Description

The Harford County Public Library offer a competitive compensation and benefits package. Starting wage, depending on candidate qualifications, is between $ 60,130 and $75,168. This position is eligible for the following benefits: deferred compensation 457 (b) retirement plan, medical, dental, and vision plans, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, paid time off and more.

Position Summary: 

The Assistant Branch Manager assists with managing the day-to-day operations, activities, and staff of an assigned branch designated as a Level I due to collection size, number of branch staff and customer traffic. Meets minimum public service hours as defined by Library Administration, providing equal and free access to information, programs and education.

Essential Duties:

1.    Assists with overall branch management and oversees branch activities and personnel in the absence of the Branch Manager;

2.    Provides reference and readers’ advisory services to the public;

3.    Ensures appropriate “transfer of training” and information sharing activities have been developed and implemented for reference staff having attended training or staff development activities;

4.    Assists in the development of branch staff schedules and, in conjunction with the Branch Manager, to meet customer and budgetary needs;

5.    Oversees, plans and implements children, teens and adult services as assigned by the Branch Manager;

6.    Prepares monthly reports and meeting agendas;

7.    Provides assistance and training on electronic resources to staff and patrons;

8.    Performs collection maintenance activities, including weeding and assessment; keeping collections up to date; and ordering items;

9.    Takes a leadership role in implementing changes and in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the library;

10. Provides troubleshooting for any building or staff issues to ensure public and staff safety;

11. Oversees budgets and purchasing for specific branch departments and line items.

Supervision Functions:

1.    Serves as hiring manager and supervises reference staff, reference substitutes, other hourly staff and volunteers as assigned;

2.    Oversees the training of staff and volunteers, as assigned;

3.    Administers the Performance Recognition System (PRS), the library’s performance evaluation system, in accordance with published guidelines;

4.    Approves annual leave and checks and tabulates timesheets for assigned staff;

5.    Prepares monthly reports, meeting agendas, and schedules;

6.    Interprets and implements system wide policies and procedures;

7.    Ensures staff receive and understand system and department communications via written, electronic format or in-person meeting.

Standard Functions:

1.    Serves on committees and participates in workshops, seminars, and training as requested;

2.    Notifies Supervisor with suggested ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and procedures and system-wide goals and objectives;

3.    Learns new skills and technologies to retain proficiency in areas of expertise;

4.    Is dependable and punctual;

5.    Maintains a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude and provides excellent customer service;

6.    Upholds all library policies and procedures as defined in Harford County Public Library’s Policies and Procedures Manual;

7.    Performs other duties as assigned.

Work Environment:

1.    Work requires occasional physical effort in handling of light materials, up to 30 pounds, in non-strenuous work environment. For example, set up and take down of tables, chairs or other equipment for meetings or events, pushing/pulling of library carts;

2.    Environment includes moderate noises (i.e. an office with conversations, photocopiers, and/or computer printers);

3.    Work also involves standing or walking up to 60% of the time;

4.    Requires sitting and use of computer and keyboard for extended periods of time;

5.    Observes safe work place practices with uncluttered workspace, including office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, proper lifting techniques and following fire regulations.

Reporting Relationship:

This position reports to the Branch Manager. Does supervise staff. May supervise volunteers.

Work Week:

Work schedule includes day, evening and weekend hours.

In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities of this job, it is the responsibility of every employee to comply with the Harford County Public Library’s Values statement, customer service guidelines, and all other policies detailed in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The library administration reserves the right to change, modify, delete, and supplement job duties based on the organization’s needs.

This and all library positions are eligible for system-wide transfer.

Harford County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply:

Applications for this position are completed and accepted via online submission only at www.HCPLonline.org .  Review vacancy announcement and requirements, under Library Jobs tab.  A resume is required for this position; however, a resume will not be accepted in lieu of the online employment application.  Please do not state “refer to resume” on the application.  HCPL is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an EOE.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

1.    MLS degree, required from an ALA-accredited institution (Note: will consider applicants that will complete such program within six months from date of application.);

2.    Ability to obtain State of Maryland certification as a Professional Librarian within six months of hire;

3.    Three or more years of related professional public library experience, including direct information service and training of customers and staff on use of computers, databases, preferably in public library;

4.    Two or more years of supervisory experience;

5.    Ability to work day, evening, and weekends hours;

6.    Ability to provide proof of valid driver’s license with no more than three points;

7.    Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1.    Ability to gain advanced knowledge of Harford County Public Library policies and procedures;

2.    Ability to act as a representative of Harford County Public Library to the public;

3.    Extensive knowledge of branch practices and procedures;

4.    Knowledge of customer service principles and practices;

5.    Thorough understanding of the relationship of the facets of children’s, young adult and adult services and the concepts necessary to develop strong cross services relationships;

6.    Expert knowledge of relevant electronic resources, including the Internet and databases;

7.    Ability to effectively coordinate, supervise, train and communicate with other staff members;

8.    Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other professionals;

9.    Ability to develop and implement programs in children’s, teens and adult services

10. Extensive knowledge of modern research techniques;

11. Ability to keep relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate;

12. Knowledge of technology to include 3D printers, robotics, coding, virtual and augmented reality, green screens and relevant software packages;

13. Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records;

14. Ability to prioritize and multitask;

15. Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software Microsoft office suite and office machines;

16. Ability to be adaptable, flexible and patient with customers and staff;

17. Strong supervisory and managerial skills;

18. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.