Strengthen the Community
The community will experience Middletown’s public library as a launch pad for community engagement.
Create a Safe & Welcoming Destination
The community will enter physical and virtual spaces that encourage them to learn, grow, and connect.
Foster a Thriving Economic Ecosystem
The community will have opportunities and resources for skill building, networking, co-creating, and incubating ideas that support economic wellbeing in collaborative physical and virtual spaces.
Promote a Lifelong Love of Learning
From birth through adulthood, the community will experience interactions that spark curiosity, foster critical thinking skills, and stimulate the imagination.
Strategic Plan
“… we must plan for change. To paraphrase the ancient Greek
philosopher Heraclitus, “Change is the only constant.” We must ready ourselves to anticipate and respond to the rapidly evolving needs of our community in order to truly serve it.”
MISSION
We empower people to grow, connect, strive and thrive.
VISION
Everyone feels welcomed and included.
FOUNDATIONAL STRATEGY
Practice equity and inclusion, and listen to youth voices.
Job Openings
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: Director of Property Management
Open through 1/31/2025
Compensation & Benefits:
- Salary range $65,353-$96,616 commensurate with qualifications and experience
- 12 paid holidays, 4 personal days, 15-30 vacation days, 1.25 sick days accrued per calendar month
- Generous medical and dental insurance with below-average (15%) premium cost share
- Life insurance for employee
- Municipal pension retirement plan
As a key member of Russell Library’s senior management team, the Director of Property Management has operational responsibility for Russell Library’s buildings, grounds, capital equipment, and safety. The incumbent is responsible for supervising all aspects of Russell Library’s physical plant. In addition to oversight of routine maintenance, repair, and cleaning, the incumbent is expected to plan and implement renovations and construction as necessary to modernize Russell Library’s public facilities in order to meet emerging space and technology needs.
The Director of Property Management job description.
Duties include but are not limited to:
- Supervise five full-time and three part-time Facilities and Security staff;
- Establish procedures, assign tasks, and hold staff accountable for meeting expectations;
- Manage departmental budget, perform administrative record-keeping and recording, including financial and activity reports, and submit budget requests on an annual basis;
- Modernize facilities and equipment according to current and future needs;
- Serve as liaison with architects, engineers, contractors and public officials on building repair, equipment replacement, renovations, and construction;
- Project management, including in-house maintenance and construction projects and projects with outside contractors;
- Monitor work in progress for compliance with ruling contract, initiate cost savings and change orders, and review and recommend acceptance of completed work;
- Establish productive working relationships with vendors and contractors, oversee the bidding process, and schedule projects to minimize disruption to public service;
- Coordinate with city and state departments and contracted services for fire safety, environmental protection, and personnel and building security;
- Build strong working relationships with local emergency services contacts;
- In conjunction with the technology department and our security vendor, manage and upgrade, as necessary, a security system with video monitoring and building alarms;
- Work collaboratively with the administrative team to develop and administer security procedures for the public, employees and property;
- Work collaboratively with the senior management team to integrate cross-departmental program activities and functions.
The ideal candidate will have a strong working knowledge of building and structural design; building code conformance standards; HVAC systems, equipment, tools, and methods of trade; and occupational hazards and safety precautions. They will supervise staff who perform semi-skilled carpentry, electrical, mechanical, painting and plumbing work, as well as coordinate and oversee projects ranging from small to large with contracted vendors.
This role requires exceptional communication skills, both verbal and written; computer proficiency, including familiarity with Google Workplace (an online platform which includes email and Google Drive/Docs/Sheets) and use of Microsoft products; as well as compliance with municipal purchasing processes (particularly state contract pricing) and the organization of budgetary paperwork (contracts, quotes, estimates, invoices, receipts).
The skills and knowledge required are graduation from a vocational technical school, or successful completion of an apprenticeship training program, and five years of progressively responsible experience in building maintenance or construction work, including three years of supervisory or lead maintenance experience, or any equivalent combination of education and skills which demonstrates possession of the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
40 hours per week. Early mornings, nights and weekends may be required as weather or physical plant situations arise.
Starting range: $31.42-$46.45/hr plus a competitive employee benefits package. Please submit a resume and cover letter via our online application form no later than 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 31, 2025.
Russell Library is an equal opportunity employer. Russell Library prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other legally protected characteristics. Russell Library conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are core values at Russell Library. We seek to employ people who share those values and readily apply them in their work.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: PT Safety Officer
Open until filled
The Russell Library (Middletown, CT) has an immediate opening for a part-time safety officer. We seek a responsible, experienced guard to ensure the safety, security, and hospitality of the Library’s buildings and grounds for use by staff, patrons, and visitors.
Middletown is a vibrant, growing and wonderfully diverse community of nearly 48,000 residents located on the Connecticut River in the heart of the Nutmeg State. Home to two colleges and universities, a thriving downtown, a rich cultural and dining scene, and a unique combination of urban, suburban and rural life, Middletown has something to offer everyone. Founded in 1875, the Russell Library is a 501(c)(3) organization that serves as the principal public library for the City of Middletown, with a full range of services aimed at 21st-century users. Our strategic plan sets our course for success.
The PT Safety Officer contributes to a hospitable library environment where all members of the public feel safe, secure, and welcome. Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Patrol all areas of Library buildings, parking lots, and access ways, and secure staff parking lot at end of work shifts.
- Routinely check video security system, alarm system, lights, and equipment.
- Maintain high visibility by patrolling in public areas to keep order, to deter inappropriate behavior, and to assist the public by ensuring a safe, reasonably quiet, comfortable and welcoming environment.
- Provide assistance to patrons by giving directions and referring inquiries to appropriate staff members.
- Escort patrons or staff to cars in adjacent parking lots or spaces as requested.Assist elderly or disabled persons as necessary, i.e. carrying books or materials to vehicle, opening doors, or providing other assistance needed.
- May provide relief to stricken or injured persons until medical assistance arrives.
- Check young children to ascertain the presence of a parent or caregiver, and contact families of unattended children to be certain children leave safely.
- Monitor violations of the Library Code of Conduct. Advise patrons of inappropriate behavior that may result in further action and possible loss of Library privileges. May counsel patrons who have caused problems to avoid further action and possible loss of Library privileges.
- Perform crowd control duties for Library programs or special events. Work with Middletown Emergency Services, City Fire and Police when necessary, at events and in emergency situations. Disperse groups if easy access to buildings or facilities is hindered.
- Prepare incident reports and maintain files on daily activities and administrative matters.
The skills and knowledge required would generally be attained with graduation from high school and two years of security guard, police or youth protective services work experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Must be able to pass a criminal background check and physical examination. A Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator’s license is desirable. Certification in First Aid, CPR, and AED is desirable. Preference given to valid LEOSA (Law Enforcement Officers Safety Act) and CT Guard Card holders. Strong preference given to individuals with experience in public safety and/or law enforcement.
Starting pay: $22.57 per hour. Hours per week: 8-19. Morning, afternoon, evening and weekend shifts may be required.
To apply, complete and submit Russell Library’s online employment application at:
https://russelllibrary.wufoo.com/forms/russell-library-employment-application/
Applications must be submitted online to be considered.
Russell Library is an equal opportunity employer. Russell Library prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or gender expression), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, parental status, military service, or other legally protected characteristics. Russell Library conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
Equity, diversity and inclusion are core values at Russell Library. We seek to employ people who share those values and readily apply them in their work.
Russell Library
123 Broad Street
Middletown CT 06457
Phone
860-347-2528
Events
Online Calendar
Library Hours
Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm
Fri-Sat 9am-5pm
Sunday 1-5pm (October-March)