Rare Book Specialist

Powell's is seeking to hire a full-time Rare Book Specialist.

The Rare Book Room in Powell's City of Books is one of the most-visited book destinations in Portland. It contains 1,000 square feet of carefully selected books and art, with several thousand of our most valuable — and beautiful — books.

The Rare Book Specialist's responsibilities include evaluating, purchasing and pricing rare books for the company, shelving and performing customer service functions in the Rare Book Room, and participating in scheduled used book buying shifts at the buying table as needed. They will act as a resource to Used Book Buyers concerning collation and pricing and will coordinate with other Powell's locations on rare book issues & training. Experience with antiquarian books & the antiquarian book trade is preferred. 

Powell’s Books is known worldwide as a premier independent bookstore and an icon in the Portland community.  We’re committed to fostering a culture and environment of inclusion, empowerment, and respect – a place where everyone can show up fully as themselves and do their best work every day.

Powell’s offers an extensive benefits package including:

• Generous healthcare plan (medical, vision, and dental)
• 401(k) savings plan
• Education benefit
• Childcare subsidy
• Substantial employee discount that is also available to your significant other, children, parents, and siblings
• Book borrowing privileges

Schedule: The schedule for this position is 9am-5pm, with Thursdays and Fridays off.

Pay Range: $19.50 per hour, or more, depending on experience.

Additional Information: When applying, please include a resume and a cover letter with a brief description of relevant skills and experience and the reason why you’re interested in the position.

Closing Date: Sunday, June 7th, 2026

Position Title: Rare Book Specialist
Location: Burnside
Group: E
Date: 06/2026

Position Summary:

The Rare Book Specialist’s responsibilities include purchasing and pricing rare books for the company, shelving and performing customer service functions in the Rare Book Room (RBR) at Burnside, and participating in scheduled used book buying shifts at the buying table. Duties may also include tracking sales and recording purchases. Acts as a resource to buyers & the RBR concerning collation and pricing. Takes a corporate role in coordinating with the other stores on rare book issues & training in Rare Books. Works to implement the Company's goals & vision, operating the RBR with a high level of autonomy and within budgets. Reports to the Burnside Used Book Manager.

Essential Functions:

• Coordinates with the Used Book Manager in regard to acquisitions and sales of rare and scarce books from sources worldwide. Works with the Used Book Manager to increase RBR sales.  
• Prices and collates books, checks pricing & collation done by other used book staff. Communicates with the Used Book Manager regarding productivity/ workflow issues.  
• Serves as a purchasing reference to buyers throughout the corporation.
• Is responsible for accuracy and integrity of the company’s rare book inventory.
• Fosters & demonstrates the highest levels of customer service in the daily operations of the Rare Book Room, at the buying table, and in all customer interactions.  
• Assists customers in person, on the phone, or through the Internet with locating and purchasing of books, and maintaining customers' want lists.
• Works cooperatively with other departments/ stores. Fosters a team & professional work environment; demonstrates effective communication skills.
• May coordinate scheduling of the rare book room with the Used Book Manager, including responsibility for subbing shifts.
• Coaches and provides feedback to staff during all shifts and assignments.
• Maintains company reference book inventory.  Purchases used book references for the Company
• May coordinate promotional and marketing efforts with Marketing.
• Teaches classes and serves as an educational reference to staff regarding the use of bibliographic reference and description.
• Represents the store in business relationships throughout the antiquarian trade and with community outreach.
• May organize special events & shows.
• Participates in used book buying shifts at Burnside or other Powell's locations as needed.  
• Takes the lead in setting up and conducting the assay and possible purchase of large, rare book collections both in-store and off-site.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements/ Qualifications:

• Requires demonstrated mastery of level II Used Book Buying or equivalent.
• Demonstrated buying accuracy, price negotiation skills, and the pricing of rare books or equivalent.
• Excellent customer service.  
• Excellent computer skills.
• Leadership skills to lead, train, and mentor.
• Specialized knowledge of antiquarian books & the antiquarian book trade preferred.  
• Willingness to travel for buys and for educational purposes.
• Love of books and reading.
• Ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Excellent communication/ interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Physical requirements – Group L.

Salary : $20