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Library Trainee Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Journeyman Mason

Williamsburg, VA · On-site

$22 - $28.25/hr

... Rockefeller Jr Library. Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class ... trainees or interns assigned and assumes a mentor role when requested. * This position requires ...

Collaborate on overall organizational goals by adding to database, setting up a library, specializing in unique real estate markets, mentoring trainees, and engaging in client development. * Other ...

Training Manager

Chantilly, VA · On-site

$80K - $85K/yr

Organizes and develops training manuals, reference library, testing and evaluation procedures ... of trainees. * Performs tasks and duties of a similar nature and scope as required for assigned ...

Library Trainee information

See Virginia salary details

$25.3K

$43.2K

$63K

How much do library trainee jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for library trainee in Virginia is $43,157.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,700.00 and $50,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Library Trainee, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Trainee, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of library systems, typically supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with library cataloging software, circulation systems, and digital databases is often required. Strong communication, customer service orientation, and a willingness to learn are valuable soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for providing effective support to library staff and patrons, ensuring efficient library operations and a positive user experience.

What are Library Trainees?

Library trainees are entry-level staff members who work in libraries to gain practical experience and develop foundational skills in library and information services. They often assist with daily tasks such as shelving books, cataloguing materials, helping patrons find resources, and supporting library programs. Library trainees typically work under the supervision of experienced librarians and may be enrolled in or considering formal library science education. The position helps individuals decide if they wish to pursue a career in librarianship and provides valuable hands-on training.

What is a library trainee?

A library trainee is an entry-level position in a library where individuals gain practical experience in library operations, cataloging, customer service, and information management. The role often involves assisting librarians, organizing materials, and developing skills in library systems and tools. It is typically a temporary position for those seeking to enter the library profession or improve their knowledge of library services.

How much does a librarian trainee make?

A librarian trainee typically earns an hourly wage ranging from $12 to $20, depending on the location and the library's budget. The position often serves as an entry-level role for those pursuing a library science degree and may include training in cataloging, customer service, and library management systems.

What are some common challenges faced by Library Trainees during their initial months, and how can they be overcome?

Library Trainees often encounter challenges such as mastering new cataloging systems, adapting to varied patron needs, and balancing multiple tasks like shelving, circulation, and reference assistance. It's common to feel overwhelmed by the breadth of information and the pace of library operations at first. To overcome these challenges, trainees should actively seek mentorship from experienced staff, utilize available training resources, and regularly communicate with their supervisors. Participating in team meetings and asking questions can also help build confidence and proficiency in daily responsibilities.

Can you get a job in a library without being a librarian?

Yes, library jobs such as library assistants, clerks, or technicians do not require a librarian certification and often involve tasks like shelving, customer service, and basic administrative work. These roles typically require a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from familiarity with library management systems and organizational skills.

What is the difference between Library Trainee vs Library Assistant?

AspectLibrary TraineeLibrary Assistant
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some positions may prefer relevant courseworkHigh school diploma; some roles may require additional certifications or experience
Work EnvironmentTraining setting, often supervised, learning on the jobPublic or academic library, performing routine tasks
Employer & Industry UsageInternship or entry-level training program within librariesFull-time or part-time staff in libraries, assisting with daily operations
Search & Comparison IntentLearning role, entry-level position, training opportunityOperational support, routine library tasks

The main difference is that a Library Trainee is typically an entry-level position focused on training and gaining experience, often within a structured program. A Library Assistant is a more permanent role responsible for routine library tasks, requiring less training but more experience. Both roles are essential in library operations, but they differ in responsibilities and career progression opportunities.

How to become a library assistant with no experience?

To become a library assistant with no experience, focus on developing strong organizational and communication skills, and consider volunteering or gaining experience in customer service or administrative roles. Many libraries offer on-the-job training, and having a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required. Certifications in library science or related fields can also enhance your prospects.
What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Virginia? The most popular types of Library jobs in Virginia are:
What are popular job titles related to Library Trainee jobs in Virginia? For Library Trainee jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Library Trainee jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Library Trainee jobs in Virginia are:
What cities in Virginia are hiring for Library Trainee jobs? Cities in Virginia with the most Library Trainee job openings:
Infographic showing various Library Trainee job openings in Virginia as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,157 per year, or $20.7 per hour.
Arborist Trainee

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 27 rated museums


Job description

Who We Are

Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is “that the future may learn from the past” through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia’s colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.  

Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 89 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.

Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today’s evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.

 About the Position

The Arborist Trainee assist in the daily maintenance of Colonial Williamsburg trees and performs landscape tasks in accordance with department standards.  This position is deemed as essential personnel and is required to report whether the Foundation is closed or not, regardless of the emergency weather related, or otherwise.

Essential Functions:

  • Works in a safe manner at all times to protect self, coworkers, the public, guests and property. Stays current on all safety regulations and procedures and preforms work tasks in compliance with regulations and procedures.  Enforces safety policies, regulations and procedures.  Uses appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing for each job.
  • Performs all arboricultural practices and clean-up work in a safe and professional manner, including rigging, pruning, take down, cabling, bracing, lightening protection, stump removal, aeration, fertilization, injection and other related duties.
  • Operates and maintains all hand and powered equipment normally used in the tree care and landscape industry, such as, but not limited to saws, chippers, drills, blowers, etc.
  • Ability to operate and maintain large equipment such as dump trucks, front end loaders, forklifts, bucket trucks, tractors, snow plows, and similar machinery.
  • Demonstrates a general knowledge of tree identification and cultural requirements, and ability to recognize common disease symptoms and structural defects.
  • Participates in seminars or other Colonial Williamsburg sponsored educational programs related to tree care.
  • Assists in support operations for landscape and other departments.
  • Performs other landscape maintenance duties as required.
  • Ability to interact positively with the public; to answer questions and represent the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation.

Required and Preferred Education and Experience: 

Required:
  • Knowledge and basic skills of arboriculture practices
  • 1-3 years’ experience in the tree care industry.
  • Valid drivers license
Preferred:
  • Ability to climb using SRT or DRT arboriculture methods.

Qualifications: 

  • Able to take direction.
  • Ability to read instructions and write reports.
  • Able to work a flexible schedule, to include being on standby at the manager’s request on evenings, weekends and holidays.
  • The driver’s license must be maintained current and valid.
  • Ability to climb using SRT or DRT arboriculture methods.
  • Capable of operating large equipment, ie. skid steer and loader

This is a non-exempt position, eligible to receive overtime in accordance with the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). This position may be subject to overtime during high peak times, etc. as directed and approved by the supervisor.


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