Research Operations Assistant Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

The Library Operations Student Assistant supports the daily operations of the USF Tampa Library by providing customer service, assisting with building operations, monitoring library spaces, supporting access control procedures, and helping maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all library users. Student assistants serve as frontline representatives of the Library Operations Department and are responsible for assisting patrons, monitoring facilities, and supporting operational needs during daytime, evening, overnight, weekend, and special event hours.

Department Summary:

The USF Tampa Library Operations Department is responsible for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of the University's main library facility. The department integrates building operations, facilities management, access services, customer service, and security functions to support the academic, research, and student success missions of the University of South Florida.

The department oversees the daily operation of the library building, ensuring that students, faculty, staff, and visitors have access to a secure, welcoming, and functional environment for learning, research, collaboration, and study. Responsibilities include facility maintenance coordination, building systems oversight, custodial coordination, event support, mailroom operations, emergency preparedness, and management of library spaces and furnishings.

Required Documentation:

Current resume detailing education, work experience, volunteer activities, and relevant skills.

Cover letter describing interest in the position, availability, and how their experience relates to customer service, library operations, facilities, security, or public-facing work environments.

Copy of their current Federal Work Study (FWS) Award verifying eligibility for Federal Work Study employment at the University of South Florida.

Working at USF

With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF's rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida's best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state's 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.

About USF 

The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF's Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference. Learn more at www.usf.edu.

Compliance and Federal Notices

This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: 

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law.  The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.  This job description does not constitute an employment contract.  

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be a currently enrolled student at the University of South Florida.
• Must possess an active Federal Work Study (FWS) award and remain eligible for Federal Work Study employment throughout the duration of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous customer service, hospitality, library, facilities, security, or retail experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced public-facing environment.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office and basic computer applications.
• Strong problem-solving, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when responding to difficult situations or emergencies.
• Interest in facilities management, public safety, library operations, or higher education administration.
• Must maintain good academic standing with the university.
• Must be able to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, university holidays, and peak academic periods.
• Must be available to work at least one closing shift per week, remaining on duty until library closing (up to 2:00 a.m. during designated operating periods).
• Demonstrated customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and follow established procedures.
• Ability to maintain professionalism and confidentiality while interacting with students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
• Ability to walk multiple floors of the library, conduct routine building inspections, and remain on foot for extended periods.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds when assisting with operational tasks, supplies, or event setup.

Provide customer service to library users 

Perform building monitoring 

Support access control procedures 

Assist with general library operations 

Help maintain a safe, welcoming, and productive environment

Support Library Operations staff with: 

• Facility-related functions
• Security-related functions
• Patron service functions

Work shifts as needed, including: 

Evening hours

Overnight hours

Weekend hours

Holiday shifts