By Valeria B. Delmar
It has been my experience that many seasoned translators and interpreters rarely share their journey into the profession, especially when it comes to government-related roles. Their hesitation is understandable given the generally highly-confidential nature of the work involved, however, this lack of transparency leaves newcomers wondering how to break into the field. This is what has led me to share my experiences—to shed light on what I have learned and offer insights for those looking to follow suit.
Having grown up on the border, I, like many bilingual and bicultural children of immigrants, was tasked with ad hoc interpreting for family members throughout my childhood. Then, while studying abroad in France, I was formally exposed to our profession, an experience that prompted me to take more courses in translation and interpreting at the University of Texas at El Paso and ultimately pursue a graduate degree at the Monterey Institute of International studies, now the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey (MIIS). MIIS required a summer internship and provided many leads to established internships with the Institute. It was during the summer between my first and second year of my graduate studies that I gained my first experience in a government gig through an internship with the United States Section of the International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC).
The esteemed colleague who was their staff “Language Specialist” at the time of my internship and my mentor—a MIIS alum—left the organization this year, which led to the Commission having to search for a qualified successor. The position requires candidates to be a competent translator and interpreter, possess a relevant academic degree, have substantial professional experience, and hold U.S. citizenship. At the time this article was written—five months after the job posting—the USAJobs listing indicated that applications were still under review.
Although it is widely acknowledged that the skills required for translation and interpretation, while complementary, are distinct, some government entities require language professionals to master both disciplines. The “Language Specialist” role at the USIBWC underscores this point. Furthermore, this vacancy also demonstrates how government entities may take a long time to make hiring decisions. And, it is common knowledge that, in some cases, preliminary candidate screening is conducted by algorithms that evaluate application data for government staff and contract positions.
If one is interested in government gigs, it may be important to develop additional skills that other settings may not require, thoroughly review the job requirements, and exercise patience.
Following my role with the USIBWC, my next government position was with the local government, working in the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office. This role exemplified the varied skill sets often demanded by government positions. In addition to serving as the official interpreter and translator for the Sheriff’s Office, I was also appointed as a Victim Services Liaison, a responsibility tied to the grant that funded my position. This experience underscored the fact that, in government roles, success may require expertise beyond the traditional scope of language professionals. At times, knowledge and skills outside of those explicitly outlined for our profession are essential to fulfilling the broader demands of the position.
My journey continued as a contractor with the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). This was yet another unique experience for me because I started working with the El Paso Field Office in 2011, when cartel-related violence across the border in Juarez, Mexico was at its prime. While contracting with the DEA, I transferred to another field office also in Texas and had the opportunity to participate in and witness interdepartmental collaboration, often working not just with the DEA but with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) as well. All of these agencies require a security clearance. At times, the clearance may be accepted by multiple agencies, but do not be surprised if each agency you work with requests a different clearance or a clearance at a different level. In my experience, a security clearance will typically last five or so years and will require a renewal.
A valuable lesson from my time working as a contractor with the DEA is that law enforcement agencies tend to form task forces with other federal, state, and local law enforcement, so this gives contractors an opportunity to network with a lot of colleagues and agents in diverse law enforcement entities, not to mention that there are also tons of opportunities to travel across the country for assignments often lasting a month or even longer.
As a freelance interpreter, I had many opportunities to work with various government entities, such as the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) where I worked as a liaison interpreter. This particular opportunity allowed me to draw on my internship experience at the USIBWC to better serve the U.S. and Mexico delegates conducting site visits of environmental quality projects.
More recently, I have had the great honor and privilege to work for the Executive Office of the President of the United States (EOP), providing both interpretation and translation through multiple administrations. This work came through a Language Services Company.
And my most recent government gig was a two-and-a-half year project supporting the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Office of Administration for Children and Families (ACF) and the Office of Refugee Resettlement (ORR). A true highlight to my career, this project was challenging and gratifying as it allowed me to serve unaccompanied minors. Along with other colleagues, we led a group of over 150 Spanish and Mayan languages linguists, who were predominantly interpreters but we also had a team of translators.
Sometimes you win, sometimes you learn
For every opportunity I have had to work with the government, there has been an opportunity that did not manifest.
For example, even though I have continued working with the USIBWC, at one point, many years ago, I applied for a related position and did not get an opportunity to even interview. That particular position had a veterans’ preference associated with it and applications like mine seemed to have been sent to the bottom of the pile. At another point in my career, even though I had a great relationship with contacts at the National Virtual Translation Center (NVTC), since the job required I go through the FBI and their contracting/hiring practices vary, I was unable to secure the opportunity. Yet another opportunity came through an LSC for a project with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF). Here, all I received was a lot of requests for more and more information and background-related forms, and nothing ever manifested.
Additionally, when working with some government agencies, like the Department of State, you must take and pass their internal exams and opportunities within that organization are contingent–but not guaranteed, never guaranteed–on you passing their exam. These opportunities may also require travel or have other requirements that, depending on your stage in life, may or may not be a good fit.
Government gig opportunities can also become a competitive landscape. For a local opportunity with my Congresswoman, I was afforded the opportunity to bid, but was ultimately passed up for the “lowest price technically acceptable.” At times, being passed up for your rate may be discouraging, but a clear understanding of the value you provide can help you understand that it is not that your services are overpriced, it is actually their budget that cannot accommodate your value. In these cases, it is best to keep your availability open for the opportunities that can.
So… how do you start your own journey?
The first step is to decide if you want an in-house or contract government gig. Then, you can do your research and set specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound goals for yourself.
Let’s say you would like to be a staff interpreter for a federal court. If you are a Spanish interpreter and you want an in-house position, you will likely need to be a Federal Court Certified Interpreter. For other languages, you may need to consider if there are any courts that have sufficient need to staff your language.
Alternatively, you could instead opt to be a contracted interpreter for a federal court, then you would have to understand how the courts contract their interpreters.
The second step is research. Whether you are interested in a staff or contract government gig, you must understand how to connect to that opportunity.
For contract opportunities, you can look at the particular agency you are interested in and identify if they directly contract their interpreters or contract them through an LSC. For example, most, if not all, U.S. District Courts direct contract interpreters. In contrast, the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) has a contract with an LSC that sources interpreters. To find what LSC holds the contract to a particular government entity you can use Google, SAM.gov, or other sources such as GovTribe.
To find job openings for staff positions, consider visiting USAJobs.gov. The site may require that you build a resume and cover letter that reflects your knowledge and experience for the type of role you seek. You may also want to consider researching the types of algorithms these types of sites use to select candidates for the next step in the process. And don’t forget to set an alert to notify you when the type of position you are interested in is available. Job openings on USAJobs are usually only available for a few days, and if you miss it, you have no chance to be considered.
Finally, even as an independent contractor you can register with SAM.gov. It IS a difficult system to navigate or a bit overwhelming, but could be a requirement for some opportunities. You can get support by visiting your local chamber of commerce or searching for a Contract Opportunities Center near you.
The final step is to not underestimate the power of relationship building.
It all starts with picking up the phone! Written communication alone may not be sufficient. A strong network of contacts who already hold positions within the government entity you want to join can give you a leg up over other candidates. Also, do not hesitate to reach out to your own network; stay in touch with former classmates and professors and attend the ATA conference and participate in the ATA mentorship program.
Finding translation and/or interpreting work in the government can often seem like a daunting and insurmountable task, but it doesn’t have to be! Stay focused on your goals and don’t be afraid to keep knocking on doors. You’ll either win by getting a gig or by learning something and moving on.