by 3:00 p.m. No exceptions will be made to the closing deadline. Please plan accordingly.

In-person interviews are tentatively scheduled for some time during the week of August 10, 2026.  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. The eligibility list established for this current recruitment may be used to fill future Library Specialist vacancies.

The Position

The City of Mission Viejo seeks qualified candidates to serve as our next part-time Library Specialist to provide excellent customer service to library patrons. Candidates will advise and assist library customers in making the most effective use of library services including accessing and retrieving information using traditional & online library resources and using technology such as wifi printing, downloadable books; assist patrons in public service areas, such as public service desks, public computer terminals, and Public Access Catalog terminals; and assist with public outreach events.

There are two (2) vacancies to work at the Mission Viejo Library.  Position 1 schedule: Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  Position 2 schedule: Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.; and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. The schedule may change to cover absences of coworkers and for department programming needs. The actual work schedule will be based on the needs of the City for the particular work week.  The City of Mission Viejo Library is typically open to the public: Monday through Thursday, 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  

Library Specialists are considered at-will Hourly, Seasonal, and/or Temporary variable hour employees, and are not a part of the competitive service.  Incumbents will work a flexible schedule, with an average of 12 to 19 hours per week, with increased scheduling during peak workload periods, but less than 1,000 hours during the assignment through the fiscal year starting July 1st and ending June 30th. This is an FLSA non-exempt position and is entitled to overtime if an employee works more than forty (40) hours per week. 

Your impact

1. Promote positive relationships with the public, management team, fellow staff members, and volunteers. 
2. Provide the highest of standards of customer service, information, and communication to the public while upholding the Library’s policies. 
3. Promote library programs and materials and get the public excited about the abundance of resources at the library.
4. Instruct the public how to use library technology and access resources in order to get the most out of their library experience.
5. Provide on-demand reference assistance while providing outstanding customer service.
6. Promote and encourage literacy among the community of Mission Viejo.
7. Promote and advocate digital and computer literacy.
8. Engage the public through educational and recreational programming.
9. Inspire young readers to become lifelong library users by sharing popular reading recommendations.
10. Provide resources to underserved populations in Mission Viejo by referring them to local agencies to ensure that all members of the community are seen and given the help they need.

Applicants are encouraged to review the entire Library Specialist job description by visiting the City’s website at https://cityofmissionviejo.org.  There you will discover detailed information about the responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for this role and all the varying assignments in which this position can be assigned.

Your Team

The members of the Mission Viejo Library & Cultural Services Department are passionate and dedicated to enriching the lives of their community through books, 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 reducing barriers and welcoming all members of our community to engage in lifelong learning, literacy, and artistic endeavors.

IDEAL CANDIDATE 

• Has excellent customer service skills and works well with the public, including children and teens;
• Has experience assisting with public programming and events;
• Is attentive to detail and works accurately and efficiently with minimal supervision;
• Prioritizes work and manages time and resources effectively;
• Has working knowledge of computer applications such Word, Excel, Outlook, SirsiDynix Symphony or other ILS software with the ability to learn new programs; and 
• Has good oral and written communication skills.

• Applications of automated library circulation system.
• 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.
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.
• Safe driving principles and practices.
• Safe work practices.

• 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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Equivalent to the completion of twelfth (12th) grade supplemented with college coursework in Library Technology, Social Science, Humanities, Liberal Arts, Business, Graphics or a related field, and three (3) years of clerical library experience.