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

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

Job summary

Superior Court of California, County of Monterey, seeks qualified interpreters to perform consecutive and simultaneous interpretation for court proceedings and related duties. The role includes sight translation of documents, interpreting for judges and attorneys, and ensuring accuracy and impartiality in a fast-paced courtroom.

Candidates must hold a valid Registered Court Interpreter certificate and maintain familiarity with California legal terminology and court rules.

Qualifications

• Must be able to interpret orally between English and specified non-English language.
• Proficient in simultaneous and consecutive interpretation in court settings.
• Conduct sight translations of documents used in court proceedings.

Responsibilities

• Provide interpretation for judges, attorneys, court staff, and the public.
• Interpret in busy, fast-paced courtroom environments with impartiality.
• Maintain accurate activity logs and documentation as required.
• Stay current on legal terminology and court procedures.

Skills

Interpretation skills

Simultaneous & consecutive

Sight translation

Legal terminology research

Professional conduct

Education

Court interpreter certification

Tools

Interpreting equipment

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

Written Examination Registration:

REGISTER FOR THE WRITTEN EXAMINATION

Oral Proficiency Examination/Interview Registration:

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