Multnomah County Library Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$16.80 - $16.80 Hourly
Department:
Library Department
Job Type:
On-Call
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Non-Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
July 26, 2026
The Opportunity:
Did you know?
Multnomah County Library patrons checked out or renewed over 18 million items last year. All that activity means we need to make sure our materials are available and on the shelves as quickly as possible.
Would you like to help?
Multnomah County Library is currently hiring temporary Library Shelvers to assist with materials processing at our new East County Library.
These are part time positions, working 12 to 15 hours per week, and are not benefit eligible.
As a Library Shelver, you will perform all materials movement tasks, completing them based on East County Library's priorities and workflow. This includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Receiving, processing, condition weeding, and shelving materials, including packing out-going deliveries and unpacking incoming deliveries.
• Using spine labels to shelve items in the correct sections in alphanumeric order. Shelf reading to ensure materials are in order.
• Processing holds, including processing paging lists, routing outgoing holds, shelving incoming holds, locating and processing expired holds, and finding missing holds.
• Processing branch returns using the Automated Materials Handling system and troubleshooting that system as needed.
• Emptying and processing bookdrop utilizing appropriate systems. Safely fill book trucks based on location's standards.
• Programming and erasing RFID transponders.
• Keeping library public areas, including floors and tables, clean and orderly.
• Providing basic directional help to patrons and referring more complex inquiries to the correct staff members.

This is a physically demanding position. You will be on your feet for extended periods of time and may need to bend or kneel in order to shelve materials. You will also regularly lift book crates weighing up to 30 pounds and pushing carts weighing 50 pounds or more.
The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. This position requires someone with the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. You may encounter situations that require assistance from a supervisor or person-in-charge. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgement in these instances is crucial.
Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by leading inclusively with race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team, all staff are expected to act as allies to Library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by:

• Speaking up to support staff and patrons subjected to marginalization
• Speaking out against racism and oppression
• Demonstrating behavior that is culturally aware and sensitive

Learn more about the library's services on our website.
To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:

• Completion of/current enrollment in high school or the equivalent.
• One year of experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties listed above.
• Ability to pass a criminal records check, should a job offer be extended. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• Ability to perform repetitive tasks.
• Ability to maintain attention to detail in a distraction filled environment.
• Previous experience lifting up to 30 pounds regularly.

Screening and Evaluation
The Application Packet

• A completed online application

The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our overview of the selection process page. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Reference and criminal records checks

Additional Details
Work Location: This position works onsite at East County Library located at 475 NW Division St, Gresham, OR 97030
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters: Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the Disaster Service Worker Information page.
In accordance with Oregon Law, Multnomah County is not collecting school attendance dates in the initial application process; please do not include these dates in your resume, cover letter and other application materials.
Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The EEO Know Your Rights poster is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans' Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans' preference. Review our veterans' preference page for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Anthony Cesario
Email:
anthonyc@multco.us
Phone:
+1 (971) 4166884
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
8005 - Library Shelver (On Call)