LIBRARY SPECIALIST (Reference Division), CITY OPEIU EMPLOYEES ONLY, (closes 04/15/26)

Job Title:  LIBRARY SPECIALIST (Reference Division)

Open Date:  April 8, 2026

Close Date:  April 15, 2026

Salary:  $21.11-$27.71/hour   

View job posting/announcement here (including essential duties and responsibilities): OPEIU Posting: LIBRARY SPECIALIST (Reference Division)

RECRUITMENT DESCRIPTION:

The Library has a vacancy in the Reference Division for a Library Specialist.  This is a part-time position (20 hours/week) with varied schedule including weekdays, evenings, & weekends, without insurance benefits.  This recruitment is for INTERNAL OPEIU APPLICANTS.  If you do not currently work for the City of Ellensburg in an OPEIU represented position, please do not apply (your application will not be processed). 

This position primarily works in the Reference Division; however, Library employees are expected to assist patrons in all areas as needed.  The Library Specialist will identify and interpret user needs; provide reference and local history research assistance, assist patrons with readers’ advisory, material selection, computer and database use, referral services, and various adult and youth programming.  Assistance is provided in person, by telephone, through email, and virtually through Ask a Library service. This position requires some evening shifts on weekdays and day shifts on weekends. 

CORE VALUES:

All employees are expected to model and foster the City of Ellensburg’s core values in the performance of their duties and their interactions while representing the City and serving the community. The values of Compassion (we care), Courage (we do the right thing), and Conviction (we work hard) promote and maintain a high level of service and are the tie that binds all City employees together, across departments.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or general education degree (GED)


• Two (2) to four (4) years of related college courses, experience, and/or training in reference services


• Please Note: An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of some of the requirements above, as determined by Management. 

NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of library organization and purpose; knowledge of alphabetical and whole/decimal number filing; some knowledge of general office practice and procedures.


• Skill in use of computers including Microsoft 365 and other modern technology; accurate computer data entry, filing, and shelving materials; skill in operation of listed tools and equipment.


• Ability to be courteous and tactful with the general public and staff; ability to communicate in a clear, concise manner, verbally and in writing, including public presentations.


• Ability to implement policies and procedures; ability to prioritize work, remain focused, and pay close attention to detail; ability to maintain confidentiality of patron records.


• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with employees, supervisors, and the general public; ability to assist and support coworkers, contribute ideas, maintain flexibility, and be able to adapt to a rapidly changing environment.


• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals; ability to write routine reports and correspondence; ability to speak in a clear, concise, and professional manner before individuals, groups of customers, or employees of organization.


• Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

• Valid State driver’s license or have ability to obtain one by time of hire; must maintain an insurable driving record.


• First Aid/CPR/AED certification or ability to obtain within a reasonable time period as approved by supervisor.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Previous supervisory experience.


• Bilingual English/Spanish.

BENEFITS: Public Employees Retirement System and Social Security; Monthly payments in lieu of medical benefits; Vacation and Sick leave hours are earned on a pro-rata basis based on hours compensated per month; Holiday and Employee Choice hours are earned on a pro-rata basis based on the positions full-time equivalency (FTE).  Employees are eligible to begin using accrued paid sick leave on the ninetieth (90th) calendar day after the commencement of their employment. 

Miscellaneous:

Any member of O&PE Union Local #8 who wishes to be considered for this position will need to submit a completed application by April 15, 2026.  Applications are available through the City website or through Human Resources.  Interested employees are encouraged to obtain a complete copy of the job description from the Human Resources Department.