Makerspace and Public Service Assistant

Requisition ID: 23338

Department: Ottawa Public Library

Service: Branch Operations

Employment Type: 2 Permanent Full Time Positions and 4 Permanent Part Time Positions

Work Hours: 25 hours per week (Full Time) / 23.5 hours per week (Part Time) / 21 hours per week (Part Time)

Affiliation: CUPE 503 - Library/Full Time - Public Service Job

Salary Information: $36.547 - $42.768 per hour (2026 rates of pay)

Location: Central Branch, 555 Albert Street

City: Ottawa, ON

Job Category: Ottawa Public Library

Application Close: 21/08/2026

Job Summary

Ottawa Public Library (OPL) provides accessible, innovative library and information services across the city of Ottawa, tailored to the diverse needs of its communities.

These services are offered through 33 branches, and through mobile and digital platforms, tailored to the diverse needs of Ottawa’s communities.

OPL’s Makerspaces are interactive environments equipped with specialized tools and software (e.g. 3D printers, laser cutters, sewing machines, design software, recording studios) that offer hands-on opportunities for learning, creating, and collaborating.

You provide client service and support; deliver training to clients; assist with developing, implementing, and delivering makerspace programs; maintain makerspace area, equipment and software; and provide materials handling and collections maintenance support. You play a key role in fostering an inclusive culture of creativity, innovation, and applied learning where curiosity, risk taking, and shared knowledge are celebrated.

OPL employees support and work within the policies and framework of the Library corporate culture as embodied in the Vision and Mission Statements, Shared Values, and OPL’s position statement on Intellectual Freedom, with particular emphasis on providing client service excellence.

Education And Experience

Completion of a 2-year college diploma in a relevant technology or multimedia program from a recognized institution (e.g. electrical or mechanical engineering technician diploma, theatre and entertainment production etc.)

Library and Information Technician diploma is an asset

Certificate in CNC/Precision Machinist is an asset

Minimum of two years of combined experience, including:

• one (1) year of client service and instructional or programming experience; and
• one (1) year of relevant experience with digital design using creative technologies on both PC and Mac platforms. This may include, but is not limited to:

• photo, video, or sound editing
• sewing or embroidery technologies
• animation
• digital design tools and software

Experience working with a variety of creative technologies and software is required.

Experience with a variety of CNC machines or in photo, video or sound editing is an asset.

Experience with CAD and CAM software is an asset

KNOWLEDGE

• Methods and techniques of responding to inquiries and tactfully resolving client complaints
• Multiple technology platforms (e.g. tablets, phones, e-readers, Android, Apple) as it relates to library offerings
• Computer hardware, operating system software, applications and software packages, as it relates to library offering or staff applications
• Desktop applications, intranet and internet and keyboarding procedures, to the extent where it may be required to demonstrate such usage to colleagues or library clients
• Electronic database and other bibliographic searching techniques
• Literature in a variety of formats, readers’ advisory services, trends in reading, literacy, ESL collections, and library programming
• Principles of Intellectual Freedom
• Principles of collection development and maintenance
• Methods and techniques for sorting and shelving library materials according to alphabetical, Dewey Decimal or other prescribed sequence and procedures
• Library circulation procedures and practices
• General knowledge of library policies, procedures and trends
• Knowledge of applicable health and safety legislation, including the rights and duties of workers

Competencies, Skills And Abilities

• Client service orientation, including the use of tact, discretion and confidentiality
• Exceptional ability to learn on the job and effectively apply learning to new technologies, hardware, software and platforms
• Effective independent decision-making, judgement and creative problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities
• Aptitude for critical and solutions-based thinking and taking initiative.
• Effective verbal and written communication, including interpersonal conflict resolution skills.
• Skill at providing training and support for clients and staff and ability to translate relatively complex technologies to clients with little or no digital literacy
• Effectively plan, deliver and evaluate library programs
• Can work with multiple mobile platforms (tablets, phones, android, apple, etc.)
• Efficient time management and ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently
• Work effectively independently, and collaboratively within a team environment
• Perform a range of circulation/page activities, including registration, collecting fees, and to respond effectively to a range of library service inquiries and resolve complaints
• Ability to handle and account for cash and follow cash handling procedures
• Attention to detail
• Flexibility, ability to adjust priorities and handle ambiguity
• Strongly committed to quality client service
• Perform routine manual tasks and maneuver book carts and lift boxes up to 40 pounds

What You Need To Know

• Language Requirement:
• 4 Positions: Designated Day 1 Ready – immediate requirement for language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates must meet language requirement for position upon hire.
• 2 Positions: Designated Bilingual – specific level of language proficiency: French: oral, reading, writing English: oral, reading, writing Candidates who do not meet language requirements will be required to participate in training.
• Police Record Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) with the Police Services detachment in their jurisdiction to the Ottawa Public Library's satisfaction.; Note: Under the age of 18, requires a Criminal Record and Judicial Matters (Level 2) check in place of the Vulnerable Sector Check.; Police record checks completed by a third-party company will not be accepted.
• Additional vacancies may occur during the competition process.
• Alternative educational credentials combined with job-related experience, demonstrated performance, and ability may be considered in lieu of stated academic requirements.
• Please save a copy of the job poster. Once the closing date has passed, it will no longer be available.

We wish to thank all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

The Ottawa Public Library promotes the principles of diversity and inclusion and adheres to the tenets of the Canadian Human Rights Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We encourage applications from women, Aboriginal peoples and persons of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities and expressions. The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation during all parts of the hiring process, upon request, to applicants with disabilities. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

The Ottawa Public Library provides accommodation to applicants during all parts of the hiring process, upon request. If contacted to proceed to the selection process, please advise us if you require any accommodation.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Please contact the HR Service Centre (email: View email address on ca.workus.org) at View phone number on ca.workus.org Employee Service Centre at View phone number on ca.workus.org or via email at ***email_hidden*** .