Delivery Driver I - Library

Delivery Driver I

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff members are highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity, transparency and recognition. In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development. The Library also supports the City of Seattle's Race and Social Justice Initiative to end institutionalized racism by eliminating barriers to access, providing the staff and public with opportunities for growth, and developing equitable access to the programs and services we offer. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for the Delivery Driver I position.

This position is part of the Materials Distribution Services team located at both the Central Library and Georgetown (Maintenance Operation Center), which includes a Specialist who oversees shipping, receiving and mail room services, Drivers and Automated Material Handling System Operators who report to a Materials Distribution Services Manager. The Central and Branch Libraries support a high volume of patron traffic daily. Many of the facilities are open seven days a week, including evenings and weekends. This position is responsible for transporting materials between Library locations.

Library activities require the flow of large quantities of books, materials, supplies, mail and equipment among some 26 neighborhood libraries and the Central Library, as well as to other agencies in the area. This position follows a pre-set schedule which includes daily delivery routes throughout the City of Seattle. The position must safely operate a delivery truck and move, load and unload mail, materials, equipment and supplies. The position sorts Library materials and mail and systematically loads and unloads the vehicle and assures the efficient and safe delivery of materials and equipment.

Delivery of the materials includes pushing and pulling of a hand-truck, transporting of totes via hand trucks, lifting and carrying of items such as books, laptops, data projectors, book group kits and other Library materials, equipment, and supplies. This position works in a team environment and engages with others and provides input to procedures and processes.

The Delivery Driver I will provide some support on The Automated Material Handling System (AMHS). The AMHS is used to check in, sort and distribute nearly 80% of all circulating materials in the Library system. The AMHS sorting has been in operation since the opening of the Central Library in May 2004.

The AMHS operator simultaneously juggles the roles of operating the AMHS sort machine, deploying delivery carts and bins, moving materials between the sorter and storage areas, and monitoring and troubleshooting problems with software and machinery. The operator must be able to follow safety procedures when working around mechanical lifts, conveyors, sorting arms and devices. Accomplishing this requires the ability to recognize problems quickly, to recall operating procedures quickly and accurately, and the ability to perform in a fast-paced work environment that is usually controlled by the speed of the sorter.

Job Responsibilities

The primary responsibilities for the Delivery Driver I include:

• Safely and efficiently operate up to a Class 6 (GVWR 26,000) vehicle in the City of Seattle in residential and urban traffic and situations with limited space.
• Deliver a variety of library materials, supplies, mail and equipment to and from the Central Library, twenty-six neighborhood library locations and other agencies in the Seattle area.
• Pack, load and unload Library materials safely and efficiently.
• Perform daily pre and post-trip vehicle inspection and cleaning of library vehicles; monitor and report vehicle maintenance and repair needs.
• Sort incoming branch mail from respective delivery routes.
• Provide support for Mobile Services deliveries as needed.
• Maintain an accurate and complete log of all delivery activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additionally, this position may provide support on The Automated Material Handling System (AMHS) when needed. Responsibilities include:

• Operate the automated materials handling system equipment: This includes operating work positioners, hand trucks, conveyors, and devices that load, sort and stack library materials; starting up and shutting down the equipment; and troubleshooting problems with sorting and equipment.
• Constantly monitor the equipment through visual inspection and auditory attention: Stay aware of developing flow problems, equipment deployment needs, mechanical malfunctions and sorting glitches. This position requires walking among the sorting belts and power loaders, pushing bins and carts into, and out of, the sorting area and moving from one point to another, arranging materials and making quick adjustments.
• Communicate and coordinate activities with other AMHS operators quickly and efficiently: The operator removes jams and makes minor adjustments to the sorting and sensing devices. In order to avoid backups and jams, the operator uses PC controls to prioritize the sorting of materials and to determine which materials should be sorted first.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED
• Possession of valid Washington State Driver's License: Candidates must have a valid Washington Driver's License and have the ability to provide the Library with a recent Washington State Driver's Abstract which demonstrates an excellent driving record.
• Driving and Delivery Experience: A minimum of 2 years' delivery experience that demonstrates an ability to safely operate trucks with ratings up to a Class 6 (GVWR 26,000) vehicle in residential and urban traffic. Demonstrated skill and ability to safely maneuver vehicles in situations with limited space. Experience must also demonstrate an ability to follow delivery routes, maintain schedules, and load, unload, sort and arrange large quantities of items quickly and accurately. Familiarity with the geography of the Library service area is preferable. Ability to adapt and adjust to changes in service delivery based on changes in service levels.
• Customer Service Experience: A candidate's experience must demonstrate the ability to apply friendly and responsive customer service in working with the public.
• Communication: Candidates must be able to effectively respond to patron and co-worker communications in person and via telephone-specifically the ability to listen to and understand customer concerns, assess available options, resolve conflicts, and respond accurately and appropriately. Candidates must be able to follow oral and written instruction and to effectively communicate in English, verbally and in writing, as well as comprehend spoken and written English. Candidates must have experience and skills working constructively with diverse populations.
• Organizational Skills: Candidates must be able to sort books or other materials alphabetically and numerically, quickly, accurately and safely, as well as learn sorting and Library filing schemes such as the Dewey Decimal system.
• Ability to organize tasks and work independently : Candidates must be able to organize their workload and prioritize tasks appropriately and have the ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Candidates must also demonstrate the ability to work constructively and effectively with others as part of a team.

• Ability to carry and push materials for transport: The work in this position requires the following: bend, stretch, stoop, lift book bins weighing up to 50 lbs and transport totes of material and book carts which require a push/pull ratio of 50 lbs. Additionally, this work requires the ability to regularly apply hand pressure to squeeze hand bars and release interagency bin brakes.

How to Apply

This recruitment will be open continuously. Candidates wishing to be considered in the first review should submit their application, driving abstract, cover letter, and resume in NEOGOV by 5:00 p.m. on May 17, 2026. Your application will not be considered if these items are missing or incomplete.

1. Complete online application.
2. A current, State-certified, driving abstract. Abstracts may be obtained at Washington State Department of Licensing offices and should be scanned and included with the online application.
3. A cover letter that describes how your experience and skills align with the stated job responsibilities and qualifications. Please let us know why you are interested in this position.
4. Current resume that summarizes relevant education, professional experience, training and skills.

Applicants will be screened for competitiveness, completeness, and written communication skills. Initial screening will be based on a review of application materials. The employment history detailed in your application materials MUST validate/support your responses to the supplemental questions. If your responses cannot be validated, you will not proceed to the next steps of the review/selection process. The most competitive candidates will be invited to participate in a series of one or more interviews.

Benefits and Salary Information

The full salary range for this position is $28.23 - $34.22 per hour.

The City of Seattle offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, holiday, and sick leave as well as medical, dental, vision, life, and long