Librarian I/II - Bilingual Language Skills Preferred (Open and Promotional)
Salary
$85,488.00 - $116,521.60 Annually
Location
County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
K002AC
Department
County Library
Opening Date
04/17/2026
Closing Date
5/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit
39
Description
San Mateo County Libraries is seeking candidates for the position of Librarian I/II - Bilingual Language Skills Preferred!
This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an award-winning, innovative public library system and contribute to creating informed, engaged, and connected communities. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, flexible, and passionate about public service, community engagement, and lifelong learning. This role requires strong communication skills, initiative, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, people-centered environment. If you enjoy working with diverse communities and making a meaningful impact, we encourage you to apply.
Librarians play a vital role in connecting community members to opportunities for discovery and enrichment through innovative programming, outreach, and access to a diverse collection of resources.
Because of the diversity of the communities we serve, bilingual language skills (Mandarin, Cantonese, or Spanish) are strongly preferred.
The eligible list generated by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies throughout San Mateo County Libraries. There are currently vacancies at our Half Moon Bay, North Fair Oaks, and Portola Valley/Woodside Libraries and on the Bookmobile.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to:
The ideal candidate will also have the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
SALARY:
Librarian I: $41.10 - $51.40 Hourly
Librarian II: $44.84 - $56.02 Hourly
SAN MATEO COUNTY LIBRARIES
At San Mateo County Libraries, our mission is to build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity.
We believe libraries are more than buildings-they are places of belonging, connection, growth, access, compassion, and creativity. Our work is guided by a deep commitment to serving our diverse communities and creating inclusive experiences for all.
San Mateo County Libraries is a dynamic, award-winning network of community libraries serving the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County.
Our libraries offer a rich mix of programs and events that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the people we serve. Whether you're seeking inspiration, information, or a sense of belonging, San Mateo County Libraries is where community comes to grow and thrive.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit www.smcl.org.
NOTE: The eligible list generated from this recruitment may also be used to fill extra-help, term, unclassified, and regular classified vacancies. If you are interested in an extra-help opportunity, please be sure to check extra-help on the application, as additional exciting opportunities may be available. This will not impact your consideration for the regular positions, which will be filled first.
Qualifications
Education:
Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree, from an American Library Association-accredited college or university, is required. We also encourage recent graduates, or those expecting to graduate no later than June 2026, to apply.
Experience:
Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify for a Librarian II is two years of librarian experience.
Knowledge of:
Library procedures.
Principles of a modern library.
Principles of intellectual freedom.
Skill/Ability to:
Develop library programs/projects.
Establish and maintain cooperative relations with staff, the public, and community groups.
Communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Instruct others in the use of library materials.
Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.
Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.
Based solely on the information provided in the application materials, an application screening committee will select those applicants whose education, training, and experience most closely match the needs of the department. Those selected will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.
IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the Countys website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the Countys website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org/ to apply.
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Friday, May 1, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: May 4 - 8, 2026
Panel Interviews: May 21 and/or 22, 2026
About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.
The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.
San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.
Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (04172026) (Librarian I/II - K001/K002)
We invite you to explore our Benefits-at-a-Glance page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)
In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.
As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01
IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the following supplemental questions. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will weigh heavily in the screening process. Answer these questions completely. Be specific and concise. Neatness, clarity of expression, grammar, spelling, and ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
02
A Masters degree in Library Science, or a recognized equivalent degree, from an American Library Association accredited college or university is required for the Librarian position. Do you have a Masters degree in Library Science? (If not, please see question #3.)
03
If you have a recognized equivalent degree or will be graduating in or prior to the end of June 2026, please explain. If you have a Masters degree in Library Science, please answer "N/A" to this question.
04
Librarian positions are community-focused. I understand that this position will likely require regular weekend and evening shifts.
05
San Mateo County Libraries serves a wide range of communities through programs, collections, outreach, and welcoming spaces. Can you describe a project, initiative, or area of focus from your library career or graduate studies that reflects the kind of impact you hope to make while serving our communities?
06
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are important to the work of San Mateo County Libraries. Describe a time when you incorporated these principles into your work or studies. What steps did you take to make a program, service, or resource more welcoming, inclusive, or accessible, and what was the outcome?
07
Community outreach is a vital part of library services, providing resources, library items, and wifi access throughout the community - especially in locations that do not have a library nearby, or the ability to get to their local libraries because of limited mobility access. How would you ensure you remain aligned with SMCL's mission, priorities, and service standards when conducting outreach events or visits without on-site supervision?
08
The ability to read, speak, and write fluently in English and Spanish, English and Cantonese, and/or English and Mandarin is preferred for these positions, but not required. Please indicate in what languages (other than English) you are fluent. (If you are not bilingual, please answer "N/A" to this question.)
09
If you are fluent in another language, describe any work experience in which you utilized your bilingual skills. (If you are not bilingual, please answer "N/A" to this question.)
10
San Mateo County departments sometimes need extra-help workers in addition to permanent employees. Extra Help positions offer temporary part-time or temporary full-time employment for 1040 hours (which equates to working full-time for approximately six months). However, employment might end sooner depending on the needs of the hiring departments. Extra Help positions are paid on an hourly rate basis. Some extra help positions are eligible for benefits under the Affordable Care Act. Extra-help workers are not guaranteed permanent status at the end of the extra-help assignment. Are you interested in extra-help employment? (A "No" answer to this question will not affect your application for permanent employment.)
11
How did you learn about this position?
12
If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.
Required Question
Employer County of San Mateo
Address County of San Mateo Human Resources Department
500 County Center, 4th Floor
Redwood City, California, 94063-1663
Phone (650) 363-4343
Website https://jobs.smcgov.org