Simultaneous Interpreter

Full-Time Spanish–English Interpreter

Pay: $23.15/hour (living wage)

Hours: 30–40 hours per weekSchedule: Includes regular evening and weekend events (typically 5–9 PM); flexible scheduling availableStart Date: December 2025 (or January as needed)

About Cenzontle

Cenzontle is a worker-owned cooperative doing language justice work in Asheville, North Carolina. Our members provide interpretation, translation, and consulting services with a language-justice approach.

As a cooperative, we operate under a model of shared ownership and democratic governance: decisions are made collectively, members participate in operations, finances, strategic planning, and we offer a clear pathway from employee → provisional member → full member.

We’re looking for someone who’s not only a skilled language worker, but also excited to learn, collaborate, and help grow our cooperative.

Position Summary

This role is for a Spanish–English Interpreter who will provide high-quality services and actively participate in Cenzontle’s cooperative structure. After up to one year of employment, the cooperative may invite you to become a Provisional Member (pending a formal decision by the Governance Committee). From there, you would begin a six-month candidacy period leading toward full membership.

Responsibilities

Spanish/English Simultaneous Interpretation (Primary)

• Provide accurate simultaneous and consecutive interpretation (in-person and virtual) for community events, meetings, workshops.
• Prepare for assignments: research terminology and event context.
• Transport, set up, and operate simultaneous interpretation equipment (headsets, transmitters, receivers).
• Maintain confidentiality, neutrality, and professionalism.
• Participate in debriefs and evaluation processes to support continuous improvement.
• Be open to learning and using non-binary Spanish (training provided).

Translation & Language Work

• Translate written materials between English and Spanish, ensuring cultural and linguistic resonance.
• Collaborate in developing and maintaining terminology lists and glossaries for consistent use.
• Employ CAT tools or translation software to increase efficiency and quality.
• Support accuracy, cultural relevance, and inclusive language in cooperative-wide materials.

Cooperative Participation

• Actively participate in team meetings, operations and governance (as appropriate) — including observing meetings during onboarding.
• Communicate reliably with the scheduling coordinator and the team regarding availability, assignments, and changes.
• Engage in professional development and cooperative learning opportunities.
• Support outreach, marketing, relationship-building, blog or social media tasks as needed.

Consulting & Marketing (as needed)

• Support marketing through social media, blogs, website updates, or outreach in both languages.
• Participate in outreach and relationship-building efforts with partner organizations and clients. Train collaborators in Language Justice and other curriculum-based training.

Preferred Skills & Qualities

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED)
• Full fluency in Spanish and English (spoken and written).
• Strong interpretation skills, with sensitivity to nuance, cultural context, and tone.
• Availability during evenings and weekends.
• Ability to work under pressure and with emotionally or politically sensitive content.
• Excellent communication, listening, organization, reliability.
• Comfortable with technology (Google Workspace, Zoom, Slack, CAT tools, etc.).
• Access to reliable transportation and a working computer and cell phone.
• A strong commitment to language justice, cooperative values, shared leadership, and collaborative growth.
• Lived or professional experience in the U.S. or Global South, especially North Carolina,Latin America, is a plus.
• Physical Requirements:

• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting wage: $23.15/hour, increasing to $25 /hour once you become a member-owner.
• Flexible schedule; evenings/weekends required.
• Paid training and onboarding time included.
• After the invitation to Provisional Membership, you become eligible for:
• Dental and vision coverage
• Monthly medical stipend
• Paid Professional development opportunities
• Participation in profit-sharing and governance as a cooperative member

We’re looking for someone who is eager to learn, flexible, committed, and ready to grow with us. If you’re excited about language justice, cooperative work, and the chance to build meaningful practice alongside a team of interpreters and translators rooted in community — we’d love to connect with you.

To Apply

Send your resume and a short introduction to capacity@cenzontle.coop.You’ll receive a link to submit a cover letter or video sharing your experience, your values, and why you want to join Cenzontle.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.15 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Work Location: In person

Salary : $23 - $25