This position is an Hourly FTE, located with the Department of Student Services.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF WORK
The Hourly Translator is responsible for providing timely and accurate written Spanish translation of a variety of essential district and school documents. The Hourly Translator also provides leadership, training, and support to teachers, resource assistants, and other staff involved in the written translation of non-essential documents.
QUALIFICATIONS:
MINIMUM EDUCATION, TRAINING, AND EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS
The incumbent should be accredited/certified by the American Translators Association, or a similar organization, or be eligible to obtain such accreditation/certification during the probationary period. The incumbent should comply with the continuing education requirements for re-accreditation/re-certification by the American Translators Association or those of a similar organization.
Language skills
• For candidates with Spanish as first language: TOEFL, 300/400 college level English coursework, or approval of an APS administered language skills test.
• For candidates with English as first language: DELE (Advanced Level) or graduate level Spanish coursework, or approval of an APS administered language skills test.
General education and experience
• Current accreditation/certification by the American Translators Association, Fédération Internationale des Traducteurs, or similar organization;
or
• An advanced degree and/or Translation Certificate from an accredited institution and evidence of one-year expeience as a full time translator;
or
• A bachelor’s degree and/or Translation Certificate from an accredited institution and evidence of two years experience as a full time translator;
or
• For candidates with less than a bachelor’s degree, evidence of five years’ work as full time translator.
EXPERIENCE:
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
The Hourly Translator position requires a combination of education and experience in translation and/or other closely related field permitting the individual to complete projects, duties and essential functions with proficiency while working independently with minimal assistance and supervision.
• Demonstrated English and Spanish language skills at a professional or highly competent level • Demonstrated proficiency in Spanish language grammar, structure, spelling, vocabulary, and comprehension • Working knowledge and demonstrated competence in the translation of educational materials and/or other closely related fields • Working knowledge and demonstrated competence in the use of MS Office, DTP software, and Web and Internet applications • Demonstrated ability to work under tight and often competing deadlines • Ability to work independently and in a highly organized manner • Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships and work in harmony with staff and community members.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK (May not include all duties performed –
The Hourly Translator reports to the Coordinator of the Language Services Registration Center. and works with staff to coordinate and support school-based written translation needs. On an as needed basis, reviews the work of contract proofreaders and translators.
The Hourly Translator works independently performing a variety of professional translation activities under the general supervision of the Coordinator Language Services Registration Center. The Translation Specialist is an official Spanish translator for Arlington Public Schools
School Board Policies and Policy Implementation Procedures and supervisor’s instructions. Federal and State requirements, The Code of Virginia, The Code of Ethics of the American Translators Association, and other guidelines related to accountability and evaluation in a school system. The incumbent should be accredited/certified by the American Translators Association, or a similar organization, or be eligible to obtain such accreditation/certification.
The work of the Translation Specialist involves a wide range of contacts with Arlington Public School staff. It also involves contacts with staff from other Arlington Agencies and Community members. to coordinate the translation of documents deemed essential into Spanish.
Salary based upon the 25/26 SY Pay Plan
Skills Required
- Accreditation/certification by the American Translators Association or similar organization, or eligibility to obtain accreditation during the probationary period
- For Spanish-first candidates: TOEFL, 300/400 college-level English coursework, or approval of an APS language skills test
- For English-first candidates: DELE (Advanced) or graduate-level Spanish coursework, or approval of an APS language skills test
- Education/experience pathways: advanced degree + evidence of one year full-time translation experience; or bachelor's + two years; or for less than bachelors, five years full-time translation experience
- Demonstrated professional-level English and Spanish language skills (grammar, structure, spelling, vocabulary, comprehension)
- Working knowledge and demonstrated competence translating educational materials or closely related fields
- Working knowledge and demonstrated competence in MS Office, DTP software, and web/internet applications
- Ability to work under tight and competing deadlines and independently in an organized manner
- Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with staff and community members
What We Do
Arlington Public Schools is a highly rated public school division in Arlington County, Virginia, serving students from preschool through 12th grade. The district operates a comprehensive network of elementary, middle, and high schools, focusing on fostering excellence in its students and staff. It is widely recognized as a high-performing system committed to academic success, inclusivity, and overall student well-being.



