Reference Librarian (CL) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. req883 Department Senate
Salary $85,358.00 to $132,302.00 Grade 08 to 08
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/26/2026 Close Date 3/26/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Secretary of the Senate's Senate Library is seeking a Reference Librarian. The complete vacancy announcement and application may be found on the United States Senate Career Page at https://sen.gov/YO0NL.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

This is a career ladder position in the Senate Library under the Secretary of the Senate. An individual selected for the career ladder position will be placed into pay band 8 and will be on a training plan and provided opportunities for development and increased responsibility. This is typically for a period of approximately twenty-four (24) to thirty-six (36) months. Upon successful completion of the development and performance goals, the incumbent will be recommended for promotion to the position of Reference Librarian II and a promotional increase into pay band 9. The Reference Librarian I is a professional position in the Senate Library. Work involves providing reference, training, and research support services to Senate staff in a timely, confidential, and nonpartisan manner. Work is bound by standard industry guidelines, Secretary of the Senate policies and procedures, the U.S. Senate Handbook, and the Senate Ethics Manual, but requires independent judgment in setting priorities and handling assignments.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • For conditions of employment and citizenship requirements, please visit the job announcement on the United States Senate Career Page at https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa

Qualifications

PHASE I – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN I – PAY BAND 8

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks or discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and photocopier’s print, scan, and fax functions. This position works on a rotational basis to support the Senate when in session and is therefore subject to the Senate floor schedule, requiring working extended and unscheduled hours two times per month as dictated by the Senate. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance is required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and one to three years of professional reference experience, including the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Ability to select and organize research data for patrons.
Basic knowledge of the Senate as an institution preferred, with a desire and willingness to learn more about the legislative process, as well as the history and operation of the Senate.
Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process and procedures, and congressional documents.
Knowledge of the federal government, the U.S. legal system, U.S. politics, and U.S. history.
Knowledge of the resources, organization, and classification schemes of the Library of Congress.
Knowledge of software and hardware tools, including web page editing software.
Ability to evaluate print and online research resources.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team setting, both within the Library and outside of organizational lines.
Ability to set and manage project work requirements, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Ability to provide prompt, responsive, and courteous customer service.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
None.

PHASE II – REFERENCE LIBRARIAN II – PAY BAND 9

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
Work is performed in an office environment with exposure to everyday risks and discomforts, and requires the use of normal safety precautions. Work requires frequent walking, standing, bending, and carrying items up to 25 pounds, as well as regular use of typical office equipment, software programs, and methods of communication such as a computer, email, telephone, and the photocopier’s print, scan, and fax functions. This position works on a rotational basis to support the Senate when in session and is therefore subject to the Senate floor schedule, requiring working extended and unscheduled hours two times per month as dictated by the Senate. Regular, predictable, and punctual attendance are required for performance of duties. Work also requires physical presence in the office, except as otherwise required by the Office of the Secretary.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Work requires a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and four to five years of professional reference experience, including the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:
Ability to select and organize research data for patrons.
Knowledge of the Senate as an institution.
Knowledge of Congress, the legislative process and procedures, and congressional documents.
Knowledge of the federal government, the U.S. legal system, U.S. politics, and U.S. history.
Knowledge of the resources, organization, and classification schemes of the Library of Congress.
Knowledge of software and hardware tools, including web page editing software.
Ability to evaluate print and online research resources.
Ability to work cooperatively and effectively in a team setting, both within the Library and outside of organizational lines.
Ability to set and manage project work requirements, multitask, and meet deadlines.
Ability to provide prompt, responsive, and courteous customer service.
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATION, AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
None.

Education

See minimum qualifications above for education details and Licenses & Certifications.

Additional information

The Secretary of the Senate is an equal opportunity employer in accordance with the requirements of Senate rules, regulations, and applicable Federal Laws. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Decisions to grant reasonable accommodations will be determined on a case-by-case basis. Please email resumes@sec.senate.gov with “Applicant Accommodation” in the subject line. No moving, relocation or pre-employment travel expenses will be paid for this position, or while in application for this position.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.

Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your application will be evaluated by a panel on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Qualified candidates may be selected for an interview.

Required Documents

  • Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

Application, Cover Letter, Resume, Veterans' Preference Application, if applicable

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

https://saa.csodfed.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home?c=saa All applicants must use the link above and follow instructions. DO NOT submit any paper application materials or resumes via U.S. Postal Mail or in person. All applicants MUST use the online employment application.

Agency contact information

Email
resumes@sec.senate.gov
Address
Secretary of the Senate, Human Resources
Hart Senate Building
Washington, DC 20510

Next steps

Candidates will be contacted if granted an interview.