Job Information
Department of State - Agency Wide Supervisory Translator in Washington, District Of Columbia
Summary This position is located in the Translating Division, Office of Language Services, Bureau of Administration (A/PRI/LS/T), Department of State (DOS). The Office is responsible for providing interpreting, translating, and other language services to the Department, other government agencies, and the White House. Responsibilities As a second level manager, the employee is responsible for using supervisors to assure work is performed properly; exercising significant responsibilities in advising higher ranking officials; ensuring reasonable equity among branches. Exercises significant responsibilities in dealing with, advising, and negotiating with officials within the Department, throughout the USG, and private firms carrying out contracted work. Oversees resource allocation, manpower utilization, and adherence to quality and productivity standards. Reviews official translations into English from one or more languages (and/or vice versa). Ensures high-quality translation services, managing large-scale translation tasks for critical events, and overseeing recruitment, testing, and management of both staff translators and external contractors. Manages the review and certification of bilingual or multilingual treaties and international agreements, in collaboration with relevant legal and departmental offices, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants must have 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 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, interpreting, or other work requiring the use of English and the other language; or a combination of work (that required English and the other language) and training at the Defense Language Institute, Foreign Service Institute, or comparable training. IN ADDITION, this position requires the following additional specialized experience: Experience leading a team of translators and managing translation projects. Experience communicating effectively with internal and external customers at all levels to meet organizational goals and resolve issues. Experience in using data and analysis as management reporting and decision-making tools. Experience in strategic planning, e.g., developing organizational objectives that improve efficiency and effectiveness in work processes by applying technology. Experience with translation practices and technology to lead major initiatives designed to introduce new technology and tools in support of translation programs; Experience using computer-assisted translation tools and translation management systems. Experience with contemporary US foreign affairs and international relations. THE FOLLOWING SELECTIVE FACTOR IS REQUIRED: Must have experience in translation of Foreign Language(s) into English and English into the Foreign Language(s). 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. In addition, applicant's experience must also demonstrate that the candidate possesses the following qualities: Ability to assign, review, and supervise the work of others; Objectivity and fairness in judging people on their ability, and situations on the facts and circumstances; Ability to adjust to change, work pressures, or difficult situations without undue stress; Willingness to consider new ideas or divergent points of view; and Capacity to "see the job through." 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-15 position. Education Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement. Additional Information For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or OAA@state.gov. If eligible, telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval. Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.