Library Director
City of Hermiston, Oregon
Salary: $88,485 - $107,643
The Hermiston Public Library is the City of Hermiston's public library department, managing physical materials, digital materials, and access to shared holdings through the Sage Library System. Public services include reference assistance, interlibrary loan, technology and internet access, computer and print services, and support for patrons using library resources. Programming includes year-round activities for children, teens, and adults, including summer reading, teen activities, book clubs, and other community programs. The Library's collection includes nearly 40,000 physical items, including books, DVDs, magazines, newspapers, microfilm, and other materials. It also provides access to more than 30,000 downloadable eBooks and audiobooks. The Library operates with 9.3 FTEs and a 2025/2026 total budget of $1,074,288. The budget is primarily an operating budget within the General Fund and includes $890,288 for personnel services, $154,000 for materials and services, and $30,000 for capital outlay. The Library also benefits from community support through volunteers and the Friends of the Hermiston Public Library.
Reporting to the City Manager, the Library Director leads the day-to-day operations and long-range vision of the Hermiston Public Library. The Director provides direct supervision to professional, paraprofessional, and support staff while fostering a workplace culture grounded in service, learning, and community. Working in coordination with staff, the Director plans programs, special projects, and community outreach, and prepares news releases that share the Library's story with the public. The role also involves responding to inquiries from residents, civic groups, and partner organizations, and working closely with the Library Board, Friends of the Library, and community groups to ensure services remain responsive to local needs. Administrative responsibilities include developing and managing the Library budget, preparing grant applications, and pursuing additional funding to expand programs and materials. The Director prepares internal and external reports and correspondence, sets short- and long-term departmental goals, and coordinates with state regulatory agencies and the Umatilla County Special Library District to ensure compliance with intergovernmental agreements and funding requirements.
Education and Experience: Candidates should have a master’s degree in Library Science and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional library experience, OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience which ensures the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.
➢ Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue
Shield of Oregon.
➢ Oregon PERS retirement participation, with the
City paying the employee's 6% contribution.
➢ Long Term Disability insurance.
➢ Dental coverage through Delta Dental or
Willamette Dental, with orthodontia included.
➢ VSP Vision Care covering annual eye exams,
lenses, and frames or contacts.
➢ Basic Life Insurance and AD&D ($20,000 each,
City-paid), plus optional supplemental coverage
for employee, spouse, and dependents.
➢ City contribution of 1% of base salary into a
Mission Square 401a plan.
➢ Access to three deferred compensation plans.
➢ HRA VEBA account with annual deposits based
on medical plan participation.
➢ Vacation leave scaled by years of service.
➢ Sick leave accrual of 10 hours per month.
➢ 10 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal days.
➢ Relocation assistance available for the right
candidate.
Located in the sunny Columbia Basin of northeast Oregon, the city of Hermiston blends smalltown warmth with regional reach. Known as the Watermelon Capital of the Northwest, this city of over 20,000 is the largest in Eastern Oregon and a hub for agriculture, logistics, health care, education, and industry. Recreation is woven into daily life, with more than 12 miles of trails winding through town, complemented by the Hermiston Family Aquatic Center at the base of the iconic Hermiston Butte, the colorful Funland Playground, and favorites like Victory Square Park and Riverfront Park. Big River Golf Course offers an 18-hole layout just north of town, and a short drive opens up Hat Rock State Park, the McNary Wildlife Nature Area, and miles of Columbia River trails for boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing. With affordable living, big skies, strong schools, and genuine community pride, Hermiston offers a place to build a life, not just a career.
External Job Ad
https://www.prothman.com/open-recruitments/?jobId=3376
For a complete position profile, job description, benefits summary, and to apply online, visit the Prothman Company at https://www.prothman.com/ and click on "Open Recruitments". For questions, call 206-368-0050. The City of Hermiston is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Apply by June 28, 2026. (First review, open until filled.)