Rangahau Reference Librarian

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Hamilton City Council is seeking a Rangahau Reference Librarian to join Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho Archives and Reference Collections, 30 hours a week Sunday to Wednesday, onsite in Hamilton. The role blends research, customer service and community engagement to bring local stories to life through digitisation, exhibitions and public programs. You will provide reference support on NZ and local history, help users access resources and technologies, and collaborate to deliver a strong customer experience. Requirements include a library qualification, digital literacy, familiarity with library systems, and knowledge of Maaori tikanga Waikato-Tainui Kiingitanga. Apply by 3 August 2026; attach CV and optional cover letter in PDF and show alignment with Te Tiriti commitments and heritage access. Salary circa $74,000; flexible working policy and wellbeing benefits.

Company Description

Hamilton City Libraries is a business unit of the Community Services group. There are seven library sites within the city; Central Library is located in Garden Place in the CBD and our community libraries are located at Chartwell, Dinsdale, Hillcrest, Glenview, St Andrews and Rototuna. 

Job Description

He angituutanga: The opportunity 

Are you passionate about connecting people with knowledge, preserving local stories, and supporting access to our region's rich heritage?

Hamilton City Libraries is looking for a Rangahau Reference Librarian to join our team and help bring the stories, history, and taonga held within Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho | Archives & Reference Collections to life for our community.

This is a unique opportunity to combine customer service, research expertise, and community engagement in a role that makes a meaningful contribution to preserving and sharing Hamilton's history.

What you'll be doing

As a Rangahau Reference Librarian, you will:

• Provide expert research and reference services across a wide range of New Zealand, local history, genealogy, and heritage topics.
• Support customers to access and use library resources, services, and technologies.
• Respond confidently to complex research enquiries and information requests.
• Contribute to digitisation projects that improve public access to heritage collections.
• Help showcase collections through exhibitions, displays, events, and community engagement activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to ensure an exceptional customer experience.

Community access to Ngaa Koorero Tuku Iho | Archives & Reference Collections is enhanced through digitisation initiatives, exhibitions, displays, and public engagement activities

This is a part-time role working 30 hours per week on a rostered basis from Sunday to Wednesday. Flexibility is important, as you will be part of a library service that supports our community across extended opening hours.

Why join us?

At Hamilton City Council, our purpose is to improve the wellbeing of Hamiltonians and unlock the city's full potential. Through our libraries, we preserve our stories, celebrate our heritage, and provide opportunities for learning and discovery for everyone in our community.

This role offers the opportunity to work with unique heritage collections, support meaningful research, and help ensure that Hamilton's stories are preserved and accessible for generations to come.

If you're passionate about history, research, and helping people discover the stories that shape our community, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

Oo puumanawa me oo wheako | Your skills and experience

We're looking for someone who is curious, customer-focused, and passionate about local history and cultural heritage. You'll also have:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in library and information studies (or similar).
• Awareness of collection management principles and practices.
• Strong digital literacy and confidence using technology.
• Familiarity with library management systems.
• A commitment to delivering outstanding customer service.
• Knowledge of Maaori tikanga, particularly in relation to Waikato-Tainui and Kiingitanga.
• A genuine interest in local history, archival collections, and heritage resources.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work respectfully with people from diverse backgrounds and varying levels of digital confidence.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• An interest in and ability to contribute to digitisation initiatives.

Additional Information

He aha te wariu o te utu kaimahi? | What’s the salary? 

Circa $74,000 dependent on skills and experience.

Ngaa waahi whakarato painga kei a maatou: What we offer 

• Flexible by choice; an award-winning flexible working policy.
• Opportunities for professional development.
• Two Wellbeing days per year.
• Free health insurance through Unimed including hospital/surgery grade cover and discounted. membership rates for family members.
• Free annual health checks and flu vaccination.
• Ability to purchase additional annual leave.
• Eye testing/glasses cost reimbursement.
• Discounted purchases from local businesses; gym memberships, cafes, dentists, hairdressers and many more.

Me Tono Inaaianei!: Apply Now! 

• View the Position Description
• Click apply
• ​Complete your application.

If you wish to include a cover letter with your application, please combine this in the same file as your resume and upload as a PDF file. Alternatively, you can use the 'Write a message to the Hiring Team' text box.

Applications close on the: 3 August 2026

Note: We will be shortlisting as we receive applications.

Council is committed to honouring the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi through its relationship with Kiingitanga, Waikato Tainui, mana whenua and maataa waka within Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

All candidates will be notified of the outcome on their application via email. Short-listed candidates will be required to complete an interview process, reference checks and a criminal check. Further background checking will be required when relevant to the role. View more information about these checks, our commitment to the Privacy act and details for international applicants by clicking here

It is important to us that we support you throughout our selection process (interview and assessments). If you have any access needs during this process, let us know in advance so we can make sure these are met.

As a council, we believe in creating a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and belongs. We value inclusiveness (Kotahitanga) – we respect and value the unique perspectives, experiences, and talents that everyone brings.

This role is being sourced directly. If/where Hamilton City Council requires the support of a recruitment agency, we will seek this support from our panel of selected agencies. Hamilton City Council will not be responsible for, and will not pay, any commissions, fees or other payments related to unsolicited contact.