Linguist - (Somali)

KACE Company; El Paso (TX); On-site; USD 41,328 - 55,104; Part time

Job summary

KACE Company seeks a part-time Somali Linguist for transcription support in law enforcement contexts. The role includes real-time transcription from Somali to English, maintaining lists of slang terms, and producing documented outputs for legal purposes.

Candidates must possess a High School Diploma and have at least one year of translation experience. Strong knowledge of Somali colloquialisms and the ability to work under pressure are essential. The position is hybrid with an hourly rate of $35.00.

Qualifications

• Minimum one (1) year of translation experience in the required language.
• Ability to meet a score of 3 or better on a language assessment.
• Must type 45 words per minute.

Responsibilities

• Listen to live or recorded communications in Somali and produce verbal and written synopses.
• Produce court-ready transcriptions of pertinent calls, chats, and documents.
• Transcribe a minimum of 16 minutes of recorded conversation in an 8-hour day.

Skills

Knowledge of Somali colloquialisms, slang terms, and regional expressions

Excellent verbal and written skills in the target language

Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office

Ability to work under pressure

Strong prioritization and time-management skills

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

Title: Somali Linguist

Location: Hybrid, travel when necessary

Security Clearance: Public Trust (or ability to obtain)

Schedule: This is an as‑needed, part‑time essential services position with work contingent upon available projects. When assigned to a project, linguists are expected to support the effort through completion and are typically scheduled to work up to 40 hours per week. Assignments may require day and/or night shifts, including weekends and holidays.

Classification: Non‑exempt (eligible for overtime)

Hourly: $35.00

Travel: Travel to client sites is required for short‑term assignments

Job Summary

Our Linguists perform real‑time and/or recorded transcription from Somali to English in support of sensitive law enforcement work. You will capture accurate, court‑ready written products; identify, decode, and document colloquialisms, slang, and coded language; and extract and communicate pertinent information to law enforcement personnel. Work may include transcribing source documents and recordings from multiple storage formats (e.g., digital media, audio, and video). This role is a good fit for linguists and interpreters who are comfortable working in a fast‑paced environment where accuracy, attention to detail, and clear written documentation are essential.

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

• Listen to live or recorded communications in Somali and produce verbal and written synopses and transcriptions, as required by the project.
• Communicate pertinent information to the Client (law enforcement personnel) in a timely manner when supporting live monitoring.
• Build and maintain a master list of slang terms and codes used by a particular group/organization for the duration of the project/case.
• Build and maintain a voice library for the duration of the project.
• Transcribe and translate pertinent calls and documents, as assigned by the supervisor.
• Produce court‑ready (accurate, clearly formatted, and complete) transcriptions of pertinent calls, chats, and documents in the required format.
• Use project reference tools and materials developed during the project to ensure accuracy and consistency.
• Transcribe a minimum of 16 minutes of recorded conversation in an 8‑hour day (per required format and quality standards).
• Operate specialized government‑provided software and equipment (e.g., JSI voice box, Pen‑link, Comverse, and other communications‑collection tools) used at the assigned site.
• Maintain a daily productivity log in accordance with project requirements.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications & Skills

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum one (1) year of translation experience in the required language.
• Knowledge of Somali colloquialisms, slang terms, and regional expressions.
• Familiarity with SMS shorthand, social media terminology, and web chat communications.
• Excellent verbal and written skills in the target language, including accurate grammar, punctuation, and spelling.
• Ability to meet the position requirement of a score of 3 or better on a third‑party language assessment (Listening/Speaking/Reading/Writing) in English and Somali.
• Strong computer skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook).
• Ability to work under pressure in a fast‑paced environment and communicate effectively with management and law enforcement personnel.
• Strong prioritization and time‑management skills; ability to meet deadlines, balance multiple tasks, and work effectively in a team environment.
• Ability to take technical direction and incorporate feedback from multiple sources.
• Must type 45 words per minute.

Clearance

Applicants selected may be subject to a government background investigation and may be required to meet the conditions of employment below.

Security Requirements & Background Investigation Requirements

• Ability to obtain and maintain Public Trust eligibility as a condition of employment.
• Favorable credit check, as applicable to the required Public Trust eligibility.
• Successful completion of a background investigation and drug screening.
• Must be a U.S. citizen or Permanent Resident.
• Must have lived in the U.S. for 3 of the past 5 years.

Physical Requirements & Working Conditions

• Standing/Walking/Mobility: Must have the mobility to attend meetings with managers and employees.
• Climbing/Stooping/Kneeling: 0% - 10% of the time.
• Lifting/Pulling/Pushing: 0% - 10% of the time.
• Fingering/Grasping/Feeling: Must be able to write, type, and use a telephone system for extended periods.
• Sitting: Sitting for prolonged periods while monitoring live or recorded calls. Ability to leave the desk may be restricted during live monitoring and translation activities.

Equal Opportunity Employer

KACE is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. KACE complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre‑employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].