Job Description

Posting number: 2026-33

Department: Community Services

Division: Library

Job classification: Librarian

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Library

Summary

Application Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026 at 10:00 am

Tentative Interview Date: Thursday, January 7, 2027

The City of Paso Robles is looking for an engaging, community-minded professional to join our Library Services Division as a librarian, with a primary focus on Adult Services. This is an exciting opportunity to connect people with information, ideas, and experiences while helping shape library programs and services that bring our community together.

In this role, you will help make the library a place where adults can explore new interests, build skills, and stay connected. From assisting patrons with research, technology, and reading recommendations to developing collections, coordinating educational programs, and building community partnerships, you will play an important role in expanding the library's reach and creating meaningful experiences for the community.

The librarian classification offers the opportunity to work across a variety of library services and programs, collaborate with a dedicated team, and contribute new ideas as community needs evolve. If you enjoy connecting with people, bringing ideas to life, and creating opportunities for learning and discovery, we invite you to bring your talents to the City of Paso Robles!

About Paso Robles

Nestled in the heart of California’s scenic Central Coast, Paso Robles—short for El Paso de Robles, or “The Pass of the Oaks”—offers a unique blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and modern opportunity. Originally founded around its famous mineral hot springs and rich agricultural heritage, Paso Robles has grown into a dynamic and thriving community. The region enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, sunny days and cool evenings, ideal for both outdoor living and agricultural innovation. With its rolling hills, majestic oak trees, and panoramic vineyard views, Paso Robles provides a truly inspiring setting for work and life.

Paso Robles’ central location within San Luis Obispo County offers residents easy access to a wide array of cultural, educational, and recreational attractions. Just a short 30-minute drive south lies California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), a nationally ranked institution known for its hands-on learning and innovation. This proximity fosters strong connections to cutting-edge research, continuing education, and a highly educated talent pool. To the west, scenic Highway 1 leads to the iconic Hearst Castle in San Simeon, a historic landmark that draws visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and sweeping coastal views. Within the county, residents can also enjoy the vibrant coastal towns of Morro Bay, Cambria, and Pismo Beach, as well as the eclectic energy of downtown San Luis Obispo. From wine tasting and hiking to art galleries, surf spots, and farmers’ markets, San Luis Obispo County offers an exceptional quality of life.

Today, Paso Robles is best known as a premier wine region, home to over 200 wineries producing world-class Zinfandels, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Rhône varietals. But wine is just the beginning. The city boasts a vibrant downtown filled with boutique shopping, award-winning restaurants, and a bourgeoning local arts scene. Cultural highlights include the Paso Robles Wine Festival, California Mid-State Fair, and a variety of community events that bring residents together year-round. A wide array of housing options, good schools, a welcoming business environment, and proximity to outdoor destinations make it an ideal place to live and work. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or someone looking to make a lifestyle change, the City of Paso Robles offers the perfect balance of opportunity, community, and California charm.

The Organization

The City of Paso Robles was incorporated in 1889 as a general law city and operates under the Council-Manager form of government. As of January 1, 2025, the City's population has grown to approximately 31,061, reflecting consistent growth over recent years as more residents are drawn to the City's high quality of life, strong community identity, and comprehensive municipal services.

The City is a full-service municipality, meaning it provides a wide range of essential public services directly to its residents. These include police and fire protection, emergency medical response, water and wastewater utilities, parks and recreation, planning and development services, public works, and community enrichment programs. The City is committed to delivering responsive, effective, and efficient services that enhance the well-being of its residents and support a safe, sustainable, and vibrant community.

The governing body consists of a five-member City Council: the Mayor, elected at large by the voters of the City; and four Councilmembers elected by district. Voters also elect one City Treasurer at-large. All six elected positions are non-partisan. The City Manager, appointed by the City Council, serves as the Chief Executive Officer and is authorized to appoint all non-elected employees, with the exception of the City Attorney.

The City operates with a total annual budget of $148.5 million for fiscal year 2026-27 and employs 311.97 full-time equivalent positions across the departments of Administrative Services, City Manager’s Office, Community Development, Community Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Police, Public Works, and Utilities.

The Department

The Community Services Department helps enrich the quality of life in Paso Robles through programs, services, and spaces that support and bring people together. With Library Services, Recreation Services, Parks and Trails Maintenance, and Homeless Services, the department offers opportunities for learning, personal enrichment, recreation, and support for individuals and families in the community. Together, these services help create a vibrant community where people can learn, explore, connect, and thrive.

At the heart of the community is the Library Services Division, where the Paso Robles City Library serves as a welcoming hub for information, learning, and discovery. From books and digital resources to classes, programs, events, and community partnerships, the Library provides a wide range of opportunities for people of all ages to explore interests, develop new skills, and connect with others. Its role extends beyond providing access to information, helping foster lifelong learning and an engaged, informed community.

Examples of duties

The librarian classification supports a variety of programs and service areas within the Library Services Division, including but not limited to Outreach Services, Youth Services, Technical Services, and Adult Services. Incumbents may be assigned, cross-trained, or reassigned to different program areas and responsibilities based on operational needs, staffing priorities, and evolving service demands.

The following duties are typical of this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the duties set forth below and/or may be required to perform additional related duties to address City needs and evolving business practices.

• Leads, coordinates, supervises, and participates in administrative, technical, outreach, and customer service functions within the Library Services Division.
• Oversees, mentors, and trains assigned staff and volunteers in coordination with the library services coordinator; provides guidance regarding work procedures, policies, and customer service standards.
• Supports the development and coordination of internal and external training opportunities and professional development activities.
• Provides input and constructive feedback to the library services coordinator regarding the performance, development, and work of assigned staff to support the preparation of employee evaluations.
• Serves as a liaison between the library, City departments, community organizations, schools, partner agencies, and the public.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends, technologies, and best practices in library services through professional development, training, networking, and continuing education.
• Identifies and recommends materials, resources, and technologies for inclusion in the library collection and services.
• Assists patrons at all library service points, including circulation, reference, technology assistance, reader’s advisory, account assistance, and general customer service functions.
• Assists patrons of all ages in locating, selecting, and using books, media, digital resources, online tools, and other library materials and services.
• Represents the City and library at community meetings, outreach events, educational programs, and public gatherings to promote library services and initiatives.
• Assists with the development and distribution of library marketing, communications, and promotional materials.
• Evaluates library procedures, services, and operational practices and recommends improvements to enhance service delivery and community engagement.
• Plans, prioritizes, oversees, and performs special projects, programs, events, outreach activities, and other duties.

Specific duties related to Outreach Services:

• Develops, oversees, coordinates, and expands community outreach programs and services.
• Identifies underserved populations and develops strategies to improve access to library services and resources.
• Coordinates outreach services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, residents with limited transportation access, and underserved populations.
• Plans and provides outreach programs, activities, and services for patrons of all ages at schools, parks, community centers, senior facilities, and other off-site locations.
• Operates and coordinates scheduling and maintenance of the library outreach vehicle.
• Develops outreach materials and resources that promote library services, programs, and initiatives.
• Evaluates outreach-related policies and procedures and recommends revisions as needed.

Specific duties related to Youth Services:

• Oversees and coordinates youth services and programs for children and teens from infancy through high school age.
• Designs, implements, promotes, and evaluates youth programs, events, activities, and educational initiatives.
• Selects, acquires, catalogs, and maintains materials and resources for youth collections.
• Assists children, teens, parents, and caregivers with library resources, research, technology, and reader’s advisory services.
• Develops promotional materials and resources related to youth services and programming.
• Evaluates youth services policies and procedures and recommends revisions as needed.

Specific duties related to Adult Services:

• Oversees, coordinates, promotes, and evaluates programs, events, and services designed for adult patrons.
• Assists adult patrons with reference, research, reader’s advisory, technology support, and access to library resources and community information.
• Develops and maintains adult collections, including print, digital, and multimedia materials.
• Coordinates community engagement activities, educational opportunities, and partnerships that support adult learning and enrichment.
• Develops promotional materials and outreach efforts related to adult services and programs.
• Evaluates adult services policies, procedures, and programming effectiveness and recommends improvements as needed.

Specific duties related to Technical Services:

• Oversees and coordinates library technology initiatives, including support for the library website, mobile applications, and digital services.
• Serves as a liaison between the Library Services Division, the City’s Information Technology Division, and regional library consortiums and systems.
• Troubleshoots library technology and equipment issues and coordinates repairs or support services as needed.
• Supports the development and implementation of virtual training resources and technology-based staff training initiatives.
• Assists patrons and staff with the use of library technology, digital resources, online services, and equipment.
• Researches and recommends emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance library operations and services.

Qualifications

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, trends, and standards of library science and public library services.
• Principles and practices of community outreach, engagement, and identifying underserved populations and service needs.
• Methods and techniques for developing and maintaining effective partnerships with community organizations, schools, agencies, and stakeholders.
• Library technologies and software systems, including integrated library systems, bibliographic databases, online public access catalogs, self-service and RFID circulation systems, computer reservation and printing systems, virtual training platforms, and online event management tools.
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, training, work planning, assignment, performance evaluation, and volunteer coordination.
• Collection development principles and practices, including the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies and digital resources.
• Customer service principles and techniques for working effectively with individuals from diverse socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds.
• Inclusive verbal and written communication strategies.
• Modern office practices and procedures, including records management, report preparation, business correspondence, and standard office software applications.
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, policies, and procedures related to library operations and services.
• Safe work practices and procedures.
• Proper English usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation.

Ability to:

• Organize, prioritize, coordinate, and complete multiple assignments, projects, programs, and activities with minimal supervision.
• Provide high-quality customer service using tact, professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in a public service environment.
• Effectively supervise, train, mentor, and motivate staff and volunteers in coordination with the library services coordinator; provide constructive feedback; address performance or conduct issues; and support employee development and accountability.
• Supervises and assists with the opening and closing of library facilities or assigned service areas, ensuring public spaces, equipment, and service desks are secured and prepared for daily operations.
• Develop and implement programs, outreach efforts, and strategies that enhance community engagement and access to library services.
• Present programs, information, and instructional materials in an engaging and effective manner to individuals and groups of varying ages and backgrounds.
• Communicate clearly, concisely, and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, community organizations, schools, partner agencies, and the public.
• Analyze operational and service needs and recommend effective solutions and process improvements.
• Effectively use and assist others with library technologies, digital resources, and computer applications.
• Maintain technical knowledge and professional competence through ongoing training and professional development activities.
• Exercise independent judgment, initiative, tact, and diplomacy in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Promote a positive, inclusive, and welcoming library environment.

Human Relations and Communications Skills

Regular contact within the department, the general public, other departments, and/or outside agencies to exchange specialized information.

Analytical Skills and Complexity

Applies a variety of procedures, policies, and/or precedents and uses moderate analytical ability to adapt standard methods to specific facts and conditions.

Education and Experience

A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

• Possession of a Master of Library and Information Science degree from a graduate program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA); and
• Two years of progressively responsible professional library experience.

Bilingual and biliterate proficiency in Spanish is desirable.

Licenses and Certifications

Requires possession of the following:

• A valid California Class C driver license and a satisfactory driving record.

The full job description, including physical demands and working conditions, is available on the Job Descriptions page of the City’s website.

Supplemental information

To be considered for this opportunity, applicants must submit a completed employment application, resume, and cover letter by the application deadline. Applications will be reviewed for accuracy, completeness, and job-related qualifications. A limited number of candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the requirements may be invited to participate in the selection process, which may include written, oral, and/or performance examinations.

This is a confidential recruitment. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established. All information provided in application materials is subject to verification. False statements may result in disqualification or discharge. Appointment is contingent upon successfully completing a background investigation and criminal history check. Before beginning employment, applicants must provide documentation of identity and authorization to work in the United States, as well as a current DMV driving record.

Following appointment, employees must successfully complete a 12-month probationary period as the final phase of the appointment process.

The email address provided on the City application will be the primary means of communication regarding this recruitment. The City of Paso Robles participates in E-Verify. More information is available at www.PRCity.com/HR. For questions regarding the application process, contact Human Resources at (805) 237-3962 or Jobs@PRCity.com.

All persons employed by the City of Paso Robles are designated as "disaster service workers" as defined in the California Government Code section 3100 and 3101.

The City of Paso Robles provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type based on race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.

The provisions of this bulletin do not constitute a contract.

Photos by @brittanyapp