Senior Library Assistant (Pavonia)

JCFPL JOB TITLE: Senior Library Assistant

LOCATION: Pavonia Branch

REPORTS TO: Branch Manager

CIVIL SERVICE JOB TITLE: Senior Library Assistant

STARTING SALARY RANGE: $40,686- $43,996 per year

FULL-TIME/PART-TIME: Full-Time

WORKWEEK: 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Scheduled 35 hours/week). May be required to work evenings and weekends as needed.

APPLICANTION DEADLINE: January 13, 2026


BENEFIT SUMMARY: This summary outlines the general benefits available to library employees, designed to support their health, financial security, and work-life balance. Benefits available to Full-Time Employees: Medical coverage 60 days from the first day of employment, Prescription coverage is the first of the month following 60 days of employment at no cost to the employee and additional cost per each dependent added. Dental coverage is provided at no cost 60 days after the first day of employment. Vision coverage is provided at no cost and reimbursed at $250.00 per year. Additional Full-Time benefits include Life & AD&D insurance, 403b, Participation in pension plan (dependent on age at the time of hire date). Part-Time Employee benefits include participation in pension plan and sick/vacation leave. A more detailed summary can be found on our Employment Opportunities page located at

ABOUT THE POSITION:

The Senior Library Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the daily operations of the library by performing a variety of non-professional tasks that require specialized knowledge of library services, procedures, and tools. Under general supervision, the Senior Library Assistant contributes to the efficient functioning of library services including circulation, shelving, cataloging, acquisitions, and customer service.

JOB DUTIES:

• Answers patrons' inquiries pertaining to library hours and physical location of library material, digital resources, etc. including explanation of basic index systems (for example, SIRSI, readers' guide, microfilm, etc.); refers complex questions to supervisor; reviews library membership applications for completeness as to name, address, and similar personal identification, and records changes of such information.
• On request, locates books and publications based on the call number in immediate vicinity of its expected location; receives requests for loan of library books and publications from other libraries, searches for and obtains items being loaned ensuring that material is consistent with request, and posts data to loan records as to title, author, quantity, and other identifying information; performs filing or shelving tasks involving the use of the Dewey Decimal Classification System and alphabetical filing systems beyond the initial letter of a word.
• Charges and discharges library material to users; inspects books for damage, computes and collects fines, and makes change; may list overdue library material from SIRSI files and completes overdue notices for notifying patrons; prepares books and other library materials for circulation.
• Functions as a working leader over subordinate personnel being charged only with the responsibility of ensuring that assignments are completed as directed; helps train library assistants; applies policies and may give feedback to improve policies.
• Compiles numerical reports on circulations, accessions, or other aspects of library operations.
• Will be required to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

Communication/Collaboration

• Communicates effectively using a variety of methods
• Effectively communicates relevant and timely information to appropriate stakeholders
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with others to achieve common goals
• Works effectively on teams with strong team-building skills and attitudes
• Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult coworker behaviors
• Communicates effectively with a variety of audiences and individuals from diverse backgrounds
• Selects and applies the most appropriate and effective communication means to meet situational needs

Customer Service

• Contributes to and models customer service standards that enhance the user experience
• Models standards and practices for the delivery of quality internal and external customer service
• Applies customer service skills to enhance the level of user satisfaction
• Applies effective techniques to address difficult situations with users and staff
• Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values and ethics of library service

Professional Development

• Manages the development of one’s own learning and ongoing improvement of skills and knowledge
• Uses creative and innovative approaches
• Establishes strategies and long-range initiatives to create a learning environment within the division and the library
• Plans for and supports staff career development opportunities
• Contributes to the development and implementation of a culture that embraces ongoing learning

Community Engagement

• Demonstrates the impact and value of the library to the community through ongoing evaluation and assessment of library services
• Maintains positive public relations through communication and promotion of the library’s values, services, accomplishments and needs to all stakeholders
• Builds relationships and support for the library with community organizations
• Contributes to creating a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services

Technology

• Performs basic functions of email, calendar applications, and task management
• Understands and uses basic computer hardware, peripherals, software, and operating system functions
• Demonstrates information literacy and understands common security protocols related to Internet use

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:

• Ability to demonstrate a practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools such as ILS (Integrated Library Systems), shelving arrangements, Dewey Decimal Classification System, and successful completion of relevant manager training within the organization.
• One (1) year of experience demonstrating practical knowledge of library functions, services, terminology, techniques, procedures, and standard tools (card catalog, microfilm, shelving, circulation systems, and so forth.)

ADDITIONAL RELEVANT SKILLS:

• Knowledge of Jersey City’s population, geography, and/or local government.
• Facility in a non-English language spoken in Jersey City (such as Spanish, Hindi, Arabic, Tagalog, etc.).

NOTES:

For all employees, regardless of full-time or part-time status, JCFPL is considered the primary employer. Work hours are assigned according to the Library’s operational needs. Work hours are not scheduled to accommodate employees’ other employment, academic, or other outside obligations, except in circumstances agreed upon in writing by the employee and the employee’s supervisor.

This vacancy is associated with a New Jersey Civil Service job title. The New Jersey Civil Service Commission requires all incumbents to possess and be prepared to verify the minimum experience and skills required for the associated Civil Service job title.

This position is subject to residency requirements as set forth in the New Jersey First Act and not available for work visa sponsorship.