Library Information Systems Assistant Manager

The Library Information Systems Assistant Manager serves as the technical lead and deputy to the Information Systems (IS) Manager. This is a highly hands-on, senior technical role designed for an experienced IT professional who excels at system optimization, workflow integration, and architectural problem-solving.

This position acts as the IS Manager’s full technical backup and plays a critical role in stabilizing and modernizing GRPL’s infrastructure. This position leads database-focused initiatives, virtualization and server modernization, application replacement efforts, and contributes to network and security decisions. The priority for this role is the Evergreen Integrated Library System (ILS)—moving toward sustainable, vendor-supported, and native functionality. The ideal candidate is someone who can bridge the gap between complex database administration and hands-on infrastructure support while empowering staff through training and documentation.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Evergreen ILS & Database Optimization

• Serve as the primary technical lead for the Evergreen ILS PostgreSQL database, focusing on optimizing native functionality and "set-it-and-forget-it" reliability.
• Audit legacy customizations; lead the migration of custom-built tools (Perl/PHP) to native Evergreen features or modern vendor-supported platforms (e.g., RFID, Self-Checkout, Hold Lockers).
• Act as the lead technical liaison with external support partners (Equinox) to implement upgrades, troubleshoot database interactions, and refine staff workflows.
• Develop and maintain complex Evergreen reports, enabling non-technical departmental staff to access and interpret data independently.
• Identify opportunities to reduce "technical debt" by favoring maintainable, native system configurations over bespoke code.

Infrastructure, Virtualization & Server Lifecycle

• Lead the migration of End-of-Life (EOL) on-site servers to modern, up-to-date in-house hardware and robust open-source virtualization platforms (XCP-ng or Proxmox).
• Administer and modernize Ubuntu-based application, database, and utility servers (DNS, DHCP, cron jobs, automation scripts).
• Execute hardware refreshes and server consolidations, ensuring high availability for on-premise mission-critical systems.
• Focus on repatriation and stability: moving toward high-performance, sustainable in-house and SaaS-based solutions.

Infrastructure, Virtualization & Servers

• Maintain and support existing Xen/KVM virtualization environments.
• Lead virtualization migrations to robust open-source platforms such as XCP-ng or Proxmox.
• Plan and execute hardware refreshes, operating system upgrades, and server consolidations.
• Administer and modernize Ubuntu-based application, database, and utility servers (DNS, DHCP, cron jobs, automation scripts).

Workflow Integration & Documentation

• Partner with library departments to analyze workflows and provide guidance on using technology to solve operational bottlenecks.
• Design and implement lightweight internal tools or scripts (Python, SQL, Bash) only when necessary, ensuring they are fully documented and maintainable by the broader team.
• Champion "IS Transparency" by creating documentation and training that removes IS as a bottleneck, allowing staff to manage their own routine system tasks.
• Serve as the IS Manager’s full technical backup, with authority to approve designs and escalate vendor issues.

Networking & Security Collaboration

• Perform hands-on network configuration and maintenance, including firewall rules, VLAN design, and routing changes.
• Serve as a second set of eyes on network security decisions, patching strategies, vulnerability remediation, and incident response.

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field; three (3) or more years of progressively advanced experience in systems administration; or equivalent combination of training and experience as determined by GRPL management.

Preferred:

• Expertise in SQL and Relational Databases. 
• Deep experience with PostgreSQL. 
• Experience administering Linux-based server environments, particularly Ubuntu and Debian.
• Proven ability to manage virtualization (XCP-ng), networking (VLANs/Firewalls), and hardware refreshes simultaneously. 
• Prior experience with Evergreen ILS or other library-specific technologies. 
• Experience working effectively with third-party support (like Equinox) to deliver projects. 
• A track record of performing updates to systems with clean, documented, and vendor-supported solutions. 
• Prior work in a public-sector, library, or highly mission-driven organization.

Core Competencies

• Systems Thinking & Architecture: Architects fault-tolerant, scalable solutions that prioritize long-term resilience over quick-fix patches.
• Empowerment-Focused: Values teaching and documentation; seeks to make IT processes transparent to the rest of the organization.
• Pragmatic Integration: Ability to connect disparate vendor tools (RFID, Lockers, API integrations) into a cohesive, functional ecosystem.
• Technical Communication: Can explain the "why" behind a change to non-technical staff to get buy-in for new workflows.

Please note the following:

• A cover letter is required
  • Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
• All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
• To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page

Please visit the library's jobs page for a list of other open positions at Grand Rapids Public Library.

All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.

Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.

This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.

Salary : $74,916 - $95,614