Duties

• As a translating, reviewing, and comparing expert in one or more language combinations, advises on translation and terminology issues in said combinations.
• Translates a variety of documents from English into Mandarin.
• Studies terminology and trends in English and Mandarin to ensure that translations reflect current style and usage, and assists in preparing glossaries of relevant terminology.
• Reviews and edits translations prepared by staff and contractor colleagues and provides feedback on proposed changes.
• Sight translates a variety of documents.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• 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.
• This position requires the applicant to pass a Language Proficiency Test.
• 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/

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.

Specialized Experience: 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 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 Mandarin, a wide variety of documents, including government documents, 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.

THE FOLLOWING SELECTIVE FACTOR IS REQUIRED:

• Must have experience in translation from English into Mandarin

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. **

Phase 1: Applicants who pass the test will be placed on an eligibility list and referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview.

There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 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.