About UMass Amherst
UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.
Job Summary
The Building Operations & Information Services Specialist works within a team to coordinate and oversee security activities and monitor library users to reduce theft, vandalism, and infractions of library rules in the W.E.B. Du Bois Library. The Building Operations & Information Services Specialist performs duties in accordance with standard procedures, exercises a high degree of independent judgment in the performance of tasks, and exercises discretion in handling confidential information.
Essential Functions
- Works in a team under the direction of the Manager of Facilities, coordinates and oversees the security activities of the W.E.B. Du Bois Library during assigned shifts. Monitors library users to reduce theft, vandalism and infractions of library rules. Interacts with other campus departments, including campus police, as necessary to ensure the smooth functioning of the facilities. Communicates with library administrators as needed to solve complex problems or to receive instructions in emergency situations.
- Responds to maintenance and other emergencies within the building. Takes appropriate steps to correct the problem, safeguard the occupants and maintain services. Initiates work order requests for building maintenance issues.
- Monitors use of W.E.B. Du Bois Library. Locks and unlocks doors according to published schedule of hours. Prepares building for use or for closing according to established procedures. Enforces library rules and regulations concerning items that may not be brought into the Library and items that may not be removed from the building. Enforces library and university rules and regulations concerning health and safety, including proper response to fire alarms and elevator alarms and malfunctions. Assists people stranded in elevators as needed. Receives and records reports of building problems and user behavior problems. Makes regular rounds and security checks of the building. Conducts surveillance of assigned areas and notifies appropriate authorities as needed. Takes appropriate action in accordance with standard procedures. Keeps records of activity. Requests assistance from appropriate library and university agencies as required and follows up as appropriate.
- Interviews, schedules, trains, supervises and evaluates student employees engaged in routine tasks. Monitors student Kronos reports on a regular basis to make sure that student time is complete and accurate so that student employees will be paid for time worked.
- Supervises the Information Desk. Answers questions or refers queries to other staff members in accordance with guidelines provided in the Information Desk and Access Services policy manuals.
- Assists patrons with checking out items using either the Library’s Management System or self-checkout machines. Refers problems to Learning Commons Desk employees or seeks assistance from Circulation Department as needed.
- Participates in the Libraries’ assessment program by collecting, maintaining, and recording usage statistics for monthly reports as needed.
Other Functions
- Acts as backup Learning Commons and Technical Support Desk Supervisor as needed. Exercises considerable independent judgment in handling questions directly or referring them to professional reference librarians or other paraprofessional staff.
- Works collaboratively and effectively in support of the libraries’ priorities to promote teamwork, diversity, equality, and inclusiveness within the Libraries and the campus at large.
- Serves on internal library committees as needed.
- Attends professional development activities as assigned or required to meet departmental goals and objectives.
- Demonstrates, fosters, and cultivates a positive, proactive internal and external customer service culture amongst staff and student staff.
- Performs other duties as assigned and in support of the mission and goals of the Libraries and the department.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)
- High school diploma or equivalent plus two (2) years relevant experience.
- One year (12 months) experience supervising students, interns, or permanent staff.
- Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills, including tactfulness, and the ability to overcome obstacles and provide appropriate solutions to problems.
- Experience successfully working in a team setting.
- Experience with Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Access.
Physical Demands/Working Conditions
- Typical office environment activity.
Work Schedule
- Friday: 3:45pm - 7:30pm
- Saturday: 9:30am - 5:30pm
- Monday: 3:30pm - 11:30pm
- Part-time, 18.75 hours per week.
Salary Information
Grade 14
Special Instructions to Applicants
Along with the application, please submit a resume, cover letter, and provide contact information for three (3) professional references.
UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University. To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans. It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.