Pashto & Dari

Leidos is currently soliciting experienced and highly qualified Pashto Linguist with additional experience in Dari. The candidate must have strong verbal and written communications skills and be able to coordinate effectively with various offices and agencies in the US Intelligence Community. Individuals must have excellent operational judgment and be able to respond quickly to high priority data with minimal supervision.

The linguist will perform a full range of activities in processing materials or participating in situations requiring a general professional capability as follows: 

Translation: 

• Can accurately translate reports/texts in electronic and hard-copy formats that not only contain facts but also some abstract language showing an ability to capture intended implications and many nuances. 
• Can generally capture geopolitical, regional, ethnic, and cultural elements in text. Word choice and expression generally adhere to target language (TL) norms and means of expression specific to subject field (s) and are strong enough to allow translator to operate successively in that field.

Interpretation:

• Able to interpret accurately. Normally consecutive interpretation is needed, but on rare occasions simultaneous interpretation may be requested 
• Has good understanding of one or more regional dialects. 

Transcription: 

• Reviews audio or internet materials, transcribes with high degree of accuracy and expression. 
• Must possess excellent English-language written communication skills for preparing reports. 
• Has good understanding of one or more regional dialects. 

Gisting/Summarizing: 

• Is able to identify and accurately summarize factual points as well as abstract concepts. 
• Can triage documentation to isolate pertinent and nuanced info. 
• Master use of reference materials. Must possess computer skills; including MS Office, to be able to produce written translations and products and sufficient internet skills that will allow basic research on the Web. 
• Must possess excellent English-language verbal communication skills for giving briefings. 

Security Clearance & Training Requirements: 

• Attending and passing all sponsor related training is a requirement of employment
• No clearance is required to apply to the job.
• After passing the required tests, we will sponsor and upgrade your security clearance.  
• TS/SCI with polygraph is required.  Linguists cannot begin work on contract without a fully adjudicated security clearance. 

Qualifications:

• All candidates will be required to take and pass a language test administered by LEIDOS/ an accepted commercial testing vendors. 
• Candidates must be familiar with cable and IC report writing styles and specific USG classified databases.
• Strong briefing and writing skills are a must as well as the ability to work well with teams or individually with minimal supervision.
• Candidates must have knowledge of domestic and foreign travel requirements and familiar customer travel policies and procedures.
• Candidates should have strong organizational skills with the ability to multi-task and operate in a fast paced, demanding environment.
• Good communication and customer service skills are needed along with  ability to successfully process high volume travel requirements.
• Linguists who are proficient in multiple languages are strongly desired.

Education Requirements: 

• Requires a BA degree in English or journalism, or equivalent experience and training, and 8+ years of prior relevant experience in editing or writing within the Intelligence Community. Additional years of experience may be substituted in lieu of a degree.

Guidelines on Residence/Travel: 

• Travel OCONUS is a REQUIREMENT for some of the languages under this program unless otherwise specified. Candidate must be able to support the contract 24/7 when on travel.

Original Posting Date:2023-04-18

While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

Pay Range:Pay Range $89,700.00 - $162,150.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.