Language Specialist

Full Job Description

The United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of California's mission is to investigate, prosecute and deter violations of federal statutes, enforce and represent the interests of the United States in civil litigation, uphold civil, constitutional and victims' rights, and foster partnerships with other federal, state and local government agencies and community groups.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: To be considered minimally qualified for this position, you must demonstrate that you have the required specialized experience and/or education for the respective grade level in which you are applying: To qualify at the GS-12 level, you must possess: Specialized Experience: At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal service (obtained in either the public or private sectors) performing (5) of the (6) duties listed below: Interpreting at legal conferences involving attorneys, defendants, and/or witnesses where agreements are negotiated Preparing Spanish-speaking witnesses for trial.

Producing certified transcriptions/translations and translations of court documents, law enforcement reports, and related materials.

Testifying in federal court to defend certified transcriptions or translations presented as evidence. Providing sight translations for attorneys.

Delivering Spanish to English and English to Spanish interpretations required in criminal and civil proceedings.

Selective Placement Factor (SPF): A selective placement factor is determined to be essential for successful performance in this position.

Those candidates who do not meet the following selective placement factor will be rated "not qualified" for the position.

Must be a Federally Certified Court Interpreter by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts in the Spanish language. You must include a copy of your certification with your application package.

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE.

If your resume does not support your questionnaire answers, we will not allow credit for your response(s).For more information on the qualifications for this position, click here. Major Duties:

This Language Specialist provides expert Spanish and English interpretation and translation for legal proceedings, ensuring precise, nuanced, and court-ready communications.

Utilizes advanced research, legal knowledge, and translation technology to maintain accuracy, impartiality, and completeness.

If selected for this position, you will join a well-respected team that is responsible for providing Language Specialist support in the U.S.

Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, located in San Diego, California, focusing in the areas of advanced Spanish language proficiency, legal interpreting and translation, preparation of court-ready documents, and serving as a certified technical expert in Federal court interpretation.

Typical work assignments will include: Delivering simultaneous and consecutive interpretation between Spanish and English for court proceedings, interviews, and variety of legal activities, ensuring precise and complete accuracy.

Translating legal, technical, and complex documents while preserving meaning, tone, and cultural context.

Transcribing and translating audio/video recordings from law enforcement and court-related sources. Researching terminology and subject matter to ensure precise and consistent language use.

Testifying as an expert witness on translation and transcription accuracy in Federal court.