Linguist: Mandarin

Title: Linguist - (Mandarin)
Location: Nationwide
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

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 into English to support sensitive law enforcement work. They capture accurate, court-ready written products; identify, decode, and document colloquialisms, slang, and coded language; and extract pertinent information to communicate effectively with law enforcement personnel.

The ideal candidate will be client-facing with strong interpersonal and professional communication skills, able to represent the program in a professional manner. Preference will be given to a seasoned, highly experienced linguist who can work independently and maintain the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities:

• Listen to live or recorded communications in Mandarin and produce verbal and written synopses and transcriptions and translations as required by the project.
• Communicate pertinent information to the Client (law enforcement personnel) in a timely manner during.
• Build and maintain a master list of slang terms and codes used by a group or organization for the duration of the project or case.
• Build and maintain players list by group or organization for the duration of each project or case.
• Build and maintain a voice library throughout the project.
• Transcribe and translate pertinent recorded audio files and documents, producing court-ready (accurate, clearly formatted, and complete) transcriptions per project standards.
• Use project reference tools and materials to ensure consistency and accuracy.
• Operate specialized government-provided software and equipment (e.g., JSI voice box, Pen-Link, Comverse, Cellebrite).
• Ability to transcribe and translate a minimum of 18-22 minutes of recorded audio files in an 8 hours shift.
• Maintain and submit daily productivity log.
• 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, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• English and Mandarin proficiency at or above a Level 3 in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and work effectively under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal and professional communication skills for client-facing interactions.
• Must type at least 45 words per minute.
• Preferred Qualification: Prior experience performing similar linguist work in a comparable environment.

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.
• Favorable credit check as applicable.
• 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 three (3) of the past five (5) years.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions:

• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must have mobility to attend meetings with other managers and employees.
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: 10% of the time.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: 10%
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use a telephone system 100% of the time.
• Sitting: Sitting for prolonged and extended periods of time.

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.

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].