Public Service Associate

Public Service Associate

Salary

$18.90 - $21.94 Hourly

Location

Busse Library, IA

Job Type

Part-Time

Department

Library

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/30/2026 11:59 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

LIBRARY

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking a friendly, detailed-oriented Public Service Associate (19 hours/ week) to join the Public Library at both the Downtown and NEW Busse location. These roles involves assisting library patrons, supporting circulation services, and promoting an inviting and engaging library experience. The ideal candidates have a passion for public service, excellent communication skills, and a commitment to life learning.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community's diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!

About the Position

Assists patrons in the use of the library by delivering outstanding service in all areas, including organizing and shelving library materials.

Works under general supervision and exercises discretion in carrying out work assignments within boundaries of established policy and procedure.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Greets patrons and provides proactive customer service
• Assists patrons with library account maintenance (check out, placing holds, fines, etc.)
• Provides patrons with general reference information or guides to appropriate staff/resources
• Maintains a safe and welcoming environment for all patrons (ie. Snow shoveling, trash removal, etc.)
• Promotes library services, programs, and offerings
• Shelves materials, handles holds, and shelf reads accurately
• Interacts with automated materials handling systems
• Provides Active Service on a regular basis to meet patron needs
• Performs related work as assigned by supervisor or manager
• Understands and supports core principles of equity, intellectual freedom, and privacy
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with city policies, procedures, and safety practices
• Ability to work varying shifts including nights and weekends
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time

Qualifications

Acceptable Experience and Training:

• 1 year of customer service experience
• High School Diploma or GED
• An equivalent combination of experience, training, and certification may be considered for substitution.

Supplemental Information

Work Schedule

• Downtown: Monday 8:30 - 2:30, Wednesday 2:15 - 8:15, Saturday 8:45 - 5:15

• Ladd/Busse 1: Tuesday 4:15 - 8:15, Wednesday 4:45 - 8:15, Thursday 4:45 - 8:15, Saturday 8:45 - 5:15

• Ladd/Busse 2: Monday 4:45 - 8:15, Tuesday 4:45 - 8:15, Wednesday 4:15 - 8:15, Rotating Friday/Saturday 8:45 - 5:15 (meaning 1 week Friday, next week Saturday, etc.)

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement

The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).

Applicants with Disabilities

We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the Citys Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.

We offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families!

The City of Cedar Rapids provides outstanding pay, benefits, time off, including:

• Medical co-insurance for participating providers of 90% plan / 10% employee
• Competitive pay
• Iowa Public Employee's Retirement Pension plans (IPERS) with a 9.44% City contribution and 6.29% employee contribution
• 457 deferred compensation employer match program (City will match up to 0.05% of your annual income each calendar year-learn more here.)
• Flexible Spending (Health Care and Dependent Care Accounts- learn more here)
• An average of 11 paid holidays per year
• Up to $3,000 per year in educational assistance
• 4 weeks of paid parental leave
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness - (The PSLF program forgives the remaining balance on your Direct Loans after you have made 120 qualifying monthly payments while working full-time for a qualifying employer. See more info here. )
• Pay raises as determined by bargaining contract
• 100% City paid basic life insurance
• Dental, vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance
• View our Bargaining Benefits Summaries
• Expansive job growth opportunities
• Commitment to professional development
• Private health & wellness coaching partnerships

01

Which of the following best indicates your highest level of education?

• I do not have a High School diploma or GED
• High School diploma or GED
• Some college (at least the equivalent of 1 year)
• Associates degree or vocational equivalent
• Bachelors degree
• Masters degree or higher

02

How many years of experience do you have in Customer Service?

• Less than 1 year of experience
• At least 1 year of experience
• At least 3 years of experience
• At least 5 years of experience
• At least 7 years of experience
• At least 9 years of experience
• More than 10 years of experience

03

Please share your customer service experience you have.

04

The library serves a wide range of diverse patrons. What specific populations are you most passionate about serving, and what experience do you have working with those groups?

05

Which of the following best describes your proficiency with Microsoft Office?

• Beginner - Able to perform basic tasks such as creating simple documents, entering data, sending emails, and using basic formatting.
• Intermediate - Comfortable with day-to-day use, including formatting documents, using basic formulas in Excel (e.g., SUM, AVERAGE), managing calendars, and creating standard presentations.
• Proficient - Regularly uses Microsoft Office in a professional setting; able to create complex documents, use intermediate Excel functions (e.g., IF statements), and manage data efficiently.
• Advanced - Highly skilled; able to use advanced Excel functions (e.g., VLOOKUP/XLOOKUP, data analysis tools), automate tasks, create polished reports/presentations, and troubleshoot issues.
• Expert - Deep expertise across multiple Office applications; designs complex spreadsheets and reporting tools, uses advanced automation (e.g., macros), and may train or support others.

06

Which best describes your ideal library work environment?

• A completely quiet space
• A mostly quiet space
• A somewhat interactive and engaged space
• A very interactive and engaged space

Required Question

Employer City of Cedar Rapids

Address 101 1st Street SE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa, 52401

Phone 319-286-5000

Website http://www.cedar-rapids.org/