Job Description

Posting number: IC #48-26

Department: The Seattle Public Library

Job classification: Lead Page - Library

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Library, Customer Service

Summary

Invitation to Compete #48-26: Lead Page

Shelving Operations, Central Library

Regular, FLSA non-exempt position, full-time (80 hours per pay period)

Salary Range: $29.22 - $35.43 per hour

Schedule:

A-Week: Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 9:30am-6pm, Fri 9:30am-6pm, Sat OFF, Sun OFF, Mon 9:30am-6pm, Tues 9:30am-6pm

B-Week: Wed 9:30am-6pm, Thurs 9:30am-6pm, Fri OFF, Sat 9:30am-6pm, Sun 9:30am-6pm, Mon OFF, Tues 9:30am-6pm

Hours will include weekdays and weekends. A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. The schedule listed is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need and is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.

This recruitment will be open to current employees of the Seattle Public Library and current City of Seattle employees from October 23, 2026 through 5:00pm on November 2, 2026.

Beginning October 29, 2026, the recruitment will be open to the public, as well as current employees of the Seattle Public Library and current City of Seattle employees, through 5:00pm on November 2, 2026.

Please submit your application and cover letter in NEOGOV to be considered for this position.

Overview

The Seattle Public Library’s mission is to bring people, information and ideas together to enrich lives and build community. We view Seattle as a city where imagination and opportunity continue to thrive. Since 1891, we have grown from a single reading room in Pioneer Square to a world-class library system with 27 locations.

The Library works every day to foster and support a healthy city and a healthy democracy. We do this work guided by the principles of intellectual freedom, literacy and the love of learning, racial equity, privacy and confidentiality, respect for the community, strong partnerships and innovation. We are an active and committed partner in the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative.

Library employees are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. As a workplace, we value respectful and transparent communication, partnership and engagement. We are enriched individually and organizationally because of our diversity and growth mindset. We take time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of others.

If you share these values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Lead Page position.

The Lead Page reports to the Operations Supervisors for Shelving Operations (SHO) and assists with supporting the work of Pages throughout the Central Library.

The Lead Page works alongside the Coordinating Library Technicians to help support the work activities of Pages by providing training, monitoring and adjusting workflow, and assisting with recruitment and selection of new staff. The position also performs essential Page work in the Central Library, which includes:

• Assists with the flow and organization of Library materials. Sorts, files, shelves and routes books and other materials. Transports books and materials on book carts, hand trucks and similar equipment. Retrieves materials for processing using automated systems.
• Maintains attractive collections and a welcoming library environment for patrons. Maintains the order and appearance of library materials, and re-shelves as needed. Provides a welcoming environment for patrons, including straightening tables and chairs.
• Locates and retrieves materials for patrons and Library staff. Assists individuals with finding materials throughout the Library.

Examples of duties

Primary Duties:

• Regularly performs all essential Page duties (listed above).
• Supports staff in performing daily activities and acts as the unit lead in the absence of a supervisor
• Assists Operations Managers with reviewing applications and interviewing candidates, and provides suggestions and feedback on candidates to help with the hiring decision.
• Trains new Pages and instructs Shelving Operations (SHO) staff in unit procedures and guidelines. Maintains electronic training records for SHO staff.
• Creates and maintains daily work schedules for SHO staff. Monitors daily workflow and adjusts assignments as needed.
• Monitors and orders supplies for the SHO unit.
• Evaluates and recommends new work routines and techniques to supervisors when appropriate.
• Uses Library technology to generate pull lists and reports and to update item statuses. Enters data into electronic spreadsheets.

Secondary Duties:

Any of the following duties may be performed. (These examples are not necessarily performed by all incumbents and do not include all specific tasks that an incumbent may be expected to perform.)

• Ensures the accuracy of Page attendance records.
• Works on special projects as part of a team; participates in Library committees; assists with supporting Library events and programs.
• Supports other work units at the Central Library.
• Performs related tasks as assigned.

Qualifications

• Customer Service Experience: At least one (1) year of direct customer service experience. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the nuances of interacting with customers in a public environment.
• Shelving or Filing Experience: Ability to sort and file alpha/numerically. Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the Dewey Decimal System.
• Communication Skills: Candidates must be able to effectively communicate in English, verbally and in writing, as well as comprehend spoken and written English. Candidates must also be able to respond to patron requests for directional assistance.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to provide effective leadership of staff, including resolving issues between staff, addressing workload impacts, evaluating daily and changing priorities, and assigning tasks. Ability to recognize and assess issues, interpret and apply organizational policies and procedures, and take appropriate action. Ability to adapt to changing procedures and situations.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Candidates must demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively with others as part of a team on projects. Candidates must have the ability to contribute positively to the workplace environment.
• Experience using Personal Computers and Office Equipment: Candidates must have basic knowledge of computer operations and software; including experience using menu-based commands and staff terminals to obtain, interpret, and display inventory data and information. Candidates with experience using Microsoft Office applications (Outlook email, Excel and Word), internet browsers and online catalogs are preferred.
• Other Required Skills and Abilities: Candidates must be flexible in adjusting their work hours. Candidates must have the ability to bend, stretch, stoop, and lift bins up to 40 pounds in weight and push wheeled book carts weighing up to 200 pounds. Candidates must also have the ability to squeeze and release hand brakes on wheeled book carts. They must be able to operate two-way radios for communication with other staff.

Supplemental information

How to Apply

Candidates who meet the qualifications are asked to submit the following items in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on November 2, 2026 to be considered for this position:

1. Online application with complete responses to the supplemental questions. Answers submitted with ‘see application’ will be considered incomplete.
2. A cover letter (1 page maximum) that briefly describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
3. Answers to Supplemental Questions regarding your skills, tools, and experience MUST be clearly reflected in the Work Experience section of your online application and cover letter or your application will be considered incomplete.

Applications that do not include a cover letter and complete online application will not be considered.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $29.22 - $35.43 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance for employees and their dependents. More information about employee benefits is available on the City's website at: https://www.seattle.gov/human-resources/benefits/employees-and covered family-members/most employees-plans

Information about retirement plans can be found at: https://www.seattle.gov/retirement

Additional information

If you have questions regarding this bulletin or employment at The Seattle Public Library, please send an email to job.applications@spl.org. The Library promotes diversity and inclusion in employment. If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please contact us.

Please keep in mind that job offers are contingent on a review of criminal history as well as verification of information provided by the applicant as part of the application process.