Public Services Supervisor

The Public Services Supervisor (35h/week) oversees frontline operations, customer service, and volunteer engagement while working with the Director in planning, organizing, and directing the operations of High River Library. The Supervisor ensures that library service moves forward continually and consistently in alignment with the board’s strategic goals.

HRL is a vibrant, small-town library which saw 70,371 visitors in 2025. High River is a beautiful community in southern Alberta located 68 kilometres south of Calgary and less than an hour east of the Rocky Mountains. The town is rich in arts and culture--notable residents have included writer WO Mitchell and former Prime Minister Joe Clark. High River has small town friendliness, a historic downtown, natural beauty, abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation, and festivals and events throughout the year.

Supervision

• Work with the Director to support organizational priorities through frontline service delivery.
• Onboard, schedule, supervise, and coach public service staff, fostering a collaborative, community-centred culture.
• Coordinate summer staff to ensure that program planning, execution and outcome reporting meet objectives.

Operations

• Oversee daily public-facing activities, ensuring a welcoming, equitable experience for all patrons.
• Review, develop, and improve procedures to support efficient workflows.
• Resolve patron concerns or questions with professionalism and sound judgement.
• Assess library operations, identify gaps, and collaborate with the Director to implement improvements that strengthen patron experience.

Engagement

• Create programs and resources with a focus on information, media, or technology literacy, reader’s advisory or other specialized library knowledge. Assist with library tours, presentations, and standalone events.
• Cultivate collaborative relationships with local schools, cultural groups, or other community partners.
• Build awareness of library services, programs, and impact.

Training and Development

• Develop learning opportunities to ensure staff understand current procedures and adapt to evolving library practices.
• Manage volunteer recruitment, training, engagement, and supervision ensuring that volunteers have meaningful tasks and a positive experience with the library while aligning with the needs of the organization.
• Maintain current knowledge of library trends, technologies, and best practices through continuing education.

Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to recognize and set priorities and to use initiative and independent judgement in a wide variety of situations.
• Flexible and team-oriented—willing to step in, assist, and adapt as needed to support overall library success.
• Ability to create a collaborative environment which fosters high performance.
• Proven skills in communicating and presenting ideas to staff, community partners, and the public.
• Excellent technological knowledge and proficiency with contemporary library software, platforms, and equipment.
• Strong knowledge of library legislation, principles, and practices.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends to support operations.
• A valid driver's license and access to reliable transportation is considered an asset.

Education and Experience

• Master of Library and Information Studies from an accredited institution. An equivalent combination of education and supervisory experience in a public service setting may be considered.
• Employment is conditional upon a satisfactory criminal record and vulnerable sector check.
• A reference check of 2-3 references.