SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF CLASSIFICATION: Under direction, provides professional quality translation services in a language other than English, such as Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean and Vietnamese in all requested media. Provides translation services for Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) offices, schools, the Board of Education and the superintendent of schools related to various topics and subject matter, including, but not limited to education, regulations, policies, legal documents, special education, reports, community messages and other complex content. In consultation with the language service coordinator, works collaboratively with diverse offices to translate forms, letters, notices, web pages, various media, notices, reports, legal documents, television programming, and newsletter type publications for use by MCPS schools and offices to engage the non- and limited English speaking community. Performs extensive research to ensure adequate understanding of subject matter. Must be able to collaborate with and provide training to contract translators as needed.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS: (Special requirements such as lifting heavy objects and frequent climbing.) May be required to carry equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: (Frequent overtime or night work required, etc.) May be required to work extensive or unusual hours to meet deadlines; provide support for County-wide meetings and will be regularly be on-call to interpret Public Comments at meetings of the Board of Education and to translate emergency messages. |
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Considerable knowledge of the best practices of translation in educational and/or other professional settings; ative-like fluency in oral and written English and one or more of the following languages: Spanish, Amharic, Chinese, French, Korean, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. Proficient in knowledge and understanding of English and target language grammar and composition. Must be culturally competent and able to produce accurate translations with substantial understanding of cross-cultural meanings. Ability to work independently and make sound judgments relative to translation products.. Knowledge of web content maintenance; knowledge of using computer software, multimedia, and telecommunications or other technology for translation purposes preferred; working knowledge of various computer software applications including Microsoft Word, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Acrobat, Trados Studio and how to use them with a variety of languages and writing systems required. ability to work effectively with a variety of consumers from a variety of linguistic and cultural backgrounds. Highly skilled in interpersonal, written and verbal communication; ability to work collaboratively with other staff and communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Highly motivated with the ability to provide attention to detail, meet strict deadlines, and the ability to work under substantial pressure. |
EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred. College major coursework in education, foreign language, or related field. Professional experience in providing professional translations for educational agencies preferred. Four or more consecutive years of experience in producing high quality professional translations required, with at least one year in an educational setting. Experience in the maintenance of web pages preferred. Other combinations of applicable education, training and experience, which provide the knowledge, abilities, and skills necessary to perform effectively in the position may be considered.Certificate License:None |
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: (The duties listed are typical examples of the work performed by this job classification. This is not an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities or requirements and does not limit the assignment of additional related duties for the position. Not all duties assigned are included, nor are all duties listed performed in every office or every day.)Provides professional translation services for MCPS use for materials available online, in print, and broadcast media in the specified language(s).Reads through or listens to material in one language, ascertains understanding of the meaning and context of that material, and converts it into a second language, making sure to preserve the original meaning.Consults with subject matter experts and other colleagues in order to understand specialized concepts and translate them appropriately. Conducts research on various subjects as needed to preserve meaning and accuracy of translations.Makes independent judgments on the content translated to accurately reflect the message in the target language, being mindful of cultural differences and level of audiences’ understanding.Abides by best practices in translation processes, MCPS regulations and policies, to ensure compliance and accuracy.Maintains knowledge of assigned languages and understanding of relevant cultural information.Prioritizes assignments based on deadlines and critical level of work.Assists in the selection and utilization of software and hardware required to provide professional translation services.Develops new or revised procedures to reach out to the community, as requested.Refers to online translation tools for additional assistance with translation.Works with MCPS offices, departments and community representatives in the development of new or revised procedures to meet community needs, as directed.Provides oral interpretation services into target language and English for the Board of Education and executive staff in public meetings. Knowledge of and the ability to meet the seven core competencies of the Supporting Services Professional Growth System (SSPGS).Performs related duties consistent with the scope and intent of the position. |