OPEN/PROMOTIONAL OPPORTUNITY
FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt
TENTATIVE EXAMINATION DATE: To be determined by the hiring department
We are seeking three (3) Librarian II positions to lead branch operations at the Tracy Branch Library, Manteca Branch Library, and the Ursula Meyer Library and Community Center. The Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library serves diverse and growing communities across 17 branches and a bookmobile. This role is ideal for librarians who are excited by change, thrive in a collaborative environment, and want to help shape the future of library service in Stockton and San Joaquin County.
This is an exciting opportunity for innovative librarians who are excited to reimagine library services and explore new ways to connect with the community. We are looking for collaborative leaders who are comfortable leading change, committed to excellent customer service, and eager to develop programs, services, and partnerships that connect people with information, imagination, ideas, technology, and one another.
As branch leaders, Librarian IIs are responsible for overseeing daily operations, supervising and mentoring staff, fostering a positive and accountable team culture, and ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and responsive community resource. Successful candidates will be comfortable making decisions, thinking creatively about service delivery, using data to inform their work, and building strong relationships and building partnerships.
The Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library is part of the City of Stockton’s Community Services Department, which also includes Recreation and other community-focused services. Librarian IIs work closely with Library Managers and Department leadership to implement strategic priorities while tailoring services to meet the unique needs of the communities they serve. We are seeking leaders who value collaboration, are willing to break down silos, and embrace opportunities to work across departments to better serve our residents.
Ursula Meyer Library and Community Center
Our newest library location, opened in April 2026 offers a unique opportunity to help shape services in a beautiful new facility. The Librarian II works closely with Recreation staff and community partners to deliver innovative, integrated services that support literacy, learning, and community engagement. This role is especially well suited for a collaborative leader who is energized by the shared goals of libraries and recreation and excited by the opportunity to create programs and services that bring those connections to life.
Tracy Branch Library
Located in the fast-growing city of Tracy, this is an opportunity to lead one of the system’s busiest libraries, providing an excellent opportunity to strengthen relationships with City leaders and to partner with an active Friends of the Library group to expand programs, advocacy, and community support. Tracy combines a welcoming small-town feel with the energy and opportunity of a rapidly growing community, making it an ideal setting for a librarian who is eager to build partnerships and help grow library services.
Manteca Branch Library
Located in the rapidly growing city of Manteca, this is one of the system’s fastest-growing libraries, with strong increases in circulation, program attendance, and community use. This position offers the opportunity to build on that momentum. Manteca is an ideal opportunity for a Librarian II who is energized by growth and excited to expand services in a thriving community.
THE COMMUNITY
Located in California’s great Central Valley, Stockton has grown from a community with rich agricultural roots to an urban destination with a rich arts and culture scene, fine dining, shopping, sports, recreation, and family activities. With a multi-ethnic, multicultural population of over 320,000 residents, Stockton is the 11th-largest city in California. It is centrally located, 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area and 45 miles south of Sacramento, offering an easy and scenic drive to numerous world-famous attractions such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and the California Coast. In addition, Stockton has many local natural resources, including the San Joaquin Delta. The community has a long tradition of established families who have called Stockton home for generations and many new residents have chosen Stockton as the community in which to live and raise their families. The City has a number of beautiful residential neighborhoods along waterways and tree-lined streets, and it offers an affordable cost of living with home prices about one-third the price of Bay Area homes. With its comfortable California lifestyle, Stockton is enriched by the pleasures of metropolitan living without the congestion, overcrowding, and expense. Stockton is the seat of San Joaquin County, where wine grapes have recently become one of the leading crops, transforming the region into one of California’s premium wine districts. The robust and thriving Port of Stockton has direct waterway access to the San Francisco Bay and provides domestic and international distribution of dry and bulk cargo, containerized cargo, and steel, handling ships from all over the world. Home to several well-known higher education institutions, including the University of the Pacific, California State University – Stanislaus, Stockton Center, and San Joaquin Delta Community College, Stockton offers a variety of private and vocational schools. Year-round events and activities make Stockton a destination for venues and attractions such as the award-winning Stockton Flavor Fest, Annual Jazz Brubeck Festival, the Haggin Museum, Bob Hope (Fox California) Theatre, Children’s Museum, and the Stockton Symphony. The 10,000-seat multi-purpose, waterfront Stockton Arena is home to the Stockton Kings – the G-League affiliate of the NBA Sacramento Kings. The adjacent 5,000-seat Stockton Banner Island Ballpark, frequently ranked as one of the nation’s top minor league ballparks, is home to the Stockton Ports single-A minor league baseball team - affiliate to the major league Oakland Athletics.
THE ORGANIZATION
The City of Stockton is a full-service, Charter city with a Council/ Manager form of government. The Mayor is elected citywide, and the six Council members are nominated and elected within their respective districts. The City is one of the largest employers in Stockton, with 1,790 full-time employees and has a FY 2024-2025 annual budget of $955 million. The City Council directly appoints the positions of City Manager, City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Clerk. All other departments report to the City Manager, including Administrative Services, Human Resources, Community Services (Library and Recreation), Economic Development, Public Works, Information Technology, Municipal Utilities, Fire, Police, and Community Development. Stockton’s organizational culture is based on high performance, trust, and collaboration, and the executive management team is characterized by highly skilled, experienced leaders.
THE DEPARTMENT
The Community Services Department provides programs and services that support healthy, educated, and connected communities across all age groups. Services are designed to meet diverse community needs, including services for youth, seniors, at-risk populations, and residents with limited resources or language barriers. Recreation - The Recreation Services Division provides programs, facilities, and services that enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of Stockton residents. Through youth and adult sports, senior services, after-school programs, camps, nutrition programs, and community events, Recreation promotes physical activity, social equity, and community engagement. The division operates community centers, sports fields, pools, and specialty facilities while working with community partners and volunteers to strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to recreational opportunities citywide.
Library Services- The City of Stockton, in partnership with San Joaquin County, operates the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system, a regional multi-branch network that provides educational, literacy, and technology resources to residents throughout the county. The library offers access to books, digital media, research tools, public computers, internet services, workforce and educational resources, and thousands of free community programs each year for children, teens, and adults. Library services play a critical role in supporting lifelong learning, bridging the digital divide, and strengthening community connections through accessible and welcoming public spaces
Incumbents work 40 hours a week including some evenings and weekends.
Incumbents in this position are included in the Civil Service System and are in a "for-cause" employment status represented by the Stockton City Employees' Association Bargaining Unit. (Classified/Represented)
This recruitment is being conducted as an Open/Promotional recruitment. Current full-time City of Stockton employees may apply for this position as a promotional opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on a promotional list. All other candidates may apply for this position as an open competitive opportunity and successful candidates will be placed on an open list. The appointing authority will have the option of requesting names from the promotional list or a combination of both. This list may be used to fill future vacancies.
Prior to appointment, eligible candidates may be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting.
Under direct and/or general supervision, tasks involve routine to more complex professional librarian work ranging from the training/entry level class to the journey level. Assists customers with information, reference, and readers’ advisory services, the use of library computers, personal electronic devices, and other emerging technologies; plans and presents library programs, cultivates relationships with the community and assists with assigned collection development activities; performs related work as assigned.
