The City of Port Townsend is recruiting for one Library Assistant to work fulltime at the Port Townsend Public Library.

Must be able to work weekend and evening hours. 

 

JOB SUMMARY

Under general supervision, while providing excellent customer service, performs a wide range of circulation and customer service-related functions. Typical duties include staffing the circulation desk, checking out/in various library materials, issuing library cards, assessing or adjusting fines, maintaining patron accounts, preparing money transmittal reports, processing periodicals, processing of the courier and bookdrops, library courier, mending and processing library materials and providing direct assistance to patrons.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Perform all activities associated with the circulation function of the City of Port Townsend Public Library (PTPL) including: all transactions pertaining to the Integrated Library System (ILS), money transmittal and circulation reporting, administering PTPL policies, procedures and services, providing excellent and welcoming customer service in person, online, and over the telephone, assessing and/or adjusting fines and fees for damages, late returns, lost materials and other issues.
• Respond to patron requests for information and direction, referring to other qualified staff as appropriate. Assist patrons with basic reference information. Assist patrons in accessing computer programs such as email and using the Internet. Assist with current and emerging library technology. Respectfully respond to patron complaints or concerns within established guidelines.
• Assist in promoting PTPL programs, information, services and materials.
• May plan, implement, and lead certain programs under a librarian's guidance.
• Assist with periodicals processing, design of displays and other library promotional and informational materials.
• Perform basic Paging responsibilities as needed, such as shelving, processing of the courier and bookdrop.
• Assist with library courier by transporting library materials between the Jefferson County Library, Port Townsend School District, City Hall, Northwest Maritime Center, library book returns and delivering library materials to homebound patrons through the Books on Wheels program.
• Assist with collection maintenance (under supervision), mending of books, periodicals, media and other materials, as needed.
• Provide oversight for library operations in the absence of the Library Managers.
• Prepare the library for opening and securing the library at closing.
• May on occasion assist with training, programming and scheduling of staff.
• Maintain a clean, welcoming and safe library environment.
• Support volunteers as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with diverse groups of people.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances, such as shifting priorities, unexpected challenges, or variations in the workload, while maintaining composure and effectiveness.
• Ability to maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with co-workers, peers, management, volunteers, elected officials, and patrons.
• Ability to effectively and efficiently communicate with team members, managers, the general public, and other departments, both verbally and in writing, using tact, patience and courtesy to convey instructions, provide feedback, receive feedback, and resolve issues.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Ability to provide excellent, efficient customer service to all patrons, staff and volunteers, in a fast-paced public environment.
• Ability to work independently with limited direction or supervision.
• Ability to handle money, give correct change and prepare money transmittal reports required for the cash register.
• Ability to sort and file alphanumerically and to perform basic mathematical computations, including ability to navigate the Dewey Decimal System.
• Ability to perform financial procedures using the ILS system and cash register.
• Ability to access and utilize staff Intranet resources.
• Ability to follow detailed written or verbal procedural instructions accurately, with willingness to seek clarification.
• Ability to acquire and effectively implement knowledge of PTPL and the City of Port Townsend's policies and procedures and to use independent judgment to resolve circulation and patron problems within established guidelines.
• Ability to work a schedule that may change periodically, including evenings and weekends. Willingness to being flexible to meet the needs of PTPL.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Any combination of education and experience equivalent to graduation from high school or GED plus one year experience in a service-oriented environment required.
• Possess a Washington Driver's License and maintain a driving record acceptable to the City's insurance carrier.

LIBRARY EXPECTATIONS

Listed below are shared expectations of all library employees:

• Provide excellent customer service for patrons and co-workers
• Acknowledge and support of City of Port Townsend's Public Library's principles of intellectual freedom
• Knowledge and support of City of Port Townsend's Public Library's policies and procedures
• Ability to work effectively within a team
• Ability to adapt to rapidly changing information, technology, work procedures and Library services
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in dealing with patron and/or employee records

WORKING CONDITIONS

While performing the duties of this job, the incumbent is required to:

• (Continuous) seeing, talking, hearing, grasping, handling and manual dexterity.
• (Frequent) walking, reaching, bending, standing, sitting, twisting, squatting, keyboarding and repetitive motion of hands/wrists.
• (Occasional) climbing, kneeling, crouching, stooping, crawling and balancing.
• Must be able to sort, unpack, lift and maneuver up to 30 pounds regularly and, occasionally, in excess of 30 pounds.
• Regularly requires the ability to push, pull and maneuver a loaded book cart (20 pounds of push/pull force) on a frequent basis over an extended period of time.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION

Base pay range for Library Assistant: $22.14-24.85

Total pay range for Library Assistant including maximum potential longevity: $22.14-27.83

This position may be eligible for the additional compensation listed below. Details can be found in the Collective Bargaining Agreement:

• Longevity pay on a graduated schedule starting at 2% after 5 years, up to 12% after 25 years
• Overtime pay or compensatory time
• Premium pay or compensatory time
• Jury duty pay at regular rate during service
• Call-back pay

BENEFITS

• WA State PERS retirement and optional 457 Deferred Comp
• Teamsters pension *
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance through WA Teamsters Welfare Trust Fund *
• Time loss/short-term disability insurance
• Life & AD&D insurance
• Sick leave (earns 1 day per month)
• May be eligible for sick leave conversion annually
• Vacation (graduated accrual schedule starts at 8 hours per month)
• 12 paid holidays
• Eligible for up to 3 floating holidays based on years of service
• Up to 5 days of bereavement leave, if applicable
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

* Teamsters initiation fee is $100 and monthly dues are 2.25 of hourly wage x the base hourly rate rounded to the nearest dollar.

 

The City of Port Townsend is an equal employment opportunity employer. The City employs, retains, promotes, disciplines and otherwise treats all employees and job applicants strictly on the basis of job-related qualifications and competence. These policies and all employment practices shall be applied without regard to any individual's sex, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sexual orientation (including gender identity), pregnancy, age, marital status, military status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.

This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties to be performed. The employee occupying the position will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job related duties requested by their supervisors. All employees must comply with all City policies and procedures relevant to their position as a condition of City employment

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the City and the employee and is subject to change as the needs of the City and requirements of the job change.