Senior High Density Access and Retrieval Associate

Date Posted: 07/14/2026
Req ID: 48878
Faculty/Division: Library
Department: Downsview
Campus: St. George (Downtown Toronto)
Existing Vacancy: Yes

Description:

About Us:

The University of Toronto Libraries (UTL) system is the largest academic library in Canada and is ranked in the top five among peer institutions in North America. The system comprises 40 libraries located across three university campuses: St.George, Mississauga, and Scarborough. This diverse and extensive network of college libraries, special collections, and specialized information centres plays a pivotal role in supporting the teaching, scholarly, and research needs of nearly 100,000 students enrolled in a wide array of graduate, professional, and undergraduate programs. The library system provides access to millions of resources in various formats, including electronic, print, audio-visual, data and geospatial materials. UTL also boasts impressive holdings of archival material and substantial digital collections, securely preserved in the libraries' data centre. The staff at UTL are integral to the academic and scholarly enterprise, working closely with faculty and students to support their teaching, learning, and research requirements. They are subject matter experts; they are skilled in research data management, collections, statistics, GIS, metadata, digital preservation, scholarly communications, copyright, teaching, knowledge synthesis, open access and much more. Our work is grounded in our commitment to support equity, diversity, and inclusion.

UTL continuously evolves to meet the changing academic priorities and pressures at the University and within the broader landscape of higher education.

Your Opportunity:

Working at the UTL at Downsview location and reporting to the Manager, Downsview, the Senior High Density Access and Retrieval Associate is responsible for coordinating the work of processing materials for, and fulfilling access to, Downsview collections including: contributing to metadata clean up, acting as liaison with other departments, staff and external partners, and acting as a workflow leader. Assists in resolving problems associated with shipments from UTL and external partner libraries and participates in identifying and preparing items for shelving and circulating these items, as needed. The range of duties for this includes: providing information in response to inquiries, processing requests, physical preparation of storage trays, barcoding items, shelving and retrieving with the use of a specialized fork-lift (fork lift training and certification will be provided), opening and closing the facility, shipping and receiving, and assisting with shipping and receiving. May be responsible for other duties such as record maintenance, scanning, and participating in relevant committees and working groups. Performs other related duties, as required.

Required Qualifications:

Formal Education: Some post-secondary education required; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Training and certification on the specialized fork-lift used in this environment will be provided.

Experience: A minimum of one year of related experience working in a research or academic library setting required. Working knowledge of library systems required. Requires knowledge of bibliographic database searching. Evidence of initiative, analytical ability, and flexibility to respond to workflow demands. Ability to work independently with minimum supervision, and to complete detailed work assignments promptly and accurately. Proven ability to work productively and efficiently in conformity with departmental standards and procedures. Ability to handle large volumes of library materials. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Skills: Facility to learn new systems and adapt to new technology and new workflows. Demonstrated commitment to the values of inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility. Demonstrated strong organizational, analytical, and time management skills. Basic knowledge of windows software applications, web browsers, and basic knowledge of word processing and e-mail software required. Experience operating warehouse equipment desired.

NOTE:

• This position is located at UTL at Downsview on Dufferin St. at Steeles Ave. This position is not eligible for a hybrid work arrangement.

• This position requires evening & weekend shifts.

• This posting is for 2 Term positions until April 2027.

Closing Date: 07/28/2026, 11:59PM ET
Employee Group: CUPE 1230
Personnel Subarea:Lib FT,PT L1230
Appointment Type: Budget - Term
Schedule: Full-Time
Pay Scale Group & Hiring Zone: CUPE 1230 (4U) - Step 1: $75,723 - Step 2: $78,687 - Step 3: $81,791
Job Category: Library Services