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The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The City of Torrance invites your interest in the position of Assistant City Librarian!
Appointment to the position is made between the minimum and reference point depending on qualifications.
The Department
The mission of the Community Services Department is to enrich the community through the provision of recreational, cultural, and educational opportunities for persons of all abilities. The goals of the Department are to provide stewardship of the City’s public open space including parks; to provide materials and services in a variety of formats that satisfy the educational, information, recreational, and cultural needs of our diverse community supporting lifelong independent learning; and to serve as a center for community information, services and activities in easily accessible locations throughout the community. A philosophy of community and customer services continues to provide the focus for our efforts. The Community Services Department offers Torrance residents the unique opportunity to help achieve a sense of purpose, identity, self-worth, and improved self-esteem within the specialized areas of Cultural Arts, Library, Parks, and Recreation. The Department has five divisions: Library, Administrative, Cultural, Recreation, and Parks. The Community Services Department is a diverse organization ranging from maintenance of parks facilities and grounds, development of open space, recreational programming, continuous public education in library services, and cultural services with unique features such as a local museum.
The Division
The Torrance Public Library provides outstanding services, exceptional resources, and accessible spaces to support an independent, literate, and informed community.
The Library Services Division dedicates itself to providing a diverse range of educational resources that reflect community needs. It remains committed to offering materials, programs, and services that respond to the interests and priorities of the community. The Library Commission, along with various community groups, also plays an important role in representing and advocating for the interests of neighborhood libraries.
The Position
The Assistant City Librarian serves as a key member of the Library’s leadership team, reporting directly to the City Librarian and overseeing a team of up to five staff. This position is responsible for strategic program management, budget oversight, daily operations, staff supervision and development, and fostering positive employee relations, while also serving as a liaison to the community.
Assistant City Librarians support the Library Services Division’s mission to deliver responsive, high-quality educational resources and programs aligned with community needs. Working collaboratively with the City Librarian and other leadership staff, they help implement the Library’s strategic plan and ensure exceptional patron services across all service areas. The role requires flexibility to function in either Public Services or Operations and to act on behalf of the City Librarian when needed.
In the Operations area, responsibilities include oversight of technology systems and automation, digital services and web management, collection development, technical and circulation services, facilities and safety management, emergency preparedness, and budget administration. In Public Services, the role focuses on branch supervision, adult and youth programming, community outreach, partnerships with community groups and commissions, grant-supported services, and volunteer coordination.
Overall, the Assistant City Librarian plays a critical role in advancing library services, strengthening community connections, and ensuring efficient, innovative, and customer-focused operations.
For more information about the duties of the position, click here.
The City offers ample opportunities for career growth throughout the organization with its 14 departments, which work together to provide quality service, enriching programs, and exciting events to keep the community safe and thriving. The City also proudly offers exceptional employee benefits and perks! Please click here for more information on Employee Benefits, Discounts, & Incentives!
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Education And Experience
Any combination of education and experience that provides the required knowledge and skills is qualifying. A typical way of obtaining the necessary knowledge and abilities would be:
Four years of professional library experience, including at least two years of experience supervising professional library staff; and a Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science degree from an ALA accredited college or university.
License and/or Certificates
Must possess and maintain an appropriate, valid California driver's license.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate is committed to public service and has proven experience in superior supervisory and change management skills. The candidate must be adept at working with all City and community interest groups.
A successful candidate is an inspiring team-builder with steadfast integrity who possesses an adaptable management style. They demonstrate high self-awareness and effectiveness in managing workplace relationships and are talented at mentoring and developing staff with current public library trends and forecasts. They are experienced in employee relations, knowledgeable in public library operations, and resourceful when seeking and managing library funding. Additionally, they exhibit effective written and oral communication skills, outstanding interpersonal skills, strong customer service orientation, and they recognize the need for political sensitivity. Most importantly, the successful candidate has the ability to work with shifting organizational priorities.
How To Apply & Exam Process
Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at www.TorranceCA.Gov/Jobs. First review of applications will be those received by Wednesday, June 10, 2026. Application submission will remain open until the position is filled.
Only Those Candidates Who Best Meet The City And Department's Needs Will Be Invited To Participate In The Examination Process Which Will Consist Of The Following Components
Panel Interview (Weighted 100%): Tentatively scheduled on June 18, 2026.
Department Interview: Tentatively scheduled on July 2, 2026.
The tentative test dates will be based on a sufficient number of qualified applications received by the first review date. If a sufficient number of applications are not received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the test date may change to a later date.
SPECIAL NOTES
Visit www.TorranceCA.Gov to find out more information about the City of Torrance.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the examination date(s). If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date.
As a condition of employment, candidates must pass a background check.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract, and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Executive and Management Employees bargaining unit, visit:: MOUs/Salary Resolutions - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov)
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: Employee Services - City of Torrance (torranceca.gov)
RETIREMENT BENEFITS – The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
The following supplemental questions will be used to evaluate your qualifications for the position for which you are applying. Resumes are encouraged but will NOT be used in lieu of the application or supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to respond to any of the following questions. Failure to respond to all questions will be considered an incomplete application and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand the foregoing?
Yes
No
02
What is your highest level of education completed?
High School Diploma or GED
Some College Coursework
Associate's Degree
Bachelor's Degree
Master's Degree or above
03
How many years of full-time experience do you have in a professional library setting?
None
Less than two years
More than two years, but less than four years
More than four years, but less than six years
More than six years
04
How many years of full-time experience do you have with supervising professional library staff?
None
Less than two years
More than two years, but less than four years
More than four years, but less than six years
More than six years
05
What are the trends and forecasts for public libraries? How will they impact the operations of a municipal library system? What are your ideas to address these impacts?
06
Describe an example of a major public library project or program that you managed which was as a result of collaborative efforts. In your response, address the challenges you faced, how you dealt with them, and the outcome. Explain how you developed partnerships to accomplish your goals.
07
Describe your experience in managing projects involving technology or digital service delivery. Include the challenges, how you overcame them, and the results. Additionally, explain how you have used innovation in funding projects where there was no existing funds or limited funds.
08
Describe your experience in working with a Library Commission or community organizations.
Required Question
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Government Administration
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