Careers at the Library
Searching for a new career? We’re hiring! Learn about job opportunities at the library and apply.
Find and Apply for a Job
We’re seeking innovative, talented people with diverse backgrounds to join our team.
The King County Library System is one of the busiest library systems in North America. We create opportunities by connecting people to materials, resources, technology, and services.
The library serves a diverse geography of more than 1.5 million people. We hire people who have a customer service mindset. Together, we help our communities prosper and grow.
Find out how you can play a role in our work. Browse current job openings. Fill out an online application and include your resume and cover letter to apply.
We provide access and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org.
How to Apply
-
Fill out our online application. You'll need to create an account on the Government Jobs website.
- Go to the applicant login page and select "Create an Account."
- Complete all account information fields then click "Create."
- Go to the "Current Job Openings" page and select the job that you want to apply for. Click "Apply."
- Complete all sections of the application. An incomplete application may disqualify you from the application process.
Have you applied for a job at the library before? You can edit your saved application.
Is this your first time applying? You can upload a .pdf, .text, or .doc file. - Fill out the “Education and Work Experience” sections with the relevant details. Do not use "see résumé" as a response on the application. Your résumé does not substitute for incomplete “Education and Work Experience” sections.
- Save or discard your changes at each step by using the buttons at the bottom of the screen.
- Certify and send us your application by clicking "Accept." You will receive an email verifying that we've received your application.
-
No. We only accept paper applications as an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accommodation.
Need an accommodation to apply? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org.
-
We only accept applications for current job postings.
Interested in a position that is not currently posted? Sign up to get notified when new jobs open at the library. Go to our online application site. From the menu, choose "Job Interest Email Notification." Select the types of jobs you're interested in.
-
No. You must complete and submit an application by the closing date and time.
-
List each position separately in your application.
Working at the King County Library System
We're a team of more than 800 employees. We provide service at 50 library locations and at community outreach sites. We connect with people wherever they are through online events and customer service. Support department staff work from a Service Center and Distribution Center.
We serve the:
- cities (except Seattle),
- towns,
- tribal lands, and
- unincorporated districts of King County.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)
Community Demographics
More than 1.5 million residents live in our service area. Almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). About one-third speak a language other than English as their first language.*
Values
We value diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. We're committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals.
We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the community we serve. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including:
- BIPOC,
- Immigrants,
- Refugees,
- Women,
- LGBTQIA+,
- Individuals with disabilities, and
- Veterans.
Accessibility
We provide access and reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. Need an accommodation to apply, interview, or perform essential job functions? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org.
*Data from a 2022 DEI Demographics and Language Report of our service area.
Benefits
Benefits for All Employees
Paid Time Off: Paid Holidays.
- Retirement Savings: You can enroll in the deferred compensation 457(b) plan through Empower Retirement. This plan is voluntary and a tax-deferred way to save for retirement.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Our EAP can help with counseling and legal or financial consultations. It also has resources for childcare, elder care, and identity theft recovery.
- Commuter Benefits: You can use a subsidized ORCA card, join a vanpool, and get a Guaranteed Ride Home if you need one.
- Professional Development: We offer funding for conferences and training.
Additional Benefits for Employees Working 20 Hours a Week in a Permanent Role
- Medical, Dental & Vision Insurance: You can choose from free and low-cost health plans for yourself. You can also add your spouse or domestic partner. Children are covered up to age 26. You can add dependents with disabilities if they rely on your care. Your coverage starts on your first day of work.
- Retirement Plans: We offer the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement (PERS). Select from the PERS 2 or PERS 3 plans, with contributions from both you and the library.
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Dependent Care Accounts: Set aside pre-tax dollars to cover family medical expenses and dependent care needs.
- Health Savings Accounts (HSA): If you enroll in the Qualified High Deductible health plan, you can open an HSA to pay for medical expenses. The HSA plan also includes an annual contribution from the library.
- Basic Life and AD&D Insurance: We provide life insurance and AD&D coverage at no cost to the employee.
- Long-Term Disability Insurance: If you work full-time (40 hours a week), we provide long-term disability insurance at no cost to you.
Voluntary Benefits for employees working 20 or more hours a week in a permanent position
- Supplemental term life and AD&D insurance (for self and dependents).
- Personal accident insurance.
- Short-term disability insurance.
- Critical illness insurance.
- Pet Insurance.
- Identity theft protection.
- Long-term care insurance.
- Washington 529 College Savings Program.
Frequently Asked Questions About Benefits
-
Yes.
You will get paid time off for:
- Vacation
- Sick
- One “floating” holiday that employees can choose when to use
- Holidays
We recognize 11 holidays each year. All full-time employees get paid time off for all holidays. Part-time employees get paid holiday time off if the holiday is on a day they work.*
*Unless covered by a union contract.
-
If you work 20 hours or more a week, you will be enrolled in the Washington State Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Select from the PERS 2 or PERS 3 plans, with contributions from both you and the library.
You can also join a 457(b) deferred compensation plan through Empower Retirement. This is a voluntary savings plan that lets you set aside money from your paycheck before taxes. It's an easy way to save more for retirement while reducing your taxable income.
-
If you work 20 or more hours a week in a permanent position, you qualify for medical, dental, and vision insurance.
You can choose from the following plans:
- Premera Medical (PPO) + Vision
- Premera Qualified High Deductible Health Plan (QHDHP) + Vision
- Kaiser Permanente (HMO) + Vision
- Delta Dental
You can also add eligible dependents and domestic partners to your plan.
-
Yes, if you're eligible for benefits, you can enroll in either an HSA or FSA depending on the health plan you choose.
If you sign up for the Premera Qualified High Deductible Health Plan:
- You must sign up for an HSA.
- The library gives a $1,500 annual contribution to your HSA each year.
*Employees starting after January receive a prorated contribution.
If you sign up for the Premera PPO or Kaiser HMO health plan:
- You are eligible to sign up for a healthcare FSA.
-
Yes, if you’re eligible for benefits, you can enroll in a Dependent Care FSA. This lets you save money before taxes through payroll deduction to help pay for child or elder care expenses.