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Public Service Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

The Deputy Chief Librarian provides strategic and functional oversight of library public services, including the Central Library and six Service Regions across Brooklyn (61 branches in total)

VA

$19.35 - $23.92/hr

The Henry County Public Service Authority is looking for a Water & Sewer Service Technician who wants a stable, meaningful career keeping our community's essential services running safely and ...

Librarian

Woodbridge, VA · On-site

$65K - $119K/yr

Prince William Public Libraries Community Outreach Services Department in Woodbridge, VA, is seeking a motivated, organized, and public-spirited Librarian to expand our reach beyond physical library ...

Customer Service Representative

Richmond, VA · On-site

$16.15 - $18.70/hr

This Long-term Contract position is ideal for someone who enjoys helping the public, resolving questions efficiently, and providing clear guidance on services and procedures. The role requires strong ...

Showing results 21-40

Public Service information

See Virginia salary details

$17.5K

$65.5K

$129.8K

How much do public service jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for public service in Virginia is $65,473.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $35,983.00 and $92,390.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is public service?

Public service jobs are positions within government agencies or organizations that work to benefit the community and serve the public interest. These roles can be found at the federal, state, or local level and include careers such as teachers, police officers, social workers, public health professionals, and administrative staff. Public service employees help carry out policies, provide essential services, and ensure the well-being and safety of citizens. Working in public service often offers job stability, comprehensive benefits, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on society.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in public service?

To thrive in Public Service, you generally need a solid educational background in public administration, political science, or a related field, along with knowledge of government processes and regulations. Familiarity with data management systems, public policy tools, and sometimes certifications like Certified Public Manager (CPM) are typical requirements. Excellent communication, strong ethical standards, and problem-solving abilities are crucial soft skills for engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders. These competencies ensure effective governance, policy implementation, and public trust in service delivery.

What are some common challenges faced when working in public service roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Public service professionals often encounter challenges such as navigating complex regulations, handling high volumes of public inquiries, and balancing limited resources to meet community needs. These challenges can be managed through continuous professional development, effective communication, and strong teamwork. Building resilience and adaptability is key, as is staying informed about policy changes and best practices within the sector. Many organizations also offer training and support networks to help employees succeed in their roles.

What is the difference between Public Service vs Government Clerk?

AspectPublic ServiceGovernment Clerk
Required CredentialsVaries; often includes degrees or certifications depending on roleHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes additional certifications
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, public institutions, community settingsGovernment offices, administrative settings
Employer & Industry UsagePublic sector organizations, government agenciesGovernment departments, municipal offices
Common Search & ComparisonPublic Service vs Government Clerk

Public Service encompasses a broad range of roles within government and community organizations, often requiring diverse qualifications. A Government Clerk is a specific role within the public sector, focusing on administrative tasks. While both work in government environments, Public Service roles may involve policy, outreach, or management, whereas Government Clerks primarily handle clerical duties. Understanding these differences helps job seekers identify roles aligned with their skills and career goals.

What do you do in the public service?

Public service jobs involve working for government agencies or organizations to provide essential services to the community, such as public safety, health, education, and infrastructure. These roles often require strong communication, problem-solving skills, and adherence to regulations, with many positions requiring relevant certifications or training. Employees in public service contribute to the well-being and development of society through their work.

What jobs are considered public service?

Public service jobs include roles in government agencies, law enforcement, firefighting, public education, healthcare, social work, and public administration. These positions often require specific certifications or training and focus on serving the community or the public interest.

What are the most commonly searched types of Public Service jobs in Virginia?

The most popular types of Public Service jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Public Service jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Public Service job openings:

Infographic showing various Public Service job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 24% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $65,473 per year, or $31.5 per hour.

$100K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

826th of 849 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Director of Public Services #00039
Job no: 5103481
Work type: Full-Time (Salaried)
Location: Richmond (City), Virginia
Categories: Administrative Services, Educational and Media Services
Title: Director of Public Services #00039
State Role Title: Library Manager
Hiring Range: $100,000 minimum
Pay Band: 6
Agency: The Library of Virginia
Location: Library of Virginia Building
Agency Website: https://www.lva.virginia.gov
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
The Director of Public Services leads a dynamic team of professionals dedicated to providing exemplary service and comprehensive access to the Library of Virginia's extensive resources and services. These resources include state and local records, archival and special collections, a robust library collection, and a wide array of digital resources-both institutional digital collections and licensed content. The Director will reimagine research and access services at the Library, fostering a culture of excellent service through collaboration, continuous assessment, and staff mentorship. Reporting to the Chief of Researcher Engagement, the Director will remain current with best practices and innovative service models in archives and libraries and will work closely with staff and management to ensure a seamless user experience online and on-site.
Key Responsibilities:
Staff Leadership & Management
  • Supervise a merged public service team that provides on-site and online access and research support on Virginia history, government, and people.
  • Oversee access policies, ensuring compliance with federal and state guidelines.
  • Conduct regular performance evaluations and provide coaching and mentoring to support staff development.
  • Ensure staff receive ongoing training and professional development aligned with evolving user needs.
  • Provide strategic leadership and oversight to ensure all staff activities are aligned with and actively advancing the institution's mission, vision, and long-term strategic goals.

Innovative Service Development
  • Develop and implement a forward-thinking service model that evolves with user expectations.
  • Lead continuous assessment cycles to improve services.
  • Collaborate with Library IT and Digital Initiatives to implement new workflows and technologies, including online reference tools such as chat and video.
  • Oversee the creation of instructional materials, including videos, to support user education (e.g., genealogy research).
  • Utilize such tools LibAnswers and LibConnect to evaluate and enhance online reference services.
  • Actively engage in ongoing space-planning and accessibility improvements.
  • Build continual improvement into interlibrary loan services and a robust archival ordering system.

Reference & Collections Expertise
  • Maintain expertise in a wide range of reference sources, including licensed databases, open-access platforms, digitized collections, archival records, and published materials.
  • Participate in collection development, including evaluating and recommending reference materials.
  • Oversee the creation and maintenance of research guides, tutorials, and research-focused web content.

Outreach & Collaboration
  • Collaborate with Library colleagues to create compelling outreach opportunities, for space activation and online engagement.
  • Participate in and contribute to public workshops and educational programs.
  • Collaborate with Education & Outreach staff to support presentations, tours, and exhibits.
  • Serve on internal committees, task forces, and workgroups.
  • Engage with regional and national libraries and archival organizations to stay informed on trends and innovations in information services.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Demonstrated experience supervising full-time professional employees.
  • Extensive experience with managing Library/Archives access and reference service processes.
  • Demonstrated experience with performance management.
  • Extensive knowledge with ILS systems for Access Services, including patron services and circulation.
  • Evidenced experience with workflow documentation for access services and process improvement, preferably for libraries or cultural heritage organizations.
  • Understanding of best practices for Access Services, Reference and Interlibrary Loan in Libraries and Archives and understanding of public access needs and public service functions in archival repositories.
  • Understanding national standards such as FOIA and HIPPA regulations, and how these impact public access.
  • Working knowledge of Springshare Suite for time and space management and research guides.
  • Demonstrated ability to describe services and collections access in a web environment, and to provide service models that meet patron needs both online and in-person.
  • Demonstrated ability to work from evidence-based practice, data collection and work with assessment cycles.
  • Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills required.
  • Understand and organize complex workflows and exercise a high level of independence, decisiveness, leadership, and consensus-building.

Additional Considerations
  • Master's degree from an ALA-accredited institution or the equivalent expertise and experience, with a background in history, archives, or the humanities/social sciences preferred.
  • Knowledge of Virginia history and culture, is highly desirable.
  • Understanding of state and local record types, repositories and organization practices is highly desirable.
  • Ability to speak at national conferences and committee on the work of the Library. Previous experience with speaking and professional organization service is highly desirable.
  • Moving reimbursement is available.

Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to "Your Application" in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Please submit a cover letter that directly addresses the needs articulated in this posting by providing significant examples of your professional experiences in support of your application.
State employees who have been affected by Policy 1.3 Layoff and possess a valid Interagency Placement Screening Form (Yellow Card) or a Preferential Hiring Form (Blue Card) must submit the card BEFORE the closing date for this position. The card may be scanned and attached to the application or faxed to (804) 371-7401. Please include your name and the position number on the fax cover sheet. AMERICORPS, PEACE CORPS, AND OTHER NATIONAL SERVICE ALUMNI ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities during the application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please call 804-225-2131 for assistance.
All applicants are subject to a background investigation. The investigation may include: fingerprint checks (State Police, FBI); local agency checks; employment verification; verification of education (relevant to employment); credit checks; and other checks requested by the hiring authority.
Equal Opportunity Employer
Contact Information
Name: Debbie Howe
Phone: 804-292-6497
Email: debbie.howe@dhrm.virginia.gov
In support of the Commonwealth's commitment to inclusion, we are encouraging individuals with disabilities to apply through the Commonwealth Alternative Hiring Process. To be considered for this opportunity, applicants will need to provide their AHP Letter (formerly COD) provided by the Department for Aging & Rehabilitative Services (DARS), or the Department for the Blind & Vision Impaired (DBVI). Service-Connected Veterans are encouraged to answer Veteran status questions and submit their disability documentation, if applicable, to DARS/DBVI to get their AHP Letter. Requesting an AHP Letter can be found at AHP Letter or by calling DARS at 800-552-5019.
Note: Applicants who received a Certificate of Disability from DARS or DBVI dated between April 1, 2022- February 29, 2024, can still use that COD as applicable documentation for the Alternative Hiring Process.
Advertised: 14 Apr 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: 21 Aug 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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