Job Description
Click here to view the full job posting
Fort Vancouver Regional Library District (FVRL) is looking for an enthusiastic and community-oriented Branch Manager to provide leadership at our White Salmon Community Library, one of 15 libraries throughout the district. White Salmon Community Library is located in the city center of White Salmon, Washington, in a former bowling alley within a retail complex. Last year the interior of the 9,015 sq ft building received a beautiful refresh with new furniture, paint, shelves, a new Teen area and enlarged children’s space. White Salmon Valley Community Library serves as a community gathering place where it brings people of all ages and of different interests together through its services, programs and art exhibits.
The Branch Manager is involved in the day-to-day operations of the branch as well as serving as the face of the library district within the cities of White Salmon, Bingen and in western Klickitat County. The Branch Manager leads and develops a diverse team of eight employees, and works with library staff at all levels throughout Fort Vancouver Regional Library District. Program development, management experience, and the ability to build community partnerships to serve the area’s large Spanish-speaking population are key to this role. According to the American Community Survey for 2015, 11% of Klickitat County’s total population are Latinos while White Salmon’s Latino population is about 22%.
The primary responsibilities of the position are managing the branch along with a branch supervisor, serving the public, conducting programming, and attending community events as the library representative with the help of a part-time outreach librarian. Being involved in community outreach and relationship building with local entities and nearby rural communities are part of the outward-facing activities for this position. White Salmon and the gorge area have a vibrant art community. The branch manager is expected to continue the tradition of supporting cultural programs and art exhibits and to work cooperatively in exploring the rich resources and talents available in the area. The Branch Manager actively works to create and cultivate community relationships with the Friends of the Library, school districts, and county and city government officials. Because of its proximity to Goldendale Community Library, the two branches work closely together to develop outreach strategies and service priorities for the sparsely populated and vastly distant communities spanning over 1,800 square miles in Klickitat County’s incorporated and unincorporated areas.
Please see the job description and recruitment announcement (link above) for more details regarding the job duties, job requirements and the community.
Tentative Recruiting Timeline:
Application deadline: 5:00 pm, March 19, 2017 (new date)
Video (virtual) interviews: March 29, 2017
Final interviews: April 13-14, 2017
Additional Info & Requirements
The employee is expected to perform or possess the following:
- Knowledge of Fort Vancouver Regional Library’s policies and procedures and ability to apply them appropriately.
- Knowledge of library terminology, tools, methods and procedures.
- Knowledge of the circulation and patron account functions of the library automation system used by Fort Vancouver Regional Library.
- Knowledge of a broad range of public library information resources and ability to effectively search for and locate information.
- Knowledge of library services, programs and offerings with ability to describe and explain to patrons.
- Knowledge of patron needs and ability to anticipate and address those needs in planning programs and services.
- Skillful in fostering and maintaining a pleasant and productive working atmosphere.
- Strong service orientation and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Sensitivity and strong commitment to working with a diverse staff.
- Demonstrate strong organizational, planning, and project management skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively with staff, patrons, and community members, and to act as a representative of Fort Vancouver Regional Library to the public.
- Ability to direct, train and supervise employees, volunteers, and substitutes.
- Ability to apply techniques to locate and suggest books and other resources to meet patrons’ needs and criteria.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment in interpreting established library policies and procedures when dealing with patrons and staff.
- Ability to prepare and maintain complete and accurate reports and records of branch operation activities.
- Ability to train and coach staff in techniques for new and effective programs and services.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision and judge appropriately when to make a decision, when to seek guidance, and when to communicate decisions to others.
- Ability to communicate with patrons who may be expressing problems and effectively come to a resolution.
- Ability to travel between district locations and for community outreach visits and events.
The Community
The City of White Salmon is situated in the scenic Columbia River Gorge on a bluff overlooking the river at an elevation of 550 feet. The city takes its name from the nearby White Salmon River, which was named by the Lewis and Clark Expedition when they observed the river teeming with salmon whose color had turned white after spawning.
Residents in this quaint, friendly rural town are proud of the spectacular views from the bluff overlooking the Columbia River, the city of Hood River, Oregon, the valley as well as the majestic Mt. Hood (elevation 11,239 feet.) The phrase, “The Land Where The Sun Meets The Rain” is often used to describe the climate in and around White Salmon. The Columbia River Gorge serves as a funneling conduit for the differing air pressures on either side of the Cascades, resulting in reliable westerly winds in summer. The broad expanse of the Columbia River Gorge and the reliable summer winds have led to development of the
area as a premier windsurfing and kiteboarding mecca. In winter the pressure patterns reverse, putting White Salmon at the top of the funnel where the bulk of the Cascade range typically inhibits the chilly easterlies that buffet Portland at the west end of the funnel. The area’s relatively mild climate and location combine to offer visitors and residents a recreation paradise. Hiking, camping and biking opportunities are abundant throughout the Columbia River Gorge, and in Washington’s Gifford Pinchot National Forest and Mt. Adams areas. Fishing, rafting or kayaking are popular in the Columbia River and the many
lakes and tributaries.
White Salmon has access to nearby barge, air transportation, train (a regular Amtrak stop in neighboring town of
Bingen) and interstate highways that lead to Pacific Rim ports and other major transportation arteries. The White
Salmon Valley area has attracted new technology and fermentation industries that have developed new employment
opportunities.
The White Salmon area has a thriving art community and offers a selection of excellent restaurants, lodging,
and recreational activities enhancing the local retail economy.
In general, the area’s farms, orchards, gardens, cattle, llamas, logging mills, fishing and hunting provide a special
and diverse way of life for area residents.
HR Info
jobs@fvrl.org
To apply, please complete the FVRL Application for Employment (pdf) and submit a signed copy along with a resume and cover letter to jobs@fvrl.org.