Community Languages Librarian

Community Languages Librarian

Salary

$70,863.00 - $93,254.00 Annually

Location

Library, 2850 NE Brookwood Pkwy, Hillsboro, OR 97124, OR

Job Type

Full Time

Job Number

2027-38

Department

Library

Division

LIBRARY

Opening Date

10/05/2026

Closing Date

10/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Join Our Team

Help Hillsboro residents find library materials and services that reflect their languages, interests, and experiences. As our Community Languages Librarian, you will provide direct service to the public, develop Hillsboro's community-language collections, and build relationships that help the Library better understand what our community wants and needs.

This position is joining Hillsboro Public Library during an important period of change. Collection management responsibilities will transition to Washington County Cooperative Library Services (WCCLS) in July 2027, allowing this role to develop into a broader community-focused Librarian position.

About Hillsboro Public Library

Our mission, For Everyone | Para Todos, guides how we serve our community. Hillsboro Public Library is proud to offer a robust community-languages collection that helps people access information, stories, and resources in the languages that matter to them.

Our work is grounded in five Library values: Belonging, Credibility, Excellence, Sustainability, and Innovation with Purpose. These values shape how we serve the public, manage resources, protect intellectual freedom, and respond to the changing needs of our community.

Position Overview

This is a generalist Librarian role with a focus on collection development, community engagement, and data analysis. You will spend regular time assisting patrons at the service desk while also selecting, purchasing, evaluating, and maintaining Spanish-language and other community-language materials.

You will report to a Library Supervisor and work closely with other Librarians, Library Support Specialists, Library Materials Assistants, community partners, volunteers, and employees throughout the Library.

How This Role Will Evolve

Through June 30, 2027, the role will continue to combine direct customer service with community-language selection, purchasing, collection maintenance, and budget responsibilities.

Beginning in July 2027, most physical collection management will transition to WCCLS. The position is expected to place greater emphasis on community engagement, communicating Hillsboro's collection needs, and helping residents access the countywide collection. Some collection responsibilities will remain, and the role may continue to evolve as Hillsboro Public Library and WCCLS develop the centralized model.

What You'll Be Doing

The balance of these responsibilities will shift beginning July 2027, with less time spent on collection selection and more on community engagement and direct service.

• Provide welcoming, responsive service to a broad range of community members and help them find information, materials, and Library resources.
• Provide reference, research, and readers advisory assistance in person and through phone, email, and online service points.
• Select, purchase, replace, evaluate, and remove materials following the Library's Collection Development Policy.
• Develop and maintain collections for all ages in Spanish, Hindi, Chinese, Vietnamese, and other community languages.
• Use Polaris, Power BI, borrowing data, community feedback, and other resources to identify collection needs and guide decisions.
• Monitor material expenditures and manage purchasing for assigned collection areas.
• Build relationships with Hillsboro's language communities and create trusted opportunities for people to share what materials and services would be most useful to them.
• Support collections and services at both Brookwood and Shute Park libraries.
• Work with colleagues to maintain community access points, including NovelBranch and the Library's Tiny Branches (library-sponsored Little Free Libraries).
• Support daily operations and a safe, welcoming environment by following Library and City policies, maintaining records, contributing to projects, and serving as Person in Charge when assigned.
• Serve as Person in Charge of a Library branch on an occasional basis.

Current and Upcoming Priorities

• Assess whether community-language collections reflect local needs, and recommend vendors and purchasing options to address gaps.
• Help transition physical collection management from Hillsboro Public Library to WCCLS.
• Support the replacement and refreshed branding of the Library's 12 Tiny Branches in partnership with the Library's Public Information Officer and Hillsboro Parks & Recreation.

What You'll Need to Succeed

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Experience selecting, evaluating, purchasing, or maintaining library materials.
• Experience in serving a broad general public, balancing competing needs, responding compassionately during challenging interactions, setting respectful expectations, and using de-escalation techniques when appropriate.
• The ability to build relationships with community members and organizations.
• Experience seeking feedback and using it to improve materials or services.
• An understanding of collection development, intellectual freedom, and the Library Bill of Rights.
• The ability to use data and community input to make thoughtful decisions.
• Strong communication, collaboration, and organizational skills.
• The ability to adapt as responsibilities and service models change.
• A commitment to equitable access and responsive public service.
• Strong digital literacy and the ability to learn Library systems and vendor platforms.

Preferred Language Skills

Spanish or another priority community language is strongly preferred, but language skills beyond English are not required.

Job Classification

For additional information, review the Librarian classification.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Master's degree in Library Science, Information Science, or a closely related field AND at least six months of library selection experience;
• OR an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the position.

Licenses and Certifications

• Valid driver's license and safe driving record.

Additional Information

Work Location and Schedule

• Primarily based at Brookwood Library.
• Occasional work at Shute Park Library and other community locations.
• Anticipated schedule is Sunday through Thursday.
• Most shifts are expected to be 9:15 a.m.-6:15 p.m., with one regular evening shift.

Why Join Us

Working for the City of Hillsboro means being part of a team that values community, inclusion, and meaningful public service. You'll have the opportunity to make a direct impact by helping people connect with information, resources, and each other.

We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the community we serve and creating an environment where all employees feel welcomed and supported.

Application Guidelines

• Apply Early: Submit your application by October 18, 2026.
• Complete Your Application: Please fill out all sections thoroughly and accurately, as resumes and cover letters will not be reviewed. Your application responses are the primary way we assess your qualifications.
• Highlight Your Unique Skills: Take time to clearly describe your relevant experience and accomplishments. Thoughtful, detailed responses help us understand your skills and how they align with the position.
• Be Authentic: Please ensure your responses reflect your own experience and are written in your own words. We value clear, specific examples that demonstrate your skills and contributions.

Anticipated Recruitment Timeline

Application Open: October 5, 2026

Application Close: October 18, 2026

Application Review Complete: October 26, 2026

First Round Interviews Virtual: November 3-5, 2026

Second Round Interviews In Person: November 16-20, 2026

Selection: December 2026

Timeline subject to change based on operational needs.

Why Work for the City of Hillsboro

At the City of Hillsboro, we value innovation, inclusion, and collaboration. Our culture encourages professional growth and supports employees who are passionate about making a difference in their community. You'll find meaningful work, great people, and opportunities to grow your career in public service. We're committed to supporting employees with a comprehensive package of benefits and resources designed to promote health, well-being, and growth.

When you join our team, you'll enjoy:

• Competitive pay with City contributions to PERS retirement
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Paid time off for vacation, personal, sick leave, and holidays
• Deferred compensation match and HRA VEBA contributions to support your future savings
• City-paid life, AD&D, and long-term disability insurance
• Bilingual pay incentives and wellness reimbursements
• A free annual TriMet Hop pass
• Free SHARC and Hidden Creek Community Center access for you and your immediate family
• Paid time to volunteer through Hillsboro Helps
• Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
• A supportive workplace that values work-life balance and employee wellness

To learn more about the Citys full-time benefits package and collective bargaining agreements, visit the Benefits Page.

Bilingual Incentive Pay Available

Employees who can demonstrate the ability to speak Spanish, ASL, or another language spoken by more than 10% of City residents, as documented by the most recent U.S. Census, will receive a monthly 3% premium. The incentive is paid only on hours in paid status. Proficiency will be determined through a City-administered test.

Helpful Information for Applicants

Candidates may find the following information helpful when learning about Hillsboro Public Library and the upcoming changes to collection management:

• Hillsboro Public Library Strategic Plan 2026-2031
• The Future of Collections in Washington County Libraries
• Hillsboro Public Library Collection Development Policy
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging in Hillsboro

Commitment to Equity

At the City of Hillsboro, we believe that hiring a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve is essential to delivering exceptional City services and programs. The City of Hillsboro is committed to creating and supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for all employees to thrive. We value, respect, and empower employees as unique individuals with authentic voices and diverse ideas.

City of Hillsboro is proud to offer robust benefit packages to employees. Please check out our Salary and Benefits page for benefit guides for our non-represented full-time employees and part-time employees. Benefits may vary for positions identified in Police, Fire, and Library collective bargaining agreements, which can also be found on the Salary and Benefits page.

01

Application Requirements

Before submitting your application, please confirm that you understand the following:

• Complete all sections of the online application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
• Resumes and cover letters ARE NOT reviewed. Be sure all qualifications and experience are included in the application itself.
• Only Veterans' Preference and required position-specific certification documents (if applicable) will be reviewed as attachments.
• Complete your application and supplemental responses in English. Materials submitted in another language may not be translated during the review process.

Do you understand and acknowledge these requirements?

• Yes
• No

02

Library Selection Experience

How much experience do you have selecting materials for a library collection?

Selection includes evaluating materials and deciding what to add or purchase based on community needs, collection priorities, and available resources.

Select one.

• No library selection experience
• Less than six months
• Six months to less than one year
• One year to less than three years
• Three years or more

03

Selection and Collection Development

Describe your experience selecting materials for a library collection. Include:

• The type of library, audiences served, and materials or languages you selected.
• Your responsibilities and level of involvement in selection decisions.
• An example of how you used community needs, collection data, a collection policy, or budget considerations to guide a selection decision.

Experience from different library types and collection sizes is welcome. If you do not have direct library selection experience, describe related experience that has prepared you for this work.

Please limit your response to 300 words.

04

Community Engagement and Connections

Describe a specific example of how you built relationships with a community or group to better understand its needs. Explain how you connected with people, encouraged them to share feedback, and used what you learned to inform services, materials, or a project.

Include your role and what resulted from your efforts. Examples may come from employment, volunteering, education, or other community involvement.

Please limit your response to 300 words.

05

Language Skills

In which of the following languages do you have at least professional working proficiency in both spoken and written communication?

For this question, professional working proficiency means you can communicate effectively in most routine workplace situations, including understanding conversations, explaining information, and reading and writing work-related messages. You may occasionally need help with specialized terminology or complex topics.

Language skills beyond English are preferred but are not required for this position. Select only the languages in which you meet this proficiency level in both speaking and writing.

Select all that apply. If you select "None of the above," do not select any other options.

• English
• Spanish
• Hindi
• Chinese - Simplified writing, with spoken Chinese proficiency
• Chinese - Traditional writing, with spoken Chinese proficiency
• Vietnamese
• Other
• None of the above at the proficiency level described

06

Additional Language Details

If you selected Other, list each additional language in which you have at least professional working proficiency in both speaking and writing.

If you selected either Chinese option, identify the spoken language or variety in which you have professional working proficiency, such as Mandarin or Cantonese.

If neither applies, enter "N/A."

Please limit your response to 100 words.

Required Question

Employer City of Hillsboro

Address 150 East Main St.

Hillsboro, Oregon, 97123

Phone 503-681-6455

Website http://www.Hillsboro-Oregon.gov