Court Interpreter- Intermittent, Part-Time - Mixteco and/or Triqui

Superior-Court-of-California,-County-of-Monterey; Monterey (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey is seeking a qualified Court Interpreter to provide consecutive, simultaneous and sight translations for court proceedings and related activities. Duties include interpreting for judges, attorneys, and staff, and translating documents as needed.

Applicants must hold a valid Registered Court Interpreter credential or be registered by the Judicial Council of California, and pass both the multiple-choice and oral proficiency examinations (OPE/OPI)

Qualifications

• Certificate as Registered Court Interpreter or registered as Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California.
• Pass Court Interpreters multiple-choice Examination.
• Complete Oral Proficiency Examination/Interview (OPE/OPI) through LTI in English with Advanced High.

Responsibilities

• Interpret for courts, judges, attorneys, court staff, and related departments using consecutive, simultaneous, and sight translation modes.
• Provide sight translations of court documents when required.
• Research and understand legal terminology and court functions to ensure accurate interpretation.
• Maintain logs and documentation as required by the court.

Skills

Consecutive interpretation

Simultaneous interpretation

Sight translation

Legal terminology

Ethics and professional conduct

Communication

Job description

DEFINITION

Performs a wide variety of language interpretation activities on an assigned and as needed basis for the Superior Courts of California and for parties to proceedings, other court personnel, and the public and performs other job-related duties as required. This is a single level classification. Employees in this classification perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation of courtroom proceedings and other related interpreting services as needed. The employee may also perform sight translation (reading written texts and giving an oral translation of text). Positions in this class may perform any or all of the below listed duties. These should be interpreted as examples of the work and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

1. Interprets from and into English and the applicable non-English language using simultaneous and consecutive modes at court proceedings and for other court-related departments at the direction of the court.


2. Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waives, felony disposition statement forms, and other documents in court proceedings.


3. Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the direction of the court.


4. Interprets between languages in court proceedings.


5. Brings to the court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance.


6. Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court.


7. Completes activity logs, and/or other documentation as required

License/Certificate:

Possess and maintain a valid Certificate as a 'Registered Court Interpreter' issued by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California or registered as a Court Interpreter by the Judicial Council of California on behalf of the State of California.

And Experience which substantially demonstrates the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

Knowledge of:

1. English and applicable non-English grammar and vocabulary provided the source language speaker is using correct grammar and vocabulary.


2. Legal concepts and forensic terminology in both English and non-English language specified.


3. The general range of regional and cultural variations in the specified language.


4. Interpreter ethics and standards, as stipulated in California Rules of Court Rule, 984.4, Professional Conduct for Interpreters.

Skill and ability to:

1. Orally convey the meaning from and into English and the applicable non-English language by interpreting in the simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation modes, conveying the meaning accurately, not editing, summarizing, adding meaning, or omitting.


2. Concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment.


3. Adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed.


4. Interpret accurately and remain impartial including in sometimes adversarial and emotionally charged situations.


5. Conduct ongoing research into variations in terminology and usage of the specified language.


6. Use office equipment, including computer, telephone, and copiers, as required by the assignment; and transmitter and receiver equipment provided by the court for simultaneous interpretation.


7. Understand and adhere to California statutes, rules of court, and applicable personnel rules concerning court interpretation.


8. Interact professionally and cooperatively with those contacted in the course of work.

Information on how to become a Court Registered Interpreter.

Candidates must first:

1. Pass the Court Interpreters multiple-choice Examination


2. Complete the Oral Proficiency Examination/Interview (OPE/OPI), administered through LTI, in English and receive a minimum rating of Advanced High.

Website links provided below to find additional information about the credentialing process and examination requirements.

Current Interpreter Testing Opportunities

https://languageaccess.courts.ca.gov/news/current-interpreter-testing-opportunities

REGISTER FOR THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION

REGISTER FOR THE OPE

Testing dates are limited

Registration will open for the Fall/Winter 2026 Written Examination on Tuesday September 1st at 9:00 AM PT and will close on September 30th at 5:00 PM PT.

Cost of the exam:

$150

November 16 - San Jose

Hilton Garden Inn San Jose Airport 101 E. Gish Rd. , San Jose, CA 95112

November 18 - Anaheim

Embassy Suites by Hilton Anaheim South 11767 Harbor Blvd, Garden Grove, CA, 92840

November 20 - San Diego

San Diego Marriott La Jolla: 4240 La Jolla Village Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

If you would prefer to speak with a person directly, please contact Juan Palomares at [e-mail] or call 415-865-7857