Library Director

Library Director

Salary

$120,000.00 - $168,000.00 Annually

Location

Hanford, CA

Job Type

Full-time permanent

Job Number

2025-130

Department

Library

Division

Library

Opening Date

05/04/2026

Closing Date

6/8/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

JOB OPPORTUNITY

The County of Kings is seeking a Library Director to drive innovation, strengthen community partnerships, and enhance services that empower residents of all ages. This executive-level position offers an outstanding opportunity for a proven leader to oversee all functions and activities of the Countys public library system. The ideal candidate will demonstrate exceptional management, communication, and collaboration skills, with a commitment to public service, innovation, and organizational excellence.

MANAGEMENT LEVEL I BENEFITS

This position includes Management Group I benefits, which features CalPERS retirement (plan and tier placement determined at benefits selection) and fully paid PPO health, dental, vision, and chiropractic insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Employees are also eligible for the Deferred Compensation Plan, with the County contributing one dollar for every three dollars contributed by the employee, up to $3,500 per year. Vacation accrual ranges from 12 to 20 days per year, based on years of service, and the County Executive Officer may authorize an adjusted accrual rate for employees hired from other public agencies to reflect prior service. In addition, this position includes 80 hours of management leave (pro-rated upon hire date), which may be cashed out at the employees option. Employees receive 11.5 scheduled paid holidays per year, plus an additional 3.5 days when the County participates in holiday closures, and 10 to 12 days of accrued sick leave per year with unlimited accrual. Other benefits include $50,000 term life insurance and access to the onsite Health Center which is open Monday through Friday for employees and eligible dependents, without the need to use sick or other leave for personal appointments. Longevity pay is available to management employees after 10, and 20 years of service.

For more information about the Kings County Library Director, please click here.

For complete benefit details, please see Section V of the Salary Resolution.

You can also click here to watch a brief video showcasing the exceptional benefits available to our employees.

EMPLOYMENT AT WILL

The Library Director, a department head, is an "at-will" position, which is not included in the Countys classified service and is exempts from merit system status. As an at-will employee, the incumbent may be terminated with or without cause or notice at any time by the County Executive Officer as the appointing authority.

DUTY SAMPLE

Management reserves the right to add, modify, change, or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assumes full management responsibility for all Library Department programs, services, and activities.
• Develops, directs, and coordinates the implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; continuously monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assesses and monitors the distribution of work, support systems and internal reporting relationships; identifies opportunities for improvement; directs the implementation of change.
• Manages and participates in the development and administration of the department's budget; directs the forecast of additional funds needed for staffing, equipment, and supplies; directs the monitoring of and approves expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary; coordinates the design and budget of capital improvement projects for the department.
• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs Department personnel; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Monitors and implements legal, regulatory, technology and societal changes and court decisions that may affect the work of the department; determines equipment acquisition, training programs and procedural changes to ensure retention of qualified staff and the provision of services to the community in an effective, efficient, and economical manner.
• Oversees the development of consultant requests for proposals for professional services and the advertising and bid processes; evaluates proposals and recommends project award; coordinates with legal counsel to determine County needs and requirements for contractual services; negotiates contracts and agreements and administers same after award.
• Establishes a collection development policy and is the final authority on selection of titles and materials to be added or deleted from the collection.
• Develops, revises, and implements administrative programs and procedures such as workload planning and assignment, integrated library systems, physical space allocation, and equipment needs.
• Directs the conduct of analytical and management studies; reviews reports of findings, alternatives, and recommendations.
• Prepares grant proposals and administers grant funding after award.
• Represents the department to other County departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; explains and interprets departmental programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
• Conducts a variety of departmental organizational and operational studies and investigations; recommends modifications to programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
• Participates in and makes presentations to the Board of Supervisors and a wide variety of committees, boards, and commissions.; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of library services.
• Directs the maintenance of working and official departmental files; prepares, reviews, and presents staff reports, various management and information updates, and reports on special projects as assigned by the County Executive Officer.
• Responds to public inquiries and complaints and assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; serves as a spokesperson for the Department at a variety of community events, meetings, and other public relations activities.
• Ensures staff observe and comply with all County and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Minimum requirements must be met by the closing date

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Education:

• Equivalent to a master's degree from an American Library Association accredited college or university with major coursework in Library Science.

Experience:

• Four (4) years of increasingly responsible experience overseeing and administering the programs, services, and activities of a full-service library system in a managerial or administrative capacity.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

Licenses:

• Possession of a valid California driver's license issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of appointment.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualify for security clearance through a background investigation and fingerprint check, which includes a credit check. Ability to work irregular hours as necessary and travel within and outside the County.

The detailed job specification is available by clicking here.

SELECTION PROCESS: EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

In addition to the application, applicants are required to submit a professional resume outlining relevant education and experience. This resume must be attached to your application. You must scan and attach your resume to your online application prior to submitting your application (or your application may be rejected). For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

All application materials submitted will be evaluated and screened. Final candidates will be interviewed by the County Executive Officer. Finalists will be expected to provide three professional references. A background investigation will be required for all final candidates. The job offer will be conditioned upon passing a background investigation, which includes a DOJ Live Scan fingerprinting.

Tentative Recruitment Process

Final Date to Apply: June 8, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

First Interview: Week of June 15, 2026

Second Interview: Week of June 22, 2026

Please click here to view the current General Unit MOU.

Retirement Benefits: Eligible employees are enrolled in the Public Employees Retirement System, known as CalPERS. The County contracts with the CalPERS for this benefit in the miscellaneous or safety plans as appropriate. The County has reciprocity with other qualifying public retirement systems in California.

Effective January 1, 2013, all new members to CalPERS, or existing members with more than a 6 month break in service from a qualifying previous public employer, will be enrolled in one of the following CalPERS retirement plans (with three year average final compensation) based on their classification:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 62

Safety - 2.7% at 57

If a new employee is currently a member of a qualifying California public retirement plan without a break in service of no more than 6 months (documentation will be required), or ever worked for Kings County previously, they may qualify instead for either of these plans (with single highest year final compensation) in effect prior to January 1, 2013:

Miscellaneous - 2% at 55

Safety - 3% at 55

The new formulas will not apply to existing County employees hired prior to 12/31/12 who promote or transfer to a different position, or into a position covered by a different PERS plan (e.g. move from a position covered by the Miscellaneous Plan to one covered by the Safety Plan).

Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision, prescription drugs, mental health, and chiropractic care for employees and their eligible dependents is available. The portion of the monthly cost that the employees are responsible for depends on their bargaining unit. The County offers a confidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP). The County has an Employee Health Center available to Kings County employees and their dependents enrolled in the County health plan.

Deferred Compensation: Participation is voluntary. One plan with several investment options is available. For more information on the eligibility of a contribution match, please refer to the applicable MOU.

Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving Day and day after, Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; and half-day New Years Eve. Holiday credit may vary for law enforcement, fire, and other employees required to work on a holiday. Refer to the MOU for information on the paid holiday closure.

Vacation: Eligible employees earn from two to four weeks of paid vacation per year, depending on their length of service and bargaining unit agreements.

Sick Leave: Sick Leave is accrued for each hour worked. Accrual rates vary depending on date of hire and bargaining unit agreements. The accumulation of sick leave starts from your first day of employment and sick leave may be requested subsequent to the time it is earned.

Retiree Health Insurance: Upon retirement from the County, and depending on bargaining unit agreements, a percentage of accrued sick leave may be converted to be used to pay for retiree health insurance benefits for eligible employee and spouse.

Education Reimbursement Program: Full-time, permanent employees are eligible to receive up to $500 for units earned toward an associates degree, or up to $1,500 for units toward a bachelors or masters degree. Permanent employees who work at least half-time are eligible. Extra help employees are not eligible. Courses must be to increase their knowledge or ability to perform their present job or to prepare for a higher level job with the County. This program is subject to annual funding.

Flexible Benefits Program: Optional program allows employees to pay for certain qualified benefits with pre-tax salary (such as child care expenses, unreimbursed medical costs, or health insurance premiums).

Specialty Pays: See MOU for information.

Note: The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute an expressed or implied contract. Any provision or procedure described herein may be modified or revoked at any time without notice.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

01

The application and supplemental questionnaire must be completed in full. The following supplemental questions are used to help determine qualifications and eligibility to continue in the recruitment process. All education and experience used to answer the supplemental questions must be included on the education and work history portion of your application. Incomplete applications or supplemental questionnaires cannot be revised after submission and may be grounds for rejection. Responses such as "see resume" or "see application" or brief general statements will be considered incomplete. Incomplete applications may be rejected. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and will follow the application instructions.

• I Accept

02

This position requires a Masters Degree in Library Science from a graduate school accredited by the American Library Association. Do you have a Masters Degree in Library Science?

• Yes
• No

03

Please provide the following information regarding any college education you possess: 1) College or University attended; 2) Major or area of study; 3) Degree received; and 4) Number of units completed (indicate whether semester or quarter units). Type "N/A" if you do not have any college education.

04

Do you possess four years of increasingly responsible experience overseeing and administering the programs, services and activities of a full-service library system in a managerial or administrative capacity?

• Yes
• No

05

Do you possess a valid California Drivers License (CADL)? NOTE: Military Spouses, please attach copies of your supporting documentation. For more information on how to add attachments to your application, click here.

• Yes, I possess a valid CADL
• No, I do not possess a CADL but I am willing and ABLE to obtain one prior to appointment to this position.
• No, I do not possess a CADL, but I am a military spouse with a valid drivers license issued by the state of my active-duty spouses legal residency. I understand that I will be required to submit documents to verify, including but not limited to my dependent ID, my spouses current out-of-state drivers license, or any other document necessary to verify the information.
• No, I do not possess a CADL and I am UNABLE to obtain one prior to appointment to this position.

06

Below please include a brief summary of your experience that demonstrates your knowledge, skills and abilities to be perform the duties of the Kings County Library Director. Include in your response any experience in the following areas: 1) Development of library programs; and 2) Personnel. If you have no experience in this area, type "N/A."

07

Please describe your fiscal management or budget experience within a government or public agency context. In your response, please include the following: 1) approximate annual budget size; and 2) your role in planning, monitoring, and executing budgets. If you have no experience in this area, type "N/A."

08

Please describe your experience working with elected officials, department heads, or executive management. If you have no experience in this area, type "N/A."

09

This position requires the ability to work irregular hours as necessary, and travel within and outside the County. Are you willing and able to meet this requirement?

• I have read the above statement and am ABLE to meet this requirement.
• I have read the above statement and am UNABLE to meet this requirement.

10

As stated on the job flyer, a professional resume is required with your application. If a resume is not attached, your application will be considered incomplete. For information on how to add attachments, click here.

• Yes, I understand a professional resume is required with my application and I have attached it to my online application.
• I am unable to meet this requirement and understand my application will be considered incomplete.

11

I understand that only a complete and accurate application will be considered. I have included all current and at least 15 years previous work history and education. I also understand that my application must show all the relevant education and experience that I possess, even if it extends beyond the required past 15 years. Additionally, I understand that the supplemental questions are considered part of my official application. All statements made on the application are subject to investigation and verification. False statements will be cause for disqualification, or discharge from employment. By clicking "I Accept" below, I certify that I understand and have followed the application instructions.

• I Accept

Required Question

Employer Kings County

Address Kings County Government Center

1400 W. Lacey Blvd

Hanford, California, 93230

Phone (559) 852-2510

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingscounty