Library Assistant Jobs in Wethersfield, CT (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Senior Associate for Library Production

Department / Division: Library

Reports To: Chief Production Officer

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location / Work Arrangement: Onsite – Hamden, CT (in-office 5 days/week when not traveling; up to

30% travel nationwide, concentrated around library opening weeks)

Hourly Range: $31.25 – $37.5

Our Mission

Freedom Reads’ mission is to bring joy, inspire hope, and help those Inside confront what prison does to the spirit. Freedom Reads brings beautiful, handcrafted bookcases into prisons, transforming cellblocks into Freedom Libraries. The Freedom Library is a physical intervention into the landscape of plastic, steel and loneliness that characterizes prison. In an environment where the freedom to think, to contribute to a community, and even to dream about what is possible is too often curtailed, Freedom Reads reminds those Inside that they have not been forgotten.

About the Role

The Senior Associate for Library Production works with the Chief Production Officer to coordinate the successful delivery of Freedom Libraries nationwide. They collaborate closely with the Library Logistics Associate and Library Coordination Manager to ensure on-time deliveries of Freedom Libraries across the country, represent Freedom Reads on production calls with state Departments of Correction (DOCs) slated to receive libraries, and attend all Library Openings. Between openings, they also spend a portion of their time on the shop floor assembling and finishing the fabricated bookcases that make up each Freedom Library.

What You’ll Work On

Library Opening Logistics & Strategy

• Develop logistics strategies, timelines, policies, procedures, benchmarks, and partnerships focused on opening and maintaining Freedom Libraries nationally
• Codify library transportation and installation workflow policies and procedures that improve efficiency of openings without compromising safety or quality
• Coordinate with the CPO and Library Logistics Associate to ensure all resources (built inventory, tooling, and packaging materials) are appropriately forecasted and in stock to satisfy opening needs
• Procure all necessary materials for library installations, with budgeting guidance from the CPO Installation & Vendor Coordination
• Collaborate with the manufacturing shop workforce and outside vendors to ensure on-time deliveries for all library openings nationwide
• Attend all library openings in person to coordinate on-site installation activity and ensure safe and efficient installations
• Make local pick-ups and deliveries as needed
• During downtime or in between opening work, assist on the shop floor with assembling and finishing fabricated bookcases that make up the Freedom Libraries (approximately 10–15% of role)

Design & Inventory Records

• Draft CAD ground plans and 3D renderings following library site visits
• Collaborate with the Library Logistics Associate to maintain an accurate records database of all installed Freedom Library inventory within the ERP system (ProShop)
• Other duties as needed based on department and/or organizational needs.

How You’ll Work

• Commitment to Freedom Reads’ mission, values, and principles, and to promoting and enhancing diversity.
• Collaboration. Works well in an open, team-oriented culture and across departments.
• Excellent communicator. Clear, direct, and succinct writer and speaker.
• Time management and organization. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks while ensuring acute attention to detail and accuracy.
• Sound judgment. A high level of integrity, professionalism, a positive attitude, and the ability to be persuasive in selling and influencing ideas.
• Lifelong learner. Enthusiasm for learning new skills, tools, and technology, and comfort using Freedom Reads’ digital tools with little to no assistance.
• Self-starter. Ability to work independently to complete discrete tasks.

Qualifications

Any combination of professional experience, volunteer work, coursework, and other transferable skills

may be applied toward these qualifications.

Required

• 3+ years of professional experience in design, logistics, construction, or a related field, or equivalent transferable experience
• Experience with project management, including managing timelines, partners and vendors, travel logistics, and keeping costs within budget
• Functional knowledge of CAD software (AutoCAD, Rhino, Vectorworks, Revit, or similar tools) and the ability to produce intermediate-level ground plans and 3D architectural renderings
• Exceptional client service skills, including a demonstrated track record of responding to client needs, completing tasks within agreed timeframes, and exercising sound judgment and professionalism
• Demonstrated commitment to social and economic justice and experience working with diverse communities
• Knowledge of safe operation of warehousing and material-management equipment, including forklifts, manual and electric pallet jacks, and mechanical packaging stations
• Knowledge of safe hand tool practices and machine set-up, and working knowledge of OSHA and EPA regulations
• Valid driver’s license

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in design, logistics, construction, or a related field
• Understanding of and/or experience working in systems associated with incarceration
• Forklift certification (Freedom Reads will provide training and certification if the selected
• candidate does not currently have it)
• OSHA 10 Certification (Freedom Reads will provide training and certification if the selected
• candidate does not currently have it)
• OSHA 30 Certification (Freedom Reads will provide training and certification if the selected
• candidate does not currently have it)

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those an employee encounters while

performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable

individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to safely lift, carry, position, and move shop materials and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds independently, and up to 100 pounds with assistance from one or more team members with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Physical labor requiring time on your feet for the majority of the day on approximately 50% of workdays
• Close visual acuity for tasks such as reading drawings and viewing a computer monitor
• Occasional moving about to accomplish tasks or move between worksites, including bending, stretching, twisting, and reaching; adjusting or moving objects in all directions

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee

encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.

• Primarily an indoor work environment; may include exposure to loud sounds and distracting noise from manufacturing shop activities and machinery, office equipment, and correctional facility environments
• Based out of the Hamden, CT office, on-site five days per week when not traveling, with up to 30% travel nationwide

Benefits

Freedom Reads offers eligible employees a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, vision,

and dental insurance; a retirement plan; employer-paid basic life, AD&D, and long-term disability

coverage; paid time off and paid holidays; and family and medical leave. Full details are shared below:

• Paid Time Off – 20 Days of PTO accrued throughout the calendar year, which will be prorated
• from your start date.
• Holiday Pay – 12 paid holidays per year.
• Health, dental, and vision benefits.
• $30 monthly phone stipend.
• Employer-paid Employee Assistance Program (EAP), life insurance, vision, and long-term disability
• coverage.
• Retirement plan with 3% employer-paid safe harbor contribution, beginning after the first 3 months of employment.
• Freedom Reads offices are closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day, inclusive.

Diversity, Equity & Belonging at Freedom Reads

At Freedom Reads, we believe the people closest to the problem are closest to the solution. We are building a team as diverse as the communities we serve — including people directly impacted by incarceration because lived experience, perspective, and difference make our work stronger and our libraries truer to the people who live with them. We welcome applicants of every race, background, and path, and we are committed to a hiring process where everyone competes on equal footing.

Freedom Reads is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with applicable law, we prohibit discrimination and harassment against any applicant or employee based on any legally protected characteristic, including (but not limited to) race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation, and related medical conditions), national origin or ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, physical or mental disability, veteran or uniformed servicemember status, genetic information, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

This is not necessarily an exhaustive or all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements,

efforts, functions, or working conditions associated with the job. This job description is not a contract of

employment, or a promise or guarantee of any specific terms or conditions of employment. Freedom

Reads may add to, modify, or delete any aspect of this job (or the position itself) at any time as it deems

advisable.