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Supervising Librarian Northern Branches

County Of Humboldt


Job Location:

Arcata, CA - USA

Hourly Salary: $ 29 - 37
Posted: 4 June 2026 (30+ days ago)
Application Deadline: 1 September 2026
Vacancies: 1 Vacancy
The job posting is outdated and position may be filled

Job Summary

DEFINITION


Supervising Librarian - Northern Branches

The Humboldt County Library has an immediate opening for Supervising Librarian: Northern Branches.The Humboldt County Library is a community focal point. If you are interested in making an impact in an increasingly diverse vibrant community with dynamic and engaging library services this might be the position for you!


What youll do:

Under general direction from the Library Director the Supervising Librarian for the Northern Branches:

  • Develops promotes and presents programs to foster literacy creativity and life-long learning.

  • Serves as an integral part of the library leadership team. Represents the library at community events meetings and other functions.

  • Implements the strategic planning and Priorities of the Northern Humboldt County Library locations.

  • Supervises and coordinates Northern branch staff and volunteers.

  • Actively participates in the public service and community engagement activities of the Northern branches.


Where youll do it:

This position is based in Arcata CA - 500 7th Street Arcata CA 95521.

A typical schedule for this position is Tuesday - Saturday and includes some evenings.


DEFINITION

Under direction plans organizes and directs the operation of a major library section function or a major branch library; performs related work as assigned.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

The Supervising Librarian is the first supervisory level in the professional Librarian series. Incumbents are responsible for planning organizing coordinating and administering activities and staff required to accomplish major system-wide library service programs or functions or the operation of a large branch library. This class is distinguished from Library Division Manager in that the latter is the first management level with major division level administrative responsibilities.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

  • Plans organizes directs and reviews the work of professional paraprofessional and support staff.
  • Participates in developing and implementing goals objectives policies procedures and work standards for assigned area of responsibility function or branch.
  • Participates in the hiring of assigned staff recommending selection for management approval.
  • Evaluates employee performance counsels employees and effectively recommends initial disciplinary action and other personnel decisions.
  • Provides for staff training and professional development.
  • Performs the more complex and specialized tasks in reference or childrens services branch library operation materials acquisition or materials processing and/or cataloguing and classification.
  • Coordinates and provides specialized readers advisory/reference services to patrons and branches including performing bibliographic and on-line data base searches.
  • Directs collection development in assigned areas; reviews evaluates and selects materials for addition to or deletion from the collection.
  • Plans develops and implements specialized services and programs to meet specific group needs.
  • Develops implements and participates in special projects such as library automation facility space planning special file and informational material preparation etc.
  • Participates in and provides input for the annual budget for assigned area of responsibility.
  • Maintains records and prepares correspondence reports and other written materials.
  • Monitors developments in the library services field; recommends equipment acquisition and policy and procedure improvements.
  • Represents the library in the community; participates in professional association activities.
  • Provides for facility upkeep and maintenance; has responsibility for security of assigned facility and/or equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

  • Principles and practices of employee supervision including work planning selection training work evaluation and discipline.
  • Principles and practices of professional library services and administration including service objectives organization and procedures.
  • Theory and philosophy of librarianship.
  • Books authors and reference sources in a variety of fields.
  • Technical library and patron services related to the area to which assigned.
  • Information systems and automation as applied to library activities.
  • Basic budgetary principles and practices.

Skill in:
  • Planning organizing directing and reviewing the work of assigned professional and support staff.
  • Training staff in work procedures.
  • Selecting and recommending varied library materials for patron use.
  • Performing difficult reference research and technical library work.
  • Providing a variety of library services in assigned areas of responsibility.
  • Developing coordinating and implementing library service programs.
  • Analyzing administrative problems evaluating alternatives and recommending effective courses of action.
  • Preparing clear and concise reports correspondence and other written materials.
  • Exercising sound independent judgment within policy guidelines.
  • Establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with a variety of individuals and groups including library staff patrons community groups service providers and County staff.

Other Requirements:
Specified positions may require a valid California drivers license. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends.

Desirable Education and Experience:
A typical way to obtain the knowledge and skills outlined above is:

Equivalent to graduation from a four year college or university possession of a Masters degree in Library Science and three years of experience as a professional librarian.
WORKING CONDITIONS & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

HOW TO APPLY

A complete original application must be filed for each position you are interested in applying for. Applicants must apply online through the Countys automated application system at must be submitted no later than the final filing date and time listed on the job flyer.

It is important that your application shows all the relevant education and experience you possess. Human Resources staff does not consider or review resumes or attachments. Incomplete applications will be rejected.

Please read the job requirements section of the announcement. Be sure you meet these requirements since they will be carefully evaluated during the selection process.

Your performance in any employment examinations will be compared with the performance of others who take the tests. The examination results will be emailed to you as quickly as possible.


SELECTION PROCEDURE

The County utilizes a set of rules to ensure that our hiring processes are fair and equitable. Applications will be screened and those considered qualified will be invited to appear for an oral and/or written examination. Meeting the requirements does not guarantee inclusion into the selection process. Depending upon the number of applications received the selection process may consist of additional application screening written and/or practical exam(s) oral interview or any combination thereof.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does it take to fill out the application

  • You should allow 30 45 minutes to fill out your application.

Can I change my application after submitting it

  • No. Once an application has been submitted it is final. Applicants may submit a new application with updated information during the filing period if they wish. Only the most recent application submitted will be considered. All other applications will not be considered.

How long until I hear back from you and how can I check for updates on my application

  • You may receive communications regarding your application at different stages of the selection process. Important updates will be sent to the email address listed in your account at the time of notification. To ensure you dont miss any critical information we recommend keeping your email address current and regularly checking both your inbox and junk mail folders throughout the process. You can also log into your account at any time to check your application status. If you have any questions about your applications progress please contact the County of Humboldt Human Resources Personnel Division at or

Will I be informed if I am not selected for an interview / Oral Exam

  • Yes you will be informed via email if you are not selected for an interview / Oral Exam.


OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY EQUITY AND INCLUSION

Research indicates that individuals in protected classes can be less likely to submit a job application. The County of Humboldt is dedicated to building a diverse inclusive and authentic workplace where our employees are free to bring their full selves to work each day in an environment that allows them to reach their full potential. The County Board of Supervisors has made organizational commitments to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) and the County is working to ensure that these commitments are reflected in all we do. The County recognizes that certain populations (BIPOC Disabled Persons Veterans LGBTQIA community members etc.) face systemic and structural challenges which may inhibit their ability to satisfy every requirement of the recognition of these structural and systemic factors the Human Resources Department understands that experience can be gained in many ways oftentimes outside of formal institutions and strives to take a holistic approach in assessing an applicants qualifications for a position.

If youre excited about this role but your past work experience doesnt align perfectly with every qualification in the job description we strongly encourage you to apply.


REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS

The County of Humboldt is committed to providing equal access and opportunities in its programs activities and employment and does not discriminate on the basis of mental or physical disabilities. The Human Resources Department is located in the Humboldt County Courthouse which has an accessible entrance on 4th Street. Accessible parking is available adjacent to the 4th Street entrance and on the 4th Street side of the K Street lot. Special testing arrangements may be made to accommodate disabilities or religious convictions. If invited to an examination and you are in need of a reasonable accommodation please contact Human Resources immediately at so arrangements can be made.


EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The county is an equal opportunity employer. We enthusiastically accept our responsibility to make employment decisions without regard to race religion or religious creed color age sex sexual orientation national origin ancestry marital status medical condition mental or physical disability military service or any other classification protected by federal state or local laws or ordinances.


MEDICAL EXAMINATION

A pre-employment medical examination provided by the County may be required upon offer of employment.


OTHER EXAMINATIONS

Some positions also require psychological evaluation and/or extensive background investigation.


LICENSES

Some classifications require possession of valid professional and/or technical licenses. Some classifications may require the possession of a valid California drivers license.


PROBATIONARY PERIOD

Persons appointed to regular County positions serve a probationary period. This is normally six (6) months but could be up to one (1) year. All designated safety employees serve a one-year probationary period.


EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY

It is the Countys intention to hire only those workers who are authorized to work in the United States pursuant to the Immigration Act of 1990. If you are offered employment you will be required to verify your eligibility to work in the United States. For law enforcement positions you will be required to verify your U.S. citizenship or legalized status.


DISASTER SERVICE WORKERS

All County of Humboldt employees are designated Disaster Service Workers through state and local law (California Government Code Section 3100-3109). 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.


THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESS OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. THE COUNTY OF HUMBOLDT RESERVES THE RIGHT TO MAKE NECESSARY MODIFICATIONS TO THE EXAMINATION PLAN IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE HUMBOLDT COUNTY MERIT SYSTEM RULES.