English​/Spanish Court Interpreter - Laredo

Overview

The U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas seeks an English/Spanish Court Interpreter in the Laredo division. The interpreter will provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting during court proceedings to assist defendants and defense witnesses who do not have sufficient command of English, ensuring that they can hear evidence, testify, and be fully informed of charging documents, bail forms, and court records.

JSP 11-14 ($76,800 – $168,154), depending on qualifications.

• Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (Spanish/English) and sight translation services for trials, hearings, and other in‑person or remote proceedings.
• Interpret for out‑of‑court Proceedings for Probation/Pretrial Services.
• Translate case‑related documents such as legal, medical, and forensic reports.
• Prepare for assignments by reviewing case files and conducting terminology research.
• Work in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Central America and Mexico.
• Maintain and troubleshoot court interpreting equipment.
• Remain impartial and maintain a professional demeanor throughout all assignments.
• Schedule contractual interpreters for the division.
• Verify contract interpreter invoices with the Deputy‑in‑Charge for approval.
• Perform other duties as assigned, ensuring they do not detract from core interpreting responsibilities.
• Travel to other divisional offices for court‑related purposes may be required.

• Successful completion of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE).
• Fluently speak, understand, read, and write English and Spanish, with advanced knowledge of idioms, slang, and regionalisms.
• Highly skilled in simultaneous or consecutive interpretation and sight translation with a high degree of accuracy and speed.
• Ability to reproduce language register, retain lengthy segments of speech, and interpret without interruption.
• Competent note‑taking in both languages.
• Ability to use reference materials and develop personal glossaries.
• Effective teamwork in a translating/ interpreting team environment.
• Advanced grammar and usage knowledge in both languages.
• Knowledge of court interpretation protocol and techniques.
• Familiarity with Federal and State court legal terminology in English and Spanish.

• JSP 11:
No prior experience required.

• JSP 12:
Two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to JSP 11.

• JSP 13:
Two years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to JSP 12.

• JSP 14:
Three years of specialized experience, including at least one year equivalent to JSP 13.

• Must be a U.S. citizen or legally able to obtain citizenship.
• Successful applicants will undergo a background check, criminal record check, and a credit check.
• Participation in an electronic funds transfer system will be required for payment.

For more information on employee benefits, visit https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..