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Reference Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Librarian Part-Time Pool

San Luis Obispo, CA · On-site

$78.88 - $145.95/hr

Desirable: -Reference, teaching or other experience in the discipline, community college level preferred; -Awareness of the philosophy and objectives of California Community Colleges. Additional ...

Showing results 21-40

Reference information

See California salary details

$10.9K

$51.8K

How much do reference jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for reference in California is $51,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,300.00 and $51,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a reference?

Reference jobs typically refer to positions within libraries or information centers where professionals assist patrons in finding and using resources. These roles often include answering research questions, guiding users to appropriate materials, and teaching information literacy skills. Reference librarians or specialists may also help with database searches, citation management, and providing access to digital and physical collections. They play a crucial role in supporting education, research, and community needs. The required qualifications often include a degree in library science or a related field.

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

To thrive as a Reference Librarian, you need strong research skills, information literacy expertise, and typically a Master's in Library Science (MLS) or equivalent. Familiarity with online databases, cataloging systems like MARC, and digital reference tools is essential. Excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving abilities help librarians effectively assist diverse patrons. These skills ensure accurate information delivery, efficient resource navigation, and a positive library experience for all users.

What are some common challenges faced by reference librarians and how can they be addressed?

Reference Librarians often encounter challenges such as managing a high volume of diverse patron inquiries, staying updated with rapidly evolving information resources, and balancing in-person and digital reference services. To address these challenges, it's important to develop strong research and communication skills, participate in ongoing professional development, and utilize collaborative tools for knowledge sharing within the library team. Building a network with colleagues and attending training sessions can also help in staying current with new databases and technology.

What is the difference between Reference vs Data Entry Clerk?

AspectReferenceData Entry Clerk
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials, but some roles may prefer a high school diplomaHigh school diploma or equivalent often required
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, administrative or clerical rolesOffice environments, data management tasks
Industry UsageUsed across various industries for administrative supportCommon in healthcare, finance, and administrative sectors
Search & Comparison IntentPeople compare to understand administrative rolesPeople compare to clarify data management tasks

While both Reference and Data Entry Clerk roles involve administrative tasks, Reference typically refers to providing recommendations or verifying information, whereas Data Entry Clerks focus on inputting data into systems. The credentials and work environments overlap, but their primary functions differ significantly.

What cities in California are hiring for Reference jobs?

Cities in California with the most Reference job openings:

Infographic showing various Reference job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 17% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,511 per year, or $24.8 per hour.

Reference Clinical Lab Scientist

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

If you're ready to be part of our legacy of hope and innovation, we encourage you to take the first step and explore our current job openings. Your best is waiting to be discovered.
Day - 08 Hour (United States of America)
This is a Stanford Health Care job.
A Brief Overview
Serve as a technical resource to internal hospital staff and external entities; develop policies and procedures; review technical work of others, solve complex technical problems; develop teaching protocols/curriculums in addition to the essential function of the CLS. Educates internally and externally as requested.
Locations
Stanford Health Care
What you will do
  • Adheres to all safety/health regulatory and state/federal legal requirements and the policies, operating procedures, and Service Standards of the Hospitals.
  • Conducts statistical analysis of tests using clinical laboratory techniques in chemistry, biochemistry, immunology, microbiology or related laboratory specialties.
  • Evaluates and interprets test relative to established guidelines and reference material. Reach conclusions, assign results, and conduct further testing or other actions as needed.
  • Performs clinical laboratory tests of varying complexity using standard procedures examining specimens for the purpose of providing information for the diagnosis, prevention, or treatment of disease.
  • Performs maintenance and function checks on electronic, analytical equipment and perform operational checks necessary for proper test performance to assure accurate and reliable test results and reporting.
  • Provides consultation regarding the appropriateness of the testing ordered and interpretation of test results. Assists clients in ensuring the appropriate test are ordered.
  • Serves as a technical resource to others. Accesses training needs and participates in-service training of laboratory personnel.
  • May act as designee in the absence of supervisor or manager. Rotate as weekend lead, take on special projects and performs more complex, intense preventative maintenance.

Education Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in a work-related discipline/field from an accredited college or university

Experience Qualifications
  • Four (4) years of progressively responsible and directly related work experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing
  • Ability to conduct analysis and formulate conclusions
  • Ability to plan, prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels of the organization
  • Knowledge of chemistry, biology, microbiology and related laboratory sciences
  • Knowledge of computer systems and software used in functional area
  • Knowledge of laboratory controls, methods, procedures and regulations
  • Knowledge of new technologies (in specific field) and maintain and stay abreast of updates and changes

Licenses and Certifications
  • CLS or
  • CLS Limited - Clinical Laboratory Scientist
    CLS-CHEM - Clinical Chemist Scientist License
    CLS-CYTO - Clinical Cytogeneticist Scientist License
    CLS-GMB - Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist License
    CLS-HEMA - Clinical Hematologist Scientist License
    CLS-HISTO - Clinical Histocompatibility Scientist License
    CLS-IMM - Clinical Immunohematologist Scientist License
    CLS-MICRO - Clinical Microbiologist Scientist License
    CLS-TOX - Clinical Toxicologist Scientist License
  • for Microbiology, Virology, Cytology or Genomics Labs only:
    • PHM - California Certified Public Health Microbiologist; or
    • CGMBS - Clinical Genetic Molecular Biology Scientist, or

These principles apply to ALL employees:
SHC Commitment to Providing an Exceptional Patient & Family Experience
Stanford Health Care sets a high standard for delivering value and an exceptional experience for our patients and families. Candidates for employment and existing employees must adopt and execute C-I-CARE standards for all of patients, families and towards each other. C-I-CARE is the foundation of Stanford's patient-experience and represents a framework for patient-centered interactions. Simply put, we do what it takes to enable and empower patients and families to focus on health, healing and recovery.
You will do this by executing against our three experience pillars, from the patient and family's perspective:
  • Know Me: Anticipate my needs and status to deliver effective care
  • Show Me the Way: Guide and prompt my actions to arrive at better outcomes and better health
  • Coordinate for Me: Own the complexity of my care through coordination

Equal Opportunity Employer Stanford Health Care (SHC) strongly values diversity and is committed to equal opportunity and non-discrimination in all of its policies and practices, including the area of employment. Accordingly, SHC does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity and/or expression, religion, age, national or ethnic origin, political beliefs, marital status, medical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or disability, or the perception of any of the above. People of all genders, members of all racial and ethnic groups, people with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Qualified applicants with criminal convictions will be considered after an individualized assessment of the conviction and the job requirements.
Base Pay Scale: Generally starting at $77.81 - $87.64 per hour
The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, experience, education, specialty and training. This pay scale is not a promise of a particular wage.