Library Careers
Check out employment opportunities at The Seattle Public Library and discover the benefits of working at one of our community’s leading institutions, where people of all ages, backgrounds and beliefs come together to share and explore their interests. Learn about our current job openings and recruitment processes, and find out how to apply.
Application Process
Candidates are invited to submit an online application with a cover letter and a resume in NEOGOV for a job opportunity listed below. (If no jobs are listed, there are no openings at this time.) To learn about additional employment opportunities, please go to the City of Seattle's Job Opportunities site.
Jobs for Librarians
Our reference librarians are generalists with a wide range of knowledge, but they may have special expertise in one or more subjects as well. Technical librarians work behind the scenes, where they select, catalog and care for books and other materials. Many of our staff members are fluent in languages other than English, which helps us serve our diverse community.
All Other Jobs
Many essential jobs within the Library do not require a library degree, and those positions range from administrative professionals and support staff, information technology professionals, drivers who transport books and other materials, to workers who maintain our buildings and grounds, and security officers who keep patrons and staff free from harm.
Invitation to Compete #32-26: Intermittent Library Associate IV (Multiple Vacancies)
Central Library and Various Branch Libraries, City of Seattle
Intermittent, FLSA non-exempt, part-time, on-call
These positions may be deployed to any SPL location.
These positions will be assigned a maximum of 1040 hours per 12 month period.
This is a non-exempt, temporary on-call employment opportunity and may end at any time at the discretion of the Library. With the exception of sick leave, this classification is not eligible for benefits. In lieu of benefits, premium pay starting at 5% is applied in addition to the pay rate for this appointment based on hours worked.
Hourly Rate: 38.96 per hour
A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Schedules may include weekdays, weekends and evenings, and are subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit their application materials in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on June 12, 2026, to be considered.
Invitation to Compete #25-26: Delivery Driver I
Central Library, Materials Distribution Services
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, part-time (48 hours per pay period)
Salary range: $28.23 - $34.22 per hour
The anticipated work schedule for this position is every Thursday, Sunday, and Monday from 5:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. The listed schedule is subject to change based on the Library’s current operational need and is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees and will remain open continuously. Candidates wishing to be considered in the first review should submit their application, driving abstract, cover letter, and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2026. Please note that the application period may close at any time after the first consideration date.
Invitation to Compete #20-26: Assistant Director of Library Programs and Engagement
Central Library, 1000 4th Ave, Seattle, WA 98104
Regular, FLSA-exempt, benefitted, full-time (80 hours per two week pay period)
Salary Range: $118,180.80 - $195,040.08 Annually
This recruitment is open to the public and to The Seattle Public Library’s employees and will remain open continuously. Please submit your application, cover letter and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on April 10, 2026 for first consideration. Please note that the application period may close at any time after the first consideration date.
Invitation to Compete #17-26: Custodian
Facilities and Capital Improvement Programs
Regular, FLSA non-exempt, full-time position (80 hours per pay period)
Salary range: $27.64 - $33.44 per hour
This position may provide open hours reactive cleaning of neighborhood public branch libraries. Primary duties involve responding to urgent and emergent cleaning requests during open hours across the library system. This position may be scheduled to conduct routine cleaning of buildings overnight (various Seattle locations).
Hours will include weekdays, evenings and weekends. This position is scheduled for Sunday - Thursday, 12:00am – 8:30am or 2:00am – 10:30am. A pay period is two weeks in length that starts on Wednesday and ends on Tuesday. Schedules are subject to change based on the Library’s current operational needs. This classification is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME.
This position is open to the public and the Seattle Public Library’s employees and will remain open until filled. Please read the How to Apply section of this bulletin for more information. Candidates are asked to submit an application in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on April 3, 2026 for first consideration.
Student Assistant Program
The Student Assistant Program enables students who are enrolled in high school, undergraduate degree, vocational or G.E.D. programs to gain work experience in a public library. This employment program for teens and young adults promotes teamwork, service to the community, and provides valuable support for the Library.
Student Assistants work in the Central Library and in Library branches throughout Seattle. Their job duties vary by location and include sorting, shelving and retrieving books and other materials; processing materials for use; sorting and routing materials using the Dewey Decimal System and other alphanumeric filing schemes. In Library branches, Student Assistants may also be asked to check materials in and out, help staff provide service to Library patrons, and provide support duties.
We are not currently accepting applications at this time.
Employee Benefits
We offer a benefits package that covers employees, their spouse or domestic partner, and dependents. Employee benefits include medical, dental and vision coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plans, generous vacation and sick leave policies and much more.