Salary: $82,284.80 - $100,006.40 Annually
Location : Des Moines, WA
Job Type: Full-Time Exempt
Job Number: Department: Soundview Region - DM/F3/FW/VV/WM
Division: Woodmont
Opening Date: 10/02/2025
Closing Date: 10/9/ :59 PM Pacific
Union Represented: Yes
General Position Summary Job Number: The King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking an
Assistant Operations Manager (AOM) to provide high quality public service and support to the Soundview Region.
The ideal candidate will have experience delivering high-quality customer service, model and champion , demonstrate high empathy and passion for working with diverse populations in a public service role, and exhibit a comfortable confidence in working directly with the public in sometimes challenging situations. Successful candidates will possess two years of public library experience or equivalent experience in direct public service environments which may occasionally be high stress.
About the Opportunity: The
Assistant Operations Manager 's primary responsibility is overseeing and supervising Library Page staff including hiring, training, coordinating work assignments, scheduling, conducting performance evaluation, and corrective action, when needed. This position has shared oversight of daily library operations in support of the Operations Manager and other Management Team members.
The successful candidate for this position will be able to work collaboratively with others, adapt nimbly to changing needs, recognize and set priorities, plan, and operate in ambiguous or high stress conditions, coordinate and organize their own work and oversee the work of others. Supervisory experience preferred.
Required Application Material: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to this position.
The work schedule for the Assistant Operations Manager will be as follows: Sunday 10:10-6:10/Woodmont
Monday 10:10-6:10/Woodmont
Tuesday 12:10-8:1 0/Des Moines
Wednesday 12:10-8:10/Woodmont
Thursday 10:10-6:10/Valley View
The above schedule is subject to change based on business needs. About King County Library System (KCLS): KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs.
Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle.
From a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.
The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc.
KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.
Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call or email
KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.
Examples of Duties Essential Duties The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however, any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.
- Recruits, interviews, and hires Library Pages and Library Page Assistants. Ensures new hire paperwork is accurately completed in a timely manner.
- Provides new hire and on-going training to direct reports and ensures that all library policies and procedures are followed.
- Evaluates, coaches, and disciplines direct reports.
- Serves as back-up for leading the daily care and maintenance of assigned facilities.
- Creates the schedules for Library Page staff based on anticipated workload and ensures that adequate staffing is maintained to meet the library's needs.
- Assists with scheduling responsibilities for Library Technical Assistants, Public Service Assistants, and Librarians at service points as needed.
- Coordinates daily workflow with Operations Manager to ensure that library staffing demands are met. Assists with directing the workflow for Library Technical Assistants, as needed.
- Provides customer service support and circulation assistance.
- As a member of a Regional Management Team, contributes to overall management of the region.
- Fosters the development of a cooperative work environment.
- Acts in lieu of Operations Manager as needed, including resolution or referral of operational issues, resolution of staff and patron incidents, problems, conflicts, and concerns, and enforcement of Code of Conduct.
- Manages and approves payroll time entries and time off and leave requests.
- Plans and conducts Library Page staff meetings.
- May act as a point of contact for security and emergency situations as assigned.
- Promotes, educates, and supports Intellectual Freedom (IF) principles with staff and patrons.
Secondary Duties - Performs direct reports' work, as needed.
- Participates in committees, training, staff meetings, etc.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
Desired Minimum Qualification Education and Experience The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values both work experience and education and realizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.
- The position requires a high school education or GED equivalent.
- Some college level education is preferred.
- The position requires a minimum of two years of library experience.
- Supervisory experience preferred.
- Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.
Knowledge and Skills - Working knowledge of management practices and principles of supervision including human resources policies and procedures.
- Knowledge of public library systems, procedures, and policies.
- Knowledge of basic informational and readers' advisory functions.
- Knowledge of resources and library and office technologies relevant to the job duties.
- Recognizes and sets priorities and can work with many interruptions.
- Adept communication and listening skills with various and diverse audiences.
- Effective at conflict resolution.
- Works independently and collaboratively.
- Knowledge of scheduling for multiple staff and service points.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing needs.
Professional Licenses and Certifications - A valid Washington driver's license is required.
Core Competencies: Each KCLS position has job-specific competencies. These competencies describe characteristics needed for optimum performance in the position. In addition, there are organizational competencies applicable to all positions at KCLS that encompass the culture and set expectations for how work is performed.
Organizational Competencies Customer Focus Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.
Valuing Diversity Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.
Ethics, Values, and Judgment Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.
Professional & Technical Knowledge Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position-related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.
Leadership Competencies Coaching and Counseling Facilitates the development of other's knowledge, abilities, and skills to fulfill job and role responsibilities more effectively. Provides timely feedback, guidance, and encouragement to help others achieve better performance and goals; builds confidence of others.
Managerial Courage Tactfully provides direct and actionable feedback in a timely manner, is open and direct but not intimidating; deals head-on with people and problems even in the most difficult situations.
Job-Specific Competencies Communicates Effectively Conveys ideas/information in a way that is clear, engaging, and suitable to the audience. Main point of their message is apparent. Listens more than they speak, responds appropriately. Seeks influence.
Decision Quality Makes decisions and solves problems, can deal adeptly with varied levels of complexity, ambiguity, and risk; takes responsibility and accepts ownership for decisions regardless of outcome. Responds promptly and appropriately in crises situations.
Building Effective Teams Blends people into cohesive teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals; creates and supports strong morale and a healthy work environment.
Accountability Holds self, direct reports, and others accountable for achieving intended outcomes; follows up and monitors progress to ensure that things stay on track; models organizational values and norms.
Physical Demands & Work Environment PHYSICAL DEMANDS
While performing the duties of this job, the employee will:
- Frequently sit throughout work shift and occasionally will stand and walk.
- Frequently reach out at chest level, occasionally reach down, and seldom reach overhead.
- Constantly use hands in conjunction with frequent finger use for keyboarding and 10-key.
- Occasionally rotate and bend at waist.
- Change tasks depending upon the shift.
- Require extensive close work including use of a PC monitor.
- Seldom operate foot controls.
- Frequently lift and carry library items up to 10 lbs., occasionally lift up to 20 lbs., and seldom lift up to 35 lbs.
- Occasionally push/pull carts and wheeled equipment with light force.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in a typical library environment. Incumbent must be available for varied work hours including evenings and weekends. Travel between assigned work locations may be required.
General Benefits Summary Paid Time off It is the policy of KCLS to grant to all part-time and full-time employees:
- Annual Leave (Vacation).
- Sick Leave
- Holidays - KCLS celebrates twelve (12) holidays each year and one (1) floating holiday. Part-time employees are eligible for holiday pay if they are scheduled to work on the day the holiday falls on.
Medical/Dental Insurance Benefits Our health insurance plans with Kaiser/Premera/Delta Dental are offered at low premium rates to all employees working 20 or more hours per week. Employees may also purchase benefits for dependents and domestic partners.
Retirement - Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Employees working 20 hours per week or more are automatically enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) program. Both KCLS and the employee contribute toward PERS retirement benefits.
Flexible and Dependent Care Spending Accounts and Health Saving Account Employees working 20 hours per week or more can set aside a portion of their salary on a pre-tax basis to pay for family medical and dependent care needs. KCLS provides an annual employer contribution to Health Saving Account when the employee is enrolled in a high deductible health plan.
Life and Accidental Death & Disability, Long Term Disability Insurance All the employees working 20 hours per week or more qualify for the group term life and AD& D insurance benefits equal to one times their annual salary. Employees working 40 hours per week receive long-term disability insurance.
Optional/Voluntary Benefits Employees working 20 hours per week or more are eligible to participate in the following voluntary benefits:
- Supplemental Term Life and AD&D Insurance
- Personal Accident Insurance
- Critical Illness Insurance
- Short-Term Disability Insurance
- Nationwide Pet Insurance
- Allstate Identity Theft Protection
- Student Loan Refinance
Deferred Compensation Retirement Plan (available to all KCLS Employees) - 457(b) Deferred Compensation Plan - You can supplement any other retirement benefits you may have by setting aside pre-tax dollars in this retirement savings account.
Other Benefits - Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - This employer-sponsored program is a confidential service that can provide referrals to counseling, financial, legal, child care/elder care services.
- Ride-Wise - KCLS encourages you to "leave the car at home" and seek other ways to commute to work. All employees are eligible for reimbursement of 50% of your tax-free ORCA transit pass and van pool. The Guaranteed Ride Home program is also available for staff.
- Tuition Assistance - KCLS encourages employees to pursue college, associate and graduate degrees and certificate programs where such education and knowledge bring value to KCLS. Tuition assistance, as funding permits, is available to all employees.
- Language Class Funding - The program covers classes that teach language identified in the KCLS world languages collection, American Sign Language, and English as an Additional Language (ESL). You don't need a work-related reason to study a language.
01
Please fill out both the application and this questionnaire completely. Any false or incompleteanswers (such as "see resume" or "see application") may result in you not having an opportunity to interview. Do you agree to answer each of these questions truthfully, and do you understandthat your answers will be compared to the information on your application?
02
Are you a current KCLS employee?
03
Are you able to work the schedule outlined in the job posting, understanding that it may occasionally change based on business needs?
04
Do you have a valid Washington State Driver's License?
05
If you responded "No" to the question above, would you be able to obtain a Washington StateDriver's License within 30 days of hire, if selected?
06
Please indicate your highest level of completed education:
- High School Diploma or G.E.D.
- Some college and/or certifications
- Associate's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Master's Degree
07
Do you have at least two years of library experience that includes circulation functions as part of your duties and/or equivalent experience in an environment that included direct service to the public?
08
Do you have two years of experience in direct public service environments which may occasionally be high stress?
09
Select all of the following that applies with regard to supervision:
- Experience working as a supervisor (responsible for hiring, approving leaves, evaluating performance, and recommending discipline for regular staff members)
- Formal training on principles of supervision
- Experience working as a lead (responsibility limited to assigning, directing and leading the work of others)
- None of the above
10
Describe a specific example of a time you had to offer feedback to someone.
11
Describe a specific example of a time you coached others to achieve a desired end result for your team.
12
What do you know about the Woodmont and Des Moines libraries and the communities they serve?
13
The King County Library System works to offer library materials that represent a wide range of community interests. This is one of the foundations of our policy of intellectual freedom, the idea that each and every patron has the right to choose the materials that interest them. Given this policy of Intellectual Freedom would you both allow and support the fact that patrons have the right to choose what they wish to see, to hear, or to read at the library?
14
Can you (with or without reasonable accommodation) perform the physical requirements of this position as described in the job posting?
15
As indicated in the posting, applicants are asked to attach a cover letter and current resume detailing your relevant work experience, education, and training as it relates to the position. Have you done this?
- Yes - I have attached my resume and cover letter.
- No - I understand my application is considered incomplete without the required materials.
16
The screening process at KCLS includes application review, interviews, and references. If selected to proceed after interviews, I acknowledge that KCLS may reach out to my listed references without notifying me beforehand.
17
Where did you hear about this job opportunity? Please select all that apply.
- KCLS Social Media (Facebook or Twitter)
- American Library Association (ALA)
- Washington Library Association (WLA)
- Pacific Northwest Library Association (PNLA)
- Seattle Public Libraries (SPL)
- Sno-Isle Libraries
- Pierce County Libraries
- LinkedIn
- Indeed.com
- Career Fair (In-Person)
- Government Jobs (public sector job site)
- Referral from KCLS Staff Member
- Job Interest Email Notification
- Other
Required Question
