Staff Interpreter/Translator

Initial Posting Date:09/20/2024Application Deadline:10/13/2024Agency:Legislative Policy & Research CommitteeSalary Range:$4,716 - $7,074Position Type:EmployeePosition Title:Staff Interpreter/TranslatorJob Description:The mission of the Language Access Program within the Legislative Policy and Research Office (LPRO) is to provide meaningful access to the legislative process for individuals who communicate using languages other than English. Language is the bridge to understanding, and we are committed to ensuring that every Oregonian requesting our services, regardless of their hearing abilities or language spoken, has access to that bridge.We are seeking a Staff Interpreter/Translator to providing meaningful access to programs and services of the legislative branch for Spanish-speaking members of the public. This position's primary responsibilities include providing high-quality simultaneous and consecutive interpretation (in-person and via phone/video), as well as written translation of key documents and correspondence in supporting Spanish-speaking members of the public, including legislators' constituents in accessing the legislative process. The language access team occasionally travels across Oregon to staff Task Forces and other legislative meetings.If you are looking for a challenging and rewarding career utilizing your skills in Spanish and English, the Staff Interpreter/Translator position offers an exciting environment to do worthwhile work in service to others.In your cover letter, please describe your how your background aligns with the qualifications and why you are interested in the role providing language services in the Oregon Legislature.The successful candidate will demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:• Knowledge of:• Current best practices for both translation and interpretation services• Public policy and legislative process• Program and project management tools and recordkeeping skills• Oregon interpretation certification/qualification requirements• The difference between human and machine translation• Cultural understanding and competency• Skill in:• Bilingual (both spoken and written fluency) in English and Spanish, including advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions• Intermediate level computer skills in MS Office Suite including Outlook, Word and Excel• Excellent spoken and written communication skills• Excellent organizational skills• Attention to detail to ensure precise translation and interpretation• High degree of initiative and motivation• Ability to:• Think creatively, embrace new approaches, and pioneer innovative solutions to intricate problems• Understand and express the nuances and context of a conversation• Speak clearly using plain language with proper grammar and spelling• Effectively assist with all forms of correspondence• Work effectively both independently and within a team• Adapt and handle various subject matter and types of communication• Handle confidential and sensitive information with integrity• Use discretion, good judgment and know when to ask for assistance or direction• Effectively interact with internal and external individuals at all levels• Work effectively with diverse individuals and groups• Share information and lessons learned with supervisors• Effectively support and collaborate with others to achieve business objectives• Handle multiple priorities, processes, and demands in a dynamic work environment• Work under pressure with frequent interruptionsTo review the position description in its entirety, please click here.HOW TO QUALIFY:Your application must demonstrate:A bachelor's degree with minimum 2 years' experience working as an interpreter or translator in a professional setting• Bilingual (both spoken and written) in English and Spanish• Fluency through language testing in a second language• Certified and/or qualified interpreter or certified translator• An equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to demonstrate ability to perform the duties of the position may be consideredWHY THE OREGON STATE LEGISLATURE?• Work/life balance - paid leave and a competitive benefits package.• We offer full medical, vision and dental with paid sick leave, vacation, personal leave and ten paid holidays per year.• Collaborative work environment with a team of bright, hardworking, and fun individuals.• Opportunities for professional development to expand your breadth and depth of knowledge.• Support the creation of public policy and watch as history unfolds for the State of Oregon as ideas become crafted into policies and laws.• The Legislative Branch is made up of 7 small-medium state agencies where you can really get to know your co-workers.TO APPLY:• IF YOU ARE NOT A STATE EMPLOYEE: To apply for this position, follow the "Apply" link and complete the application & questions online. If this is your first time applying in our new system "Workday", you will need to create a new user profile. You can even drag and drop your resume into Workday and it will read and generate your Work History! Be sure to attach a cover letter and resume.• CURRENT STATE EMPLOYEES: Login to Workday using the Career app on your Home Page. Prior to clicking "Apply", update your employee profile to reflect your Education, Skills, and Job History (including your current job).• Attach your current cover letter and resume. Applications submitted without both documents may not be reviewed.• Please monitor your Workday account, as all communication will be sent to you through this system. You must have a valid e-mail address to apply.• This announcement closes at 11:59 PM on the close date listed.SPECIAL INFORMATION:• Over the next two years, the Capitol Building is undergoing extensive renovation and construction projects which may limit accessibility to employees. This may require Legislative employees to work both from home and within the building as the construction project dictates. While working from home, personal, stable and high-speed internet access will be required to perform the functions of this position. There may be occasions that require employees scheduled to be working from home, to report to the Capitol or an offsite building. Every effort will be made to provide reasonable notice. However, employees may be required to report to the building under short notice. The State Capitol building is located at 900 Court Street NE, Salem, OR 97301.• Oregon state government provides qualifying veterans and disabled veterans with preference in employment in accordance with ORS 408.225, 408.230, and 408.235. If you are requesting veterans' preference, you may receive an additional questionnaire in your Workday account. In order to ensure your privacy, we are asking that you complete the Veterans' Questionnaire and attach your qualifying military documents at that time. This questionnaire will be sent to your Workday account after you submit your application. We ask that you complete the questionnaire before the application deadline; extensions may be granted if necessary and reasonable. For questions about documentation, please visit: Veterans Resources. Or call the Oregon Department of Veterans' Affairs at: 1-800-692-9666.• The salary in this job posting reflects the base salary without contributions to the Public Employee Retirement System (PERS). Employees eligible for PERS will have their salary increased by 6.95% and 6% will be automatically be subject to a mandatory employee contribution to PERS.• The work experience and/or education section of your application must clearly demonstrate how you meet all the minimum and desired skills listed above.• An offer including salary will not be extended until an equal pay analysis is completed pursuant to ORS 652.220 and 659A.357. An equal pay analysis will be conducted utilizing the education and work experience section of the legislative application.• Work Authorization: The Oregon State Legislature does not offer visa sponsorships. On the first day of employment, all hires will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's Form I-9, confirming authorization to work in the United States. In addition, hires will have three business days from their first day of employment to present documents that establish employment authorization and identity. The Oregon State Legislature is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.• If you have questions regarding this recruitment, or need assistance to participate in the application process, please contact Aimee Steketee, Human Resource Analyst, at aimee.steketee@oregonlegislature.gov or (503) 986-1373.• The Oregon State Legislature is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to Workforce Diversity.