Employment Opportunities

The Fontana Regional Library system is seeking a professional librarian to perform administrative and supervisory work assisting the County Librarian in providing the programing and operations of the county library network. Jackson County is located in the beautiful mountains of southwestern North Carolina in close proximity to many natural resources including Smoky Mountains National Park. The county is also home to Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College.

The Assistant County Librarian will assist in the management, supervision, and administration of the libraries within the county. The Assistant County Librarian may be asked to review and recommend training and staff development for staff and volunteers, help ensure compliance with all relevant federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as well as participate in the development of the county library budget. The Assistant County Librarian assumes the duties of the County Librarian in his or her absence. Some evening and weekend work may be required.

The Assistant County Librarian is required to have a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA accredited school. Three years of public library experience and three years of customer service experience are required. Two years of supervisory experience is required. A North Carolina Public Librarian Certificate is preferred, and a driver’s license is required. 

Job skills that are necessary are a thorough knowledge of public library principles and practices as well as knowledge of library circulation, catalog, and Dewey Decimal Classification systems. Knowledge of employee supervisory techniques and practices is desired and knowledge and proficiency in using library equipment and technology.

At this time Jackson County plans to leave the FRL system at the end of June 2026. This position, once filled, will be under the FRL until June 30, 2026. After that date the position will be funded by Jackson County.

For a full list of job duties, qualifications, education and experience and physical and environmental conditions, please go to the Fontana Regional Library website and view job descriptions.

DATE:  February 20, 2026
TITLE:  Director
LIBRARY:  Fontana Regional Library
CITY:  Bryson City, North Carolina

Library Director for 3 County System in Western North Carolina:

The Fontana Regional Library System (FRL) is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of Library Director. The FRL serves Macon, Jackson, and Swain Counties in Western North Carolina serving a total population of approximately 97,281 residents across the three counties. The FRL serves a total of six libraries with an annual budget of just over $4.25 million.

Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of Library operations to efficiently and effectively serve the public. We are seeking a candidate with strong communication skills, supervisory experience, budget preparation, and administrative abilities, including applying for state and other grants. The Library Director supervises support staff including a Financial Officer, IT and County Librarians.

Library Director must have a North Carolina public librarian certificate or be eligible to obtain certification. Eligibility requires a graduate degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program or from a regionally accredited program of higher education in North Carolina.

It is possible that Jackson County, with two libraries, may leave the FRL on June 30, 2026. The FRL Director would continue to serve Swain and Macon counties, under the same terms of employment.

The Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina are known for stunning views, waterfalls, hiking, kayaking, great biodiversity in old growth forests, and friendly small towns. Western Carolina University and Southwestern Community College offer educational opportunities and a stimulating college environment.

Salary range $65,000 - $90,000, with generous benefits.

Qualified people should submit an application, resume, cover letter and three references to:

Lisa Kim Fisher (lfisher@fontanalib.org).

Go to www.fontanalib.org/employment to access the application.