Linguist

Title: Linguist - (Mandarin)
Location: San Diego, CA
Security Clearance: Public Trust (or ability to obtain)
Schedule: This is an as‑needed, part‑time essential services position with work contingent upon available projects. When assigned to a project, linguists are expected to support the effort through completion and are typically scheduled to work up to 40 hours per week. Assignments may require day and/or night shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Classification: Non-exempt (eligible for overtime)

Hourly: $40.00

Travel: Travel to client sites is required

About KACE: 

KACE delivers technology-enabled mission services that advance public health, public safety and national security, combining our large-scale operational capabilities with advanced technologies and data insights to meet the government’s most complex challenges.

At KACE, purpose and service are at the heart of everything we do, and every role plays a part in the mission. Our employees bring a wide range of skills, experiences and perspectives to the critical government operations we support, making a measurable impact every day. This is purpose-driven work, and we are committed to delivering a workforce that is mission-focused, accountable, and dedicated to advancing the nation’s safety, security and performance.

We’re proud to be certified as a Great Place to Work! This is an honor that reflects the voices of our employees and the culture we’ve built together. This certification recognizes our commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and engaging workplace where employees feel valued, heard, and empowered. At KACE, being a Great Place to Work means we prioritize professional growth, celebrate achievements, encourage collaboration, and foster an environment where innovation thrives.

The KACE Way is our commitment to our employees, to our customers, and to our communities. Join KACE and make a difference!

Job Summary:

Our Linguists perform real-time and/or recorded transcription from Mandarin to English in support of sensitive law enforcement work. You will capture accurate, court-ready written products; identify, decode, and document colloquialisms, slang, and coded language; and extract and communicate pertinent information to law enforcement personnel. Work may include transcribing source documents and recordings from multiple storage formats (e.g., digital media, audio, and video). This role is a good fit for linguists and interpreters who are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment where accuracy, attention to detail, and clear written documentation are essential.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Listen to live or recorded communications in Mandarin and produce verbal and written synopses and transcriptions, as required by the project.
• Communicate pertinent information to the Client (law enforcement personnel) in a timely manner when supporting live monitoring.
• Build and maintain a master list of slang terms and codes used by a particular group/organization for the duration of the project/case.
• Build and maintain a voice library for the duration of the project.
• Transcribe and translate pertinent calls and documents, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Produce court-ready (accurate, clearly formatted, and complete) transcriptions of pertinent calls, chats, and documents in the required format.
• Use project reference tools and materials developed during the project to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Transcribe a minimum of 16 minutes of recorded conversation in an 8-hour day (per required format and quality standards).
• Operate specialized government-provided software and equipment (e.g., JSI voice box, Pen-link, Comverse, and other communications-collection tools) used at the assigned site.
• Maintain a daily productivity log in accordance with project requirements.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of translation experience in the required language.
• Knowledge of Mandarin colloquialisms, slang terms, and regional expressions.
• Familiarity with SMS shorthand, social media terminology, and web chat communications.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in the target language, including accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to meet the position requirement of a score of 3 or better on a third-party language assessment (Listening/Speaking/Reading/Writing) in English and Mandarin.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment and communicate effectively with management and law enforcement personnel.
• Strong prioritization and time-management skills; ability to meet deadlines, balance multiple tasks, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to take technical direction and incorporate feedback from multiple sources.
• Must type 45 words per minute.

Clearance:

Applicants selected may be subject to a government background investigation and may be required to meet the conditions of employment below.

Security Requirements & Background Investigation Requirements:

• Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust eligibility as a condition of employment.
• Favorable credit check, as applicable to the required Public Trust eligibility.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Must have lived in the U.S. for 3 of the past 5 years.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Standing/Walking/Mobility:  Must have the mobility to attend meetings with managers and employees.
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling:  0% - 10% of the time.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing:  0% - 10% of the time.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling:  Must be able to write, type, and use a telephone system for extended periods.
• Sitting:  Sitting for prolonged periods while monitoring live or recorded calls. Ability to leave the desk may be restricted during live monitoring and translation activities.

This job description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may revise duties as necessary without updating this job description.

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For more information about the company please visit our website at www.kacecompany.com

KACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

KACE complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [email protected].