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Directorate of Operations Language Officer

Employer
USAJobs
Location
Washington, D.C
Closing date
Oct 16, 2021
Duties

Summary

As a Directorate of Operations Language Officer for the CIA, you will perform a critical and dynamic function within the Directorate of Operations by using your advanced foreign language skills combined with cultural experience and expertise to produce high-quality, accurate, and timely translations, interpretations, and other language-related support to Directorate of Operations clandestine operations.
Learn more about this agency

Responsibilities

Language Officers are key to the success of many foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, cyber, and covert action operations and have native or near-native level fluency in one or more of the following languages:
  • Arabic.
  • Chinese Mandarin.
  • Dari/Pashto.
  • Korean.
  • Persian/Farsi.
  • Russian.
  • Japanese.
  • Vietnamese.
Language Officers generally are assigned to the Washington, DC area, but have opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities to serve multi-year postings overseas are very limited and these positions are highly competitive.

You will receive specialized training to acquire an understanding of clandestine operations tradecraft and to maintain and/or advance your foreign language skills. Classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience is all part of the training process.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
12 - GS-10 to GS-12.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment


  • US citizenship required (dual national US citizens are eligible).
  • All positions require relocation to the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
  • All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview, and a comprehensive background investigation.
  • All applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.


Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's or master's degree, or experience in one or more of these fields:
    • Aerospace engineering.
    • Bioengineering/biomedical engineering.
    • Biological sciences.
    • Biotechnology and microbiology.
    • Chemical engineering.
    • Chemistry.
    • Computer engineering.
    • Computer science.
    • Electrical engineering.
    • Mathematics.
    • Mechanical engineering.
    • Nuclear engineering.
    • Physical sciences.
    • Physics.
    • Remote sensing/GIS.
  • GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale.
  • Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills.
Desired Qualifications:
  • Interest in international affairs.
  • Awareness of US national security interests.
  • Foreign language capability.
  • Strong verbal presentation skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise text.
  • Research experience in international affairs.
  • Ability to work in a team environment .
  • Interest in a career that requires regular writing assignments.


Education

  • Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a US college or university).
  • GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4-point scale is preferred.


Additional information

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications of the specific position to which you are applying.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Top Secret

Drug test required
Yes

Required Documents

The following items must be attached to your on-line application (PDF format preferred):
  • Unofficial transcripts for all degrees
  • Cover letter: please describe your knowledge, skills, abilities, and aspirations not evident from your resume, that make you a good candidate for the Directorate of Operations (1 page)
  • Qualifications Supplement - in a separate PDF attachment address the following questions:
    • Why does a career in public service appeal to you (1 paragraph)
    • Why do you wish to work for the Directorate of Operations (1 paragraph)
    • Other than the Directorate of Operations, what other career options are of interest to you (1 paragraph)
    • Describe one thing from your academic, military, or professional background that has prepared you for success in the Directorate of Operations (1 paragraph)
    • Complete this thought: "I do my best work when..." (1 paragraph)
    • Describe a time when you did not succeed, professionally or academically, and what you learned from that experience (2 paragraphs)


If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

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