Remote Sign Language Specialist / *Canada Remote Only*

Bilinguallink; Halton Hills; Remote; CAD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Sorenson Communications is seeking a qualified ASL linguistics specialist to review, transcribe, and annotate ASL content for training and AI validation. You will help build a comprehensive sign language dictionary and ensure accuracy across English translations from ASL sources.

The role requires a 4-year degree in ASL-related field and at least 2 years of professional ASL work, with strong knowledge of gloss conventions, captions, and collaboration with engineering teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in ASL linguistics or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of professional ASL work.
• Proficient in ASL gloss conventions and non-manual markers.

Responsibilities

• Review ASL content for training applicability.
• Transcribe ASL content to English.
• Annotate sign language video with linguistic labels.
• Build and refine the sign language dictionary.
• Validate AI-generated sign output for linguistic accuracy.
• Provide ASL consultation to other teams.

Skills

ASL fluency

English transcription

ASL linguistics

Captioning experience

Non-manual markers

Gloss conventions

Team collaboration

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor's degree in ASL linguistics / Deaf studies / Interpreting

Tools

ELAN

CVAT

JIRA

Confluence

Microsoft Office

Job description

Come be a part of our mission and make a meaningful and positive impact with the industry leading provider of language services for the Deaf and hard-of-hearing!

Pay Range: Actual pay may vary up or down depending on job-related factors which may include knowledge, skills, experience, and location. In addition, this position may be eligible for incentive compensation.

* This is a Canada Remote Only Position *

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Review ASL content for training applicability
• Transcribe ASL content to English
• Annotate sign language video content, adding linguistic labels and metadata to raw video.
• Help build and refine the team’s sign language dictionary.
• Validate AI-generated sign output for linguistic correctness, naturalness, and cultural appropriateness.
• Provide sign-language consultation to other Sorenson teams as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility

This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

Travel Requirements

Travel Requirements: Less than 25%

Education

Minimum 4 Year / Bachelors Degree In ASL Linguistics, Deaf Studies, ASL Studies, Interpreting, Deaf Education, or related fields.

Experience

2 Years of substantive professional ASL work (annotation, linguistics, interpreting, Deaf education, or comparable).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Required
• Bilingual in ASL and English, with the ability to produce and quality-assure professional English transcriptions from ASL source content.
• Working knowledge of ASL linguistics, including familiarity with gloss conventions and non-manual markers.
• Experience producing, translating, or quality-assuring captioned, transcribed, or translated ASL content.
• Comfortable working with computer-based tools, transcription tooling, and AI-augmented workflows; willingness to learn new software.
• Attention to detail, consistency, and willingness to follow and improve standardized conventions.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with peer Specialists, Senior Specialists, the Lead, and engineering teams.
• Proficiency with standard productivity and collaboration tools (Microsoft Office, Confluence, JIRA, or equivalent).
• Positive attitude, team player, strong interpersonal communication skills, and able to work across research, engineering, and business departments.
• Preferred
• American Sign Language as a primary or native language.
• Prior captioning, subtitling, or transcription experience — particularly ASL-to-English work.
• Background as a Deaf bilingual professional or as a graduate of Gallaudet, RIT/NTID, or a comparable ASL/Deaf-focused program.
• Active and informed participant in the Deaf community, with awareness of regional and generational ASL variation.
• Certification as a Deaf Interpreter (CDI) for asynchronous transcription or translation work.
• Familiarity with annotation tools such as ELAN, CVAT, or similar platforms.
• Experience working with AI/ML teams, technology companies, or research groups that generate sign language data.
• Familiarity with PSE, SEE, and other North American signing varieties.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Able to travel up to 5% of the time.
• Able to sit/stand for long periods of time in an office or remote work environment.
• Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and related tools.
• Regular and predictable attendance required.

Company Summary

Our Mission…Harnessing the power of language, we connect diverse people and enrich the human experience.

Our Vision…To provide global language services that expand opportunities, nurture belonging, and empower the world to connect beyond words.

As one of the world’s leading language services providers, Sorenson combines patented technology with human-centric solutions. We strive to increase accessibility and inclusion through communication solutions for all: call captioning and video relay services, over-video and in-person sign language and spoken language interpreting, translation, real-time captioning, and post-production language services. Sorenson’s impact vision and plan extends to enhancing generational wealth and inclusive workplaces for our employees and the communities we serve.

We achieve great things together working “The Sorenson Way” with our employee values: Customer First, Can-Do Attitude, Collective Action, Growth Mindset, Ownership, and Connect Direct.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Sorenson Communications is an Equal Opportunity, affirmative Action Employer.