The position is located in the Romance Branch, Translating Division, Office of Language Services, Bureau of Administration (A/PRI/LS). The Translating Division prepares diplomatic translations in over one hundred language combinations, both into and out of English, as required by the Department of State, the White House, and, under special or general support agreements, other Federal Government agencies.
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, 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 translating from English into French and French into English, a wide variety of documents, types, and subjects, in a variety of formats, for example, diplomatic correspondence, laws, memoranda, 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: Must have experience in translation of French into English, and English into French. 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. **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
Compares the English and French language texts of treaties and international agreements, drafts memos citing substantive and non-substantive discrepancies between the two and re-compares texts to determine if discrepancies have been resolved.
Serves as a reviewer at international conferences, assuming full responsibility for all texts translated into the language(s) of assigned specialty.
Translates a wide variety of documents, including diplomatic correspondence and instructions, treaties, laws, court records, vital records, news articles and editorials, speeches, position papers, and technical and financial reports.
Reviews and edits translations prepared by staff and contractor colleagues and provides feedback on proposed changes. Evaluates translation tests for prospective contract and staff translators.