The incumbent serves as Translator (translating from English to Mandarin) in the Translating Division, Office of Language Services, which prepares diplomatic translations in over one hundred language combinations, both into and out of English as required by the Department of State. 

Duties

Translating, reviewing, and comparing expert in one or more language combinations, advises on translation and terminology issues in said combinations. Compares the English and foreign language texts of treaties and international agreements. Researches terminology and subject matter encountered in translation assignments using printed dictionaries and reference works, CD-ROM, online glossaries, terminology databases, Internet search engines, and consultations with subject matter expert. Reviews and edits translations prepared by staff and contractor colleagues and provides feedback on proposed changes. Confers with and advises staff, contractor colleagues, and clients to resolve translation and terminology issues. Receives training when appropriate, as part of an ongoing program for all translators to undertake increasingly difficult tasks. Training focuses on the administrative aspects of translation, including occasional acting for the Branch Chief. Sight translates a variety of documents. Briefly summarizes official correspondence, vital records, and other shorter documents, and goes into greater depth on lengthier documents, such as laws and court records.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
• Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
• This position requires the applicant to pass a Language Proficiency Test.

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.  Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position. Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: Experience in translating, or other work requiring the use of English and Mandarin; or a combination of work (that required English and Mandarin) and training at a specialized language school or at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training.  IN ADDITION, this position requires the following additional specialized experience: Experience translating between English and Mandarin, a wide variety of documents, including diplomatic correspondence and instructions, treaties, laws, court records, vital records, news articles and editorials, speeches, position papers, training materials, presentations, and technical and financial reports. Experience reviewing translations to ensure accuracy; completeness; correct grammar and spelling; consistency; proper formatting; and appropriate terminology and register. Experience researching terminology and subject matter encountered in translation assignments, using online resources, dictionaries, glossaries and references, as well as terminology databases and consultations with subject matter experts. Experience using computer-assisted translation tools such as SDL Trados Studio, MemoQ, WordFast, Déjà Vu, OmegaT or equivalent. THE FOLLOWING SELECTIVE FACTOR IS REQUIRED: The following are examples of work in the required language that may have provided the required abilities:translator; interpreter; librarian or information specialist required to make abstracts, screen, index, and scan material; intelligence; writer or editor; international organizational work, such as the Peace Corps, World Bank, United Nations, business, or other organizations; or professor, teacher, or instructor work at the high school or college level that required use of the foreign language. Must have experience in translation of English into Mandarin **ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE TESTED BY THE AGENCY FOR PROFICIENCY ON A PASS/FAIL BASIS PRIOR TO APPOINTMENT.** There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position

Education

See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.

Contacts

• Address U.S. Department of State 600 19th Street, NW SA-17, 5th Floor Attn: A/EX/HRD Washington, District of Columbia 20522-1705 United States
• Name: Tasha Reeves
• Phone: (771) 205-4594
• Email: [email protected]