CITY LIBRARIAN

Salary : $155,532.00 - $237,048.00 AnnuallyLocation : Torrance, CAJob Type: Permanent Full-timeJob Number: 26031640Department: COMMUNITY SERVICESOpening Date: 03/10/2026Closing Date: Continuous DESCRIPTIONWE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENTIN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.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 invites your interest in the position of CITY LIBRARIAN!The Community Services Department is committed to providing quality services, activities, programs and facilities for all those who live, learn, work and play in the City of Torrance.The CityTorrance California, the eighth largest city in Los Angeles County, is a vibrant coastal city situated in the South Bay region of Southern California. With nearly 150,000 residents and a peak daytime population that grows to 250,000 or more, Torrance spans an area of almost 22 square miles, including a picturesque mile of beach. Known for its diverse culture and strong sense of community, the city offers a blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, boasting a rich history, an array of parks, excellent schools, and a thriving business sector. The City of Torrance is governed by the Council-Manager form of government with an elected Mayor and six Council Members who appoint a City Manager, a City Attorney, and members of 14 advisory commissions, boards, and council. The Executive team works under the direction of the City Manager based on merit principles. Torrance is a full-service city with an annual operating budget of $525.4 million, capital improvement plan of 182.1 million and a staff of over 1,600 organized in 14 departments.Torrance features world-class medical and research facilities, vibrant shopping, four-star dining, as well as an intricate mix of burgeoning industrial and commercial facilities. Torrance is one of the few cities in the South Bay to feature its own municipal airport and support facilities. It is also considered to be a "headquarters" city, with major corporations such as Sunrider International, Alpinestars USA, Health-Ade Kombucha, Pelican Products, L3 Harris Technologies, RapiScan Systems, American Honda Motor Company, and Robinson Helicopter Company all calling Torrance home.The DepartmentThe mission of the 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. This shows a sample of what the Community Services Department has to offer.The DivisionThe 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 PositionThe City Librarian position is ideal for a visionary and innovative leader. This role provides strategic leadership and collaborates with managers to develop, implement, and monitor long-term plans, goals, and objectives that support the City's mission and Council priorities. The City Librarian oversees two managers and play a critical administrative role, with responsibility for all library functions and facilities.As a member of the Community Services management team, the City Librarian reports directly to the Community Services Director and provides overall leadership for all Library operations. This includes supervising managers, supervisors, and professional and support staff within the Library Division.For more information about the duties of the position, click here.The Ideal CandidateThe ideal candidate is committed to public service, capable of collaborating effectively with diverse groups and stakeholders across the City and community, and brings a proven record of exceptional leadership and management. The successful candidate demonstrates an adaptable leadership style, the ability to inspire and build strong teams, and a commitment to ongoing professional development. They are skilled at mentoring and developing staff, remain current on public library trends and future directions, and have experience in employee relations and public library operations. Additionally, they are resourceful in securing and managing grants, politically astute, and able to navigate shifting organizational priorities. Strong written and verbal communication skills, excellent interpersonal abilities, a deep commitment to customer service, and unwavering integrity are essential.As a dynamic community dedicated to excellence, Torrance is seeking a strategic, self-driven leader who can create a shared vision and effectively carry that vision through to completion. This individual will be committed to developing leadership in others and improving organizational performance through consistent feedback, coaching, and a focus on operational efficiency. The City is also looking for someone who understands the needs of the community and responds to them thoughtfully and effectively.The ideal candidate will bring experience in municipal management, employee relations within a unionized environment, and the ability to navigate politically sensitive situations. They should be comfortable operating in fiscally constrained conditions and have experience pursuing, securing, and managing grants. A strong understanding of current trends and forecasts in public services, an ongoing commitment to professional development, and unwavering integrity are essential.Key Priorities & OpportunitiesThe new City Librarian will be an integral part of finalizing a new Plan of Service for the Torrance Public Library. This will provide the opportunity to build a new strategy for delivery of digital services, blending the best of the "high touch" servicedelivery Torrance Library is known for, with opportunities to reach new audiences with emerging technologies. This position offers many avenues for statewide influence, connections, and professional development opportunitiesKey Responsibilities IncludeManagement liaison to other City Departments and outside agencies, for broad strategic projects and ongoing communication.Oversight of budget, operations, staff, services, and processes in significant functional areas of library services.Planning and preparation of management reports and documents, including budget management and items to the Library Commission and City Council.Broad problem solving and decision making authority for the Torrance Public Library.Monthly Salary Range $12,961 (Minimum) - $17,178 (Reference) - $19,754 (Maximum)Appointments are typically made between the minimum and reference point, depending on qualifications.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 ExperienceAny 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:A Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited college or university and six years of professional library experience, including at least three years of management experience and administrative responsibility for a library division or divisions. License and CertificatesMust possess and maintain a valid California Class C Drivers' License. HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS Interested candidates must submit an online application and supplemental questionnaire at . Application submission will be accepted on a continuous basis until the position is filled. First review of applications will be those received by March 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. If a sufficient number of qualified applications are received by the first review date, there is the possibility that the recruitment may close at that time.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 component:Panel Interview: Weighted 100% (Tentatively scheduled on April 7, 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 to find out more information about our Community.The City of Torrance Conflict of Interest Code requires that employees in this classification file an annual Financial Disclosure Statement. Information about this requirement may be obtained from the City Clerk's office.Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please contact us at (310) 618-2915 prior to the test date. For further information, click 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 StatementThe 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:: For additional information about the City's benefits, visit: 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 I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my qualifying experience in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should be reflected in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently employed by the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my appropriate job classification/title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.I have read these statements in their entirety and understand them completely and to their fullest. Yes No Required Question

Created: 2026-04-02