Transcription/Translation Specialist

Job Summary

Newhalen Tribal Council is seeking a Transcription/Translation Specialist to accurately transcribe and translate audio and video recordings for the Newhalen Mukurtu Digital Heritage Archive. This part-time position focuses on Elder interviews, oral histories, language documentation, cultural workshops, stories, songs, and community events.Working closely with Elders, fluent language speakers, the Archival Technician, and project leadership, the Specialist will preserve linguistic nuances, cultural context, and traditional knowledge with the highest fidelity. The role directly supports language revitalization, cultural preservation, and intergenerational transmission while upholding Newhalen Tribal Council authority over all cultural and linguistic materials.Key Responsibilities

• Transcribe audio and video recordings with precision and create time-coded transcripts suitable for archival storage, searchability, and educational use.
• Provide accurate translations between Lake Iliamna Yup’ik, Dena’ina (or related dialects) and English, preserving meaning, tone, and cultural context.
• Collaborate with Elders and fluent speakers to clarify ambiguous terms, idioms, place names, and context-specific meanings.
• Develop and maintain consistent spelling, orthography, and terminology in accordance with community standards.
• Ensure all materials undergo appropriate community review by Elders or designated language experts and apply cultural protocols to sensitive content.
• Work with the Archival Technician to organize transcripts and translations within the Mukurtu archive and support related metadata.
• Maintain detailed logs, document linguistic decisions, and contribute to grant reporting.

Required Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in professional transcription and translation of audio/video materials
• Proficiency or fluency in Lake Iliamna Yup’ik, Dena’ina, or a closely related Alaska Native language
• Excellent command of written and spoken English with strong writing and editing skills
• Experience working with Indigenous communities or on language/cultural documentation projects
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and handle culturally sensitive information with respect and care
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to linguistic and cultural accuracy

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with language documentation, oral history projects, or linguistic fieldwork
• Familiarity with Mukurtu CMS or other Indigenous digital heritage platforms
• Knowledge of standardized orthographies for Alaska Native languages
• Experience developing community-approved style guides or terminology lists
• Background in linguistics, anthropology, Indigenous studies, education, or a related field
• Experience working directly with Elders or in community-based language revitalization programs
• Understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty and the CARE Principles

Pay: $45.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Newhalen, AK

Salary : $45