Court Interpreter Pro-Tempore; Spanish

The Superior Court of California, County of Butte – Court Interpreter (Full‑Time or Part‑Time)

Open Until Filled

Butte County Superior Court operates two facilities: the Chico courthouse and the Oroville courthouse. The court functions under the Presiding Judge and the Court Executive Officer. It employs 13 judicial officers—11 judges and 2 commissioners—alongside approximately 135 support staff. The court serves a diverse community of around 225,000 residents across a 1,600‑square‑mile area.

Perform a wide variety of language‑interpretation activities in court settings and related court facilities. Work includes, but is not limited to, contact with judges, staff, attorneys, witnesses, defendants, and the public. The interpreter must concentrate and provide accurate simultaneous and consecutive interpretation in a fast‑paced environment. Travel within the county, and possibly between counties for cross‑assignments, is required.

Full‑Day: $362.72 – $384.80 per day

Half‑Day: $201.12 – $213.40 per day

Daily (Pro Tempore) Court Interpreters are considered extra‑help employees and are paid as employees of the Court.

• Interpret from and into English and the assigned non‑English language using simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes at court proceedings and for other court‑related departments.
• Produce sight translations of documents such as court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and other court documents.
• Provide interpretation for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court‑related departments at the direction of the court.
• Notify the court of any issues that may impede performance.
• Research and understand terminology used in court, including legal, technological, scientific, and medical terms.
• Review the daily docket, receive daily calendar assignments from the Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator, and accurately complete daily activity logs or other required documentation.
• Perform other language‑interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information at an information counter to the non‑English speaking public and processing documents related to interpretation.

• Interpret accurately and without editing, summarizing, adding or omitting meaning; must convey meaning clearly in all modes.
• Use correct grammar and vocabulary in both English and the non‑English language specified.
• Remain impartial and accurate in adversarial and emotionally charged situations.
• Understand legal concepts and forensic terminology in both languages.
• Familiarize yourself with regional and cultural variations in the specified language and conduct ongoing research.
• Operate office equipment, including computer, telephone, copiers, and transmitter/receiver equipment for simultaneous interpretation.
• Understand and adhere to California statutes, Rules of Court, and all personnel rules concerning court interpretation.
• Follow interpreter ethics and standards stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule 984.4.
• Interact professionally and cooperatively with all individuals involved in the work.

Licenses and Certificates

• Certification as a California Certified Court Interpreter or a Registered Court Interpreter.
• Valid Class “C” driver license, or the ability to obtain alternative transportation when required.

Stamina to sit or stand and concentrate for extended periods. Corrected hearing and vision within normal range.

Frequent lifting, carrying, and handling of objects up to 50 pounds; ability to use computer keyboard and read screens; dexterity to reach for items above and below desk level; frequent walking short distances; and general comfort with office environment noise and traffic.

Work is performed in an office environment with little exposure to outdoor temperatures, dirt, or dust. Normal court business hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, with occasional long hours or weekend work. Travel to other branches within the county and to professional meetings and trainings may be required.

This document is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities.