1

Library Security Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Library Project Specialist

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$21 - $27.75/hr

Support library security, access control, and facility maintenance coordination. Assist with review and assessments of physical library materials. Follow library policies and procedures specific to ...

Library Page

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K/yr

County Library Opening Date: 08/06/2026 Closing Date: 8/19/2026 11:59 PM Pacific Bargaining Unit ... ensure financial security and income support when you and your family need it most. Employee ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Library Security information

See California salary details

$28.1K

$72K

$122.4K

How much do library security jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for library security in California is $72,028.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $56,300.00 and $84,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library security?

A Library Security job involves maintaining a safe and secure environment within a library. Responsibilities typically include monitoring visitors, preventing theft or vandalism, handling disruptive behavior, and ensuring emergency procedures are followed. Library security personnel may also assist patrons, enforce library policies, and collaborate with staff to maintain a peaceful atmosphere. Strong communication and conflict-resolution skills are essential for this role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in library security, and why are they important?

To thrive as Library Security, you need solid observational skills, a keen sense of situational awareness, and a background in security procedures, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with surveillance systems, incident reporting software, and basic first aid or security certifications like CPR or a guard card is often required. Excellent interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, professionalism, and the ability to remain calm under pressure help individuals stand out in this role. These qualities are vital for maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for library patrons and staff while responding effectively to potential issues.

What are some common challenges faced by library security, and how can they be addressed?

Library Security professionals often encounter challenges such as managing disruptive behavior, handling trespassing incidents, or de-escalating conflicts quietly so as not to disrupt the library environment. Balancing firm enforcement of library policies with a respectful and service-oriented approach is key. Team members typically collaborate closely with librarians and local law enforcement when needed, and ongoing training helps them stay prepared for various scenarios. By staying alert, communicating clearly, and responding to concerns quickly, Library Security staff play a crucial role in ensuring libraries remain safe and supportive spaces for all visitors.

What cities in California are hiring for Library Security jobs?

Cities in California with the most Library Security job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Security job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 82% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,028 per year, or $34.6 per hour.

Security Guard (5327C), Library Administration #87984

Berkeley, CA • On-site

$19.50 - $24/hr

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

At the University of California, Berkeley , we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom, and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty, and staff, who are among the most talented and accomplished anywhere, including Nobel laureates, Pulitzer Prize winners, and MacArthur Fellows. Since our founding in 1868, we have been an engine for innovation - driving intellectual, economic, and social progress that benefits California, the U.S., and beyond. Together, we change the world.
At Berkeley, the best careers are built on a foundation of continuous learning and growth . We actively support professional development by providing all full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours of paid time per year and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups.
We invite applicants who are inspired by our Principles of Community and who are eager to be part of our exciting Strategic Plan , which charts Berkeley's next era of excellence.
Learn more about some of our accomplishments at Points of Pride .
Departmental Overview
The Doe-Moffitt Libraries serve as UC Berkeley's primary libraries for humanities, social sciences, and undergraduate library services. The Library Security Unit plays a crucial role in ensuring the security of the Doe-Moffitt complex and its collections, including the Bancroft Library. It extends its services to the Subject Specialty Libraries across the campus. The position involves safeguarding university property to ensure the safety of individuals and prevent theft, violence, and violations of rules. The position also involves coordination of library security and UCPD as necessary, underscoring the vital role of the security team in maintaining a safe and secure environment.
Security personnel are tasked with a significant responsibility of upholding library and campus policies and California State laws relevant to libraries. Additionally, they provide directional and informational assistance to students, faculty, staff, library users, and visitors from the general public. They also assist with managing crowds and traffic during public events, demonstrating a strong commitment to maintaining a safe and orderly environment.
Position Summary
The Security Guard is responsible for protecting Library property, employees, and patrons, maintaining order among the public, patrolling and monitoring activities, discouraging misbehavior and criminal activity, ensuring the environment is safe and secure, and writing emails and detailed reports. This position understands and conveys policies and procedures for patrons and resolves problems. In addition, the Security Guard assists with training and monitoring the activities of student library employees (SLEs).
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is August 24, 2026. For full consideration, please apply on or before the first review date.
Responsibilities
PATROLING - 20%
  • Regularly patrols the Doe Main, Doe Annex, Gardner Main Stacks, and the Moffitt Library buildings to uphold the Library Policy on Conduct, rules of Conduct in Campus Buildings, and California laws.
SURVEILLANCE - 20%
  • Monitor security cameras, oversee security access control, monitor radio and transmissions. Additionally, audit security tools to verify their proper functionality.
DOCUMENTATION - 20%
  • Keep a detailed log of security-related events, including Daily Activity Reports, Incident Reports, and emailed reports, in chronological order. Manage all work-related emails. Notify UCPD of any illegal, suspicious, or criminal activity.
INCIDENT RESPONSE - 20%
  • Respond to incidents, complaints, or emergency situations reported. Take appropriate action, including notifying UCPD and superiors.
LEADERSHIP OVERSIGHT - 20%
  • Proactively oversee all student security monitors during your scheduled shift and actively participate in training library student security employees.
Required Qualifications
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills to interact professionally and tactfully with colleagues, library staff, patrons, and visitors who may be a disruption in the library.
  • Commitment to providing excellent public service while maintaining library safety, security, and a welcoming research environment.
  • Demonstrate efficiency in multitasking, teamwork, and independent work, while exhibiting proactive behavior in completing assigned projects.
  • Must have proficient computer skills and experience in and/or ability to learn the operation and applications related to electronic security systems, particularly the Software House, C-cure 9000 Alarm, CCTV, and dedicated camera platforms.
Education / Training
  • High School Diploma (Required)
Licenses / Certifications
  • Security guard state license (BSIS) and safety training certificate (Preferred)
  • Certification in First Aid, CPR and AED (Preferred)
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.
The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $27.05 (Step 1) - $29.86 (Step 6).
  • This is a non-exempt, bi-weekly paid position.
  • This is a full-time (40 hours/week) Career position eligible for UC benefits.
How to Apply
To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information
  • This recruitment has 2 openings.
  • This is not a visa opportunity. This position does not include sponsorship of a new consular H-1B visa petition that would require payment of the $100,000 supplemental fee.
  • This position is governed by the terms and conditions in the agreement for the Service Unit (SX) between the University of California and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME). The current bargaining agreement manual can be found at: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/sx/index.html
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check due to the nature of the job responsibilities. Berkeley does hire people with conviction histories and reviews information received in the context of the job responsibilities. The University reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background check.
Misconduct
As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
Misconduct means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:
UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
Abusive Conduct in the Workplace
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.