Chuj & Central American Indigenous Language Interpreters – Freelance Opportunities

Ad Astra, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 34,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Freelance opportunities

Assignments across modalities

Work with a language services provider

Job summary

Ad Astra Inc. is seeking qualified interpreters for freelance opportunities across the United States, with remote work and potential occasional in-person assignments.

Roles focus on Chuj and other Central American Indigenous languages, involving interpretation between English and Indigenous languages for federal accounts. Applicants should have prior interpreting experience, strong communication skills, and be willing to undergo security clearance and onboarding processes.

Qualifications

• Fluency in English and at least one Indigenous language listed.
• Interpreting experience preferred, esp. legal/immigration/government settings.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to maintain accuracy, neutrality, and confidentiality.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card holder).
• Must possess a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Willingness to undergo Federal Security Clearance process.
• Willingness to complete language assessments, training, and onboarding requirements.

Responsibilities

• Provide accurate interpretation between English and Indigenous language.
• Maintain confidentiality and adhere to interpreting standards.
• Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity.
• Follow assignment-specific instructions and client requirements.
• Maintain professional communication and reliability.

Skills

English fluency

Indigenous language proficiency

Interpreting experience

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Citizenship/Green card

Security clearance

Language assessments

Job description

Company: Ad Astra Inc.

Position Type: Freelance / Independent Contractor

Location: United States – Remote and Potential In-Person Opportunities

Languages: Chuj and Other Central American Indigenous Languages

About the Opportunity

Ad Astra Inc. is expanding its network of qualified interpreters specializing in Chuj and other Central American Indigenous languages to support potential interpreting needs, including opportunities associated with federal government accounts.

We are seeking experienced, professional interpreters who can facilitate accurate and culturally appropriate communication between English speakers and speakers of Indigenous languages.

Priority Languages

We are particularly interested in interpreters proficient in:

1. Chuj (High Priority)
2. Q'anjob'al (Kanjobal)
3. Akateko (Acateco)
4. Popti' (Jakalteko)
5. K'iche' (Quiché)
6. Q'eqchi' (Kekchi)
7. Mam
8. Ixil
9. Kaqchikel (Cakchiquel)
10. Other Central American Indigenous languages

Responsibilities

1. Provide accurate, complete, and impartial interpretation between English and the applicable Indigenous language.
2. Maintain confidentiality and adhere to professional interpreting standards.
3. Demonstrate cultural awareness and sensitivity.
4. Follow assignment-specific instructions and client requirements.
5. Maintain professional communication and reliability.

Qualifications

1. Fluency in English and at least one of the listed Indigenous languages.
2. Previous interpreting experience preferred, particularly in legal, immigration, community, or government settings.
3. Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
4. Ability to maintain accuracy, neutrality, and confidentiality.
5. Must be a U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident (Green Card Holder).
6. Must possess a valid, government-issued photo ID.
7. Must be willing to undergo a Federal Security Clearance process, which will include background checks, identity verification, fingerprinting, and submission of additional documentation as required by the federal account.
8. Willingness to complete applicable language assessments, training, and account-specific onboarding requirements.

Technical Requirements – Remote Interpretation

Candidates interested in remote interpreting opportunities must have:

1. A wired USB headset with a visible microphone. Wireless or Bluetooth headsets are not accepted.
2. A reliable, high-speed internet connection with a minimum of:
3. 20 Mbps download speed
4. 10 Mbps upload speed
5. A current internet speed test (Speedtest) demonstrating that the minimum connection requirements are met.
6. A computer suitable for remote interpreting assignments.
7. A quiet, professional, and distraction-free workspace.

Candidates will be asked to provide a photograph of their headset and their internet speed test results as part of the onboarding process.

What We Offer

1. Freelance interpreting opportunities based on client demand.
2. Potential access to assignments across different interpreting modalities, depending on qualifications and client requirements.
3. Opportunities to support meaningful communication in multilingual settings.
4. Collaboration with an established language services provider.

Important: This is a freelance opportunity. Assignment availability is subject to client demand, qualifications, and applicable account requirements. Applying does not guarantee assignments or clearance approval.

Ad Astra Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.