Just to the west of the majestic San Juan Mountains, high on southwest Colorado’s desert plateau sits the City of Cortez. “Platted in 1886, incorporated in 1902, and becoming a city in 1952, the founding date of Cortez is (open) to interpretation,” says the City’s budget. Rich in ancient history and natural beauty, Cortez (pop. 8,800, elev. 6,191, 6.21 sq. mi.) is the largest city in, and county seat of, Montezuma County. Residents enjoy access to the massive San Juan National Forest, every manner of outdoor recreation, and the serenity of the high desert and the American West. The city’s FY 2024 approved budget of $35.4 million (GF $15.77 million) supports approximately 150 FTE.

From its origins as the Ute Mountain Study Club in the early 1930s, today’s Cortez Public Library was established by the City of Cortez, which maintains the library as a city department funded through the general fund. The 2024 departmental budget of $904,967 supports 5 FTE, plus 5 PTE. The library is a member of the Colorado Library Consortium. The library director reports directly to the city manager. City council appoints a seven-member board of trustees to advise the library, city manager, and city council on matters pertaining to the library.

A four-year degree in a relevant field of study; at least three years of public library experience plus at least two years of supervisory experience or progressively responsible experience in library management; knowledge of library best practices, trends, issues, and industry software and databases; or any equivalent combination of education and experience are all required. A master’s degree in library science, library information science, or a related field is preferred.

The hiring range for this position is $105,000 to $140,000 DOQE. In addition, the city provides the following benefits: health (city pays approx. 90%, employee, 10%) and dental (city pays 100%) insurances; life insurance; mandatory 5% supplemental retirement, matched 100% by the city, plus optional voluntary deferred compensation plan; vacation, sick, and discretionary leave, plus 10 paid holidays; and employee assistance program. Relocation assistance and possible additional incentives are subject to negotiation.