What are the responsibilities and job description for the Interpreter position at U.S. Courts?
Summary
The United States District Court for the District of Arizona is currently seeking a full-time, permanent court interpreter position located in the Tucson Clerk's Office.
Applicant must hold a Court Interpreter Certification issued by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as a Spanish court interpreter AND provide proof of said certification.
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This job is open to
The public
Duties
Applicant must hold a Court Interpreter Certification issued by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as a Spanish court interpreter AND provide proof of said certification.
The incumbent provides Spanish-English interpretation services in all type of matters before the court as well as translation of documents. The tasks to be performed are very complex, calling for a wide range of well-developed interpreting and interpersonal skills. The choice of which interpreting technique is required, consecutive, simultaneous, or sight, is governed by the particular situation. Travel within the state of Arizona will be required.
Duties will include the following:
- Interpreting in the consecutive and simultaneous modes as required during courtroom proceedings.
- Translating documents and correspondence to and from the court.
- Assisting with the processing of vouchers for contract interpreters.
- Providing remote interpretation services via TIP (Telephone Interpreting Program).
- Interpreting outside of court for ancillary matters related to the court as directed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Requirements
Conditions of employment
- You must be a U.S. Citizen to qualify for this position.
- Background investigation
- Pre-employment drug test
Qualifications
The applicant must hold a Court Interpreter Certification issued by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as a Spanish court interpreter and provide proof of said certification. The candidate must be proficient interpreting in the simultaneous and consecutive mode, as well as provide sight translations and translate documents. Preference will be given to candidates who can demonstrate actual court experience.
To qualify at salary level JSP 12 or JSP 13, a person must have two years of specialized experience. To qualify at salary level JSP 14, a person must have three years of specialized experience. Specialized experience is defined as experience that has provided the interpreter with the knowledge, skills and abilities to accurately interpret between Spanish and English, without any additions, omissions or changes to the meaning, while maintaining the same register as the speaker.
The ability to maintain a professional demeanor in all cases is required. The ability to translate complex documents and correspondence written in a wide variety of registers is also a requirement.
Education
Applicant must hold a Court Interpreter Certification issued by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts as a Spanish court interpreter AND provide proof of said certification.
Additional information
- This job is being filled by an alternative hiring process and is not in the competitive civil service.
- The initial appointment to this position is provisional pending the successful completion of the required background checks and/or investigations.
- Only qualified applicants will be considered for this position. Employees of the U.S. District Court serve under "Excepted Appointments" and are considered "at will" employees (except for probation officers who may be removed for cause). Federal Civil Service classifications or regulations do not apply; however, court employees are entitled to substantially the same benefits as other Federal Government employees.
- The U.S. District Court is a drug-free workplace and the applicant selected will be required to participate in a drug screening test prior to employment.
- All information provided by applicants is subject to verification and background investigation. Applicants are advised that false statements or omission of information on any application materials or the inability to meet the following conditions may be grounds for non-selection, withdrawal of an offer of employment or dismissal after being employed.
- Participation in the interview process will be at the applicant's own expense and relocation expenses will not be provided.
- All promotions are subject to the approval of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
- The position is subject to the mandatory electronic fund transfer (EFT) participation for payment of net pay (i.e. Direct Deposit).
- Non-citizens may be interviewed and considered for employment, but employment offers will only be made to individuals who qualify under one of the exceptions in 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B). In most cases, this means that an offer of employment cannot be made unless the candidate is a lawful permanent resident who is seeking U.S. citizenship as explained below. Under 8 U.S.C. §1324b(a)(3)(B), a lawful permanent resident seeking citizenship may not apply for citizenship until he or she has been a permanent resident for at least five years (three years if seeking naturalization as a spouse of a citizen), at which point he or she must apply for citizenship within six months of becoming eligible, and must complete the process within two years of applying (unless there is a delay caused by the processors of the application). Non-citizens who have not been permanent residents for five years will be required to execute an affidavit that they intend to apply for citizenship when they become eligible to do so.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
Federal benefits include, but not limited to:
- Up to 13 days paid annual leave per year for the first 3 years of employment; 20 to 26 days per year thereafter (dependent upon the length of federal service).
- 11 paid holidays per year.
- 13 days of paid sick leave per year.
- Up to 12 weeks paid maternity/paternity leave, if qualified.
- Excellent retirement package (enhanced Federal law enforcement retirement benefits)
- Mandatory participation in the Federal Retirement System (FERS) and Social Security programs.
- Optional Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), a 401(k)-styled program with a matching component of up to 5%, with diversification control.
- Full extension of health benefits.
- Optional participation in the federal health insurance program of your choice (no waiting period).
- Optional vision and dental insurance programs of your choice (no waiting period).
- Optional participation in a flexible spending program for health and/or dependent care.
- Optional participation in group life insurance.
- Transit Subsidy.
- On-site fitness center (Phoenix only)
- Flexible schedule options.
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How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Complete applications will be reviewed based on Judiciary qualification standards. Applicants selected for interview will be evaluated based upon the question responses they provide during the structured interview. In responding to structured interview questions, the applicant should be sure to cite specific examples of experience, explain exactly what they did, and the outcome.
Required Documents
Applicants must submit the following with their online application:
- Cover letter that supports your work experience as it relates to the position.
- Resume that includes complete work and salary history, and education.
- Your two most recent performance evaluations (strongly preferred).
- Letters of recommendation may be substituted if no evaluation is available. One letter of recommendation must be from a current or recent supervisor.
- A copy of your Federal Court Interpreter Certification issued by the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
How to Apply
Please visit our website at https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/azduscourts. Applications are only accepted on our website.
Applications will be considered complete when the online application and all required attachments (in proper format) are received by the Human Resources Division. Applications and/or attachments received after the closing date may not be considered.
Preference given for applications received by June 1, 2026.
Agency contact information
405 W. Congress St.
Tucson, AZ 85701
US
Next steps
After we receive application packages (including all required documents) to the District of Arizona employment website, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, applications will be referred to the hiring manager who will determine who may be contacted for an interview.
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