Senior Library Service Specialist

Senior Library Service Specialist

Salary

$1,680.00 - $1,884.00 Biweekly

Location

Various

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

39785

Department

Houston Public Library

Opening Date

10/13/2026

Closing Date

10/22/2026 11:59 PM Central

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

POSITION OVERVIEW

APPLICATION ACCEPTED FROM: ALL PERSONS INTERESTED

DIVISION / SECTION: Customer Experience / Neighborhood Libraries

Workday & Hours: Monday - Sunday, 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM subject to change

DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Houston Public Library (HPL) is seeking creative, team-oriented people with a passion for customer service to work as a Senior Library Service Specialist in Neighborhood Libraries. Successful candidates will demonstrate strong communication skills, deliver outstanding customer service, and exhibit a genuine interest in engaging with individuals of all ages and diverse backgrounds.

The Senior Library Service Specialist - Youth will:

• Provide customer service at public service desks and by phone.
• Provide innovative programming in the library for youth of all ages including story times, arts & crafts, STEM, library tours, video gaming, and after school time.
• Create a welcoming and safe environment for youth and their families.
• Provide computer and technology assistance to library customers and staff and troubleshoot technology-related issues.
• Promote library services and programming both for the assigned location and systemwide.
• Collaborate with community groups through outreach to enhance and promote library services and programs.
• Assist with the collection maintenance, weeding and use of the collection and shelve and retrieve library materials.
• May serve as the assistant manager or the person in charge in the absence of the manager.
• Evening and weekend (Saturday and Sunday) shift work is required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

About Us:

The Houston Public Library's mission-Linking YOU to the World-guides our vision to be Houston's most trusted source of information. We are dedicated to fostering a connected and informed community, where all Houstonians have equitable access to resources and innovative tools that empower them to thrive in a global society. From early literacy to career development and lifelong enrichment, we are proud to support lifelong learning at every stage of life. We are more than just a place for books; we are a hub for community connection, where Houstonians come together to engage, collaborate, and build a sense of belonging.

Applicants are encouraged to submit a Cover Letter and Resume when applying.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The position occasionally requires stooping or bending. Occasional very light lifting, such as three or four reams of papers or books (up to 20 pounds or an equivalent weight) may be required. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Requires the ability to make coordinated gross motor movements in response to changing external stimuli within moderately demanding tolerances; or the ability to make coordinated eye/hand movements on a patterned response space within low tolerance demands with no real speed requirements.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Requires a Bachelors degree. Directly related professional experience may be substituted for the education requirement on a year-to-year basis

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

One year of experience in professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services or education is required.

SUBSTITUTION

Associate's degree and three years of professional/paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education.

OR

Five years professional or paraprofessional experience in library, information services, or education may be substituted for the education requirement.

LICENSE REQUIREMENTS

A valid Texas drivers license and compliance with the City of Houstons policy on driving (AP 2-2) preferred.

PREFERENCES

Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6.

Experience providing programming and services in a library setting.

Comfortable working with diverse populations.

Strong interpersonal, communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills

Ability to work in a collaborative team environment; ·

Experience using the MS Office Suite and OneDrive and electronic devices such as e-readers and tablets and other technologies.

Experience in working with data and preparing statistical reports.

Experience in training staff.

Bilingual (Spanish and English) is preferred.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED

The selection process will involve application review and/or Interview. The department may administer skills assessment test.

SAFETY IMPACT POSITION - YES

If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.

PAY GRADE - 16

SALARY INFORMATION

Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidates qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.

APPLICATION PROCEDURES

Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov

To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfmor call 832-393-0473).

If you need special services or accommodations, call 832-393-0473. (TTY 7-1-1). If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.

Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.

All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided. Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume along with their completed application when applying.

EOE Equal Opportunity Employer

The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individuals sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.

The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Wellness
• Supplemental Insurance
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability
• Retirement pension
• 457 deferred compensation plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• 10 days of vacation each year
• 13 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
• Compensable Sick Leave
• Personal Leave
• Flexible schedules
• Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
• Professional development opportunities
• Transportation/parking plan
• Section 125 pretax deductions
• Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
• Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account

For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html

01

Are you a current Houston Public Library employee?

• Yes
• No

02

Please indicate your level of education and verifiable related work experience.

• High School Diploma/GED AND (5) five years of verifiable professional experience in library, information services, or education.
• High School Diploma /GED AND LESS THAN (5) five years of verifiable professional experience in library, information services, or education.
• Associate Degree AND (3) three years of verifiable professional experience in library, information services, or education.
• Associate Degree AND less than (3) three years of verifiable professional experience in library, information services, or education.
• Bachelor's Degree AND (1) one year of verifiable professional experience in library, information services, or education.
• Bachelor's Degree or Higher AND less than (1) one year of verifiable professional experience in library, information services, or education.
• None of the above apply to me.

03

Please briefly describe your experience with libraries, information services, or education (If you do not have experience, please put N/A).

04

Please indicate the activities, services, or programs that you have experience with.

• Teaching Technology
• Leading Book clubs (any age)
• Storytime
• Crafts
• STEM activities with youth
• Working with teens
• Outreach to schools
• No experience with activities or programs

05

Briefly describe your experience providing programs or activities in a library. (If you do not have experience, please put N/A).

06

Please indicate your proficiency level in Microsoft Word & Excel, and Internet Research.

• Beginner (ex: create basic documents and/or spreadsheets with limited experience with other functionalities)
• Intermediate (ex: insert page breaks, header/footer, and/or generate auto-calculating and basic cell formatting)
• Advanced (ex: insert table of contents, generate tables, create mail merge and/or conditional formatting, table formatting, sort/filter cells, cell data validation/consolidation)
• No Experience

07

Please indicate languages, other than English, in which you are fluent (reading, writing, and/or speaking). Check all that apply.

• Spanish
• Chinese
• Vietnamese
• Arabic
• French
• Other Languages
• I am not bilingual

08

Customer service jobs such as this one can often involve stressful interactions with customers on a daily basis and requires dealing with people who may become upset with you or be disruptive and confrontational. How comfortable are you with diffusing these types of interactions?

• Very Comfortable: (I remain calm and enforce rules consistently without needing the manager, and feel empowered to call police when necessary).
• Comfortable: (I get the person in charge to assist with more difficult situations).
• Very Uncomfortable: (I don't feel comfortable in high-stress situations and need supervisory backup often).

09

Are you willing to work a rotating shift, which will consist of varied hours within Monday - Sunday, 8:15am - 8:15pm?

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Houston

Address 901 Bagby St

Houston, Texas, 77002

Website https://www.houstontx.gov/