Indigenous Cultural Competency Adult Services Librarian

This is an internal job posting. Only former Multnomah County employees on an active recall list may apply for this opportunity through this site.

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.

Pay Range:

$34.80 - $42.71 Hourly

Department:

Library Department

Job Type:

Regular Represented

Exemption Status:

United States of America (Non-Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

November 23, 2025

The Opportunity:

Multnomah County Library is seeking a creative, customer service-­oriented, charismatic Indigenous Cultural Competency Librarian to join our East County Library team!

As an Indigenous Cultural Competency Adult Services Librarian, you will provide excellent patron and informational service to a diverse spectrum of customers of all backgrounds, and with a specific focus on providing service to our Indigenous patrons. You will draw on expertise in literature, research and other areas in order to do so.

This is an internal recruitment open to all current regular, probationary/trial service and limited duration employees, or those in a paid or unpaid internship program at the time of recruitment, who are in paid status, on approved leave, or on an active recall list. Additionally, current temporary and on-call employees may apply for an internal recruitment provided that they were currently or previously hired through a civil service process.

As an Indigenous Cultural Competency Adult Services Librarian, you will respond to information requests that are in person, over the phone, through email, via chat, social media or other virtual media which will include conducting complex reference interviews and providing readers’ advisory, research services and instruction in person, online and other various formats. You will also provide instruction and assistance to patrons in the use of the library’s equipment, catalogs, databases, public website, internet, and/or computer software applications; troubleshoot equipment issues. 

You will also support public programming, outreach, collections efforts by:

• Planning for special events and tours as well as responding and approving community room requests. Following library policy and procedure to secure speakers/presenters, reserve locations, register participants, create program displays and promote programs/services to the community.
• Working in collaboration in collaboration with systemwide librarians and  teams, serving as the location lead for developing, coordinating, promoting, delivering and evaluating public programs, presentations and customer experience training, both inside and outside of the library.
• You will serve as a liaison between the branch, regional and systemwide teams.
• Working with the Community Engagement team to prepare and provide outreach services in the community, and other sites that have been selected based on operational criteria and deliver appropriate levels of service. 
• Working with location staff for the creation and maintenance of branch displays for adults according to the location standards of excellence to ensure community appeal.
• Exercising professional judgment and knowledge of collection areas, including planning and coordinating collection projects in collaboration with the branch administrator and other East County Librarians and/or Integrated Services staff.

There will be other duties assigned, but you will be well supported in the execution of those duties.

The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. This position requires someone with the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. In providing customer service, you may encounter situations that require de-escalation or assistance from a supervisor or person-in-charge. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in dealing with potentially disruptive, physically dangerous or abusive customers and emergencies is crucial.

Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by centering race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team, all staff are expected to act as allies to library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by:

• Speaking up to support staff and patrons subjected to marginalization
• Speaking out against racism and oppression
• Demonstrating behavior that is culturally aware and sensitive 

Learn more about the library’s services on our website.

To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant. 

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Master's degree in library science from an American Library Association accredited program. 
• Strong cultural sensitivity and competency abilities.
• Knowledge of and experience working with the Native American/Alaska Native community. This would be demonstrated by knowledge of the traditions, values, and customs of the community being served, as well as the ability to identify specific examples of experience working directly with individuals and families who identify with Indigenous communities. 
• Knowledge of the impact of colonization on Native communities and how those communities engage with government organizations.     
• Knowledge of literature directly related to accurate and decolonized depictions of Native and Indigenous communities.
• Ability to pass a criminal records check, should a job offer be extended. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Experience planning, preparing and implementing culturally sensitive programs..
• Understanding of the impact of systemic oppression and its potential impact on marginalized patrons seeking library services.
• Knowledge of and experience working with Indigenous communities.

Screening and Evaluation 
The Application Packet:

• A completed online application.
• A resume.
• A cover letter or other document which highlights your successful work experience with the Indigenous community.

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference and criminal records checks

Work Location: This position works onsite at the East County Library located at the intersection of Division Street and Eastman Parkway in Gresham, Oregon 97030.

Equal Pay Law: Please be advised that the pay range listed for this position is intended to provide general guidance on the earning potential for the role. However, actual compensation will be determined in accordance with the Oregon Equal Pay Law and will take into account factors such as the candidate's relevant experience and education. Candidates should expect that initial offers will be made within the listed pay range and may not be at or near the top of the range.

Serving the Public, Even During Disasters
Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.  

In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.

Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.

Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our veterans’ preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.

Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.

Questions?

Recruiter:

Anthony Cesario

Email:

anthonyc@multco.us

Phone:

+1 (971) 4166884

Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.

Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

Job Profile:

7222 - Librarian