Library Associate II

Responsibilities

Provide circulation and lending services to patrons, including checking materials in and out, renewing, reserving, collecting fees, issuing library cards, and resolving patron account issues. Apply library circulation policies and procedures and provide directions or information to patrons regarding library materials, equipment, and resources.

Assist with flow and organization of library materials, sorting, filing, shelving, routing books and other materials, lifting and transporting materials using carts and hand trucks, and using automated systems to locate and retrieve materials.

Enforce the Library’s policies and procedures, ensuring a safe and welcoming environment and applying the Community Use Agreement from a de‑escalation framework.

Perform support duties such as gathering information or data, maintaining records and files, compiling statistics, and assisting with projects such as processing damaged materials, updating records, or developing reports. Assist with shelving and sorting materials when needed.

A high‑school diploma or a Graduate Equivalency Degree (GED) is required.

• Minimum of two years of customer‑service experience with the general public, demonstrating ability to apply customer‑service standards to complex customer issues. Previous library experience preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to respond accurately to patron communication in person and on the telephone and to provide clear directional assistance. Proficiency in English, both spoken and written.
• Experience using personal computers and office equipment: operating point‑of‑sale/service terminal, Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, Word), internet browsers, online catalogs, fax machines, photocopiers, printers, cash registers.
• Strong organizational skills: ability to sort books and materials alphabetically and numerically, learn library filing schemes such as the Dewey Decimal system, and maintain electronic information in shared network files.
• Physical ability to bend, stretch, stoop, and lift bins up to 40 pounds and push wheeled book carts weighing up to 200 pounds, including releasing hand brakes.
• Flexibility to adjust work hours and locations and the ability to work with others as part of a team on projects.

• Experience working with racially, culturally, and economically diverse communities.
• Experience interacting with immigrant families, new English speakers, housing‑insecured populations, or individuals with addiction or mental illness.
• Experience working with children, families, teens and/or young adults.
• Language proficiency in Amharic, Chinese, Oromo, Somali, Spanish, Tigrinya, or Vietnamese; fluency in American Sign Language.
• Familiarity with de‑escalation techniques for challenging behaviors and demonstrated use of those skills.
• Experience with merchandise handling and inventory tracking.

Salary range: $29.39 – $35.72 per hour.

Full benefits package provided by the City of Seattle, including vacation, holiday, and sick leave; medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance for employees and dependents. Retirement plans available.

Applications must include all required items; incomplete submissions will not be considered. Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. The most competitive candidates will be invited to one or more interviews.

Questions about this bulletin or employment may be directed to job.applications. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion. Accommodations are available during the selection process. Job offers are contingent on criminal‑history review and verification of information.