Administrative Officer I

State of Maryland•Anne Arundel, MD

7d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a position specific recruitment for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Human Resource Services. This recruitment will be used to fill current vacancies for the position and may be used to fill future vacancies in the same classification/function. Future vacancies may also be filled via other recruitments. The resulting eligible list will be maintained for one year. GRADE 13 LOCATION OF POSITION 580 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis, MD 21401 (Anne Arundel County) Main Purpose of Job This position serves internal and external DNR customers by assisting in communication efforts across various platforms. This position facilitates conversations, meetings, workshops and/or training sessions by translating and interpreting information accurately and efficiently between two or more languages. The role can include verbal translation, but also cultural mediation to ensure messages are being understood in the appropriate context. The Bilingual Facilitation Specialist plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and accessibility between the agency and the diverse populations it serves, particularly those with limited proficiency in English. Their work involves supporting various programs, services, and public interactions to break down language barriers, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of their primary language, can participate fully in government services.

Requirements

Education: Graduation from an accredited high school or possession of a high school equivalency certificate.
Experience: One year of administrative staff or professional work.
Candidates may substitute 30 college credit hours from an accredited college or university for the required experience.
Candidates may substitute U.S. Armed Forces military service experience as a commissioned officer involving staff work that included regular use of independent judgment and analysis in applying and interpreting complex administrative plans, policies, rules or regulations or analysis of operational programs or procedures with recommendations for improvement on a year-for-year basis for the required experience.
Applicants must be able to read, write and speak Spanish fluently.
Upon hire, continued employment would be contingent on the applicant's successful completion of a bilingual skills assessment.
Employees in this classification may be assigned duties which require the operation of a motor vehicle. Employees assigned such duties will be required to possess a motor vehicle operator’s license valid in the State of Maryland.

Nice To Haves

Strong customer service background, including problem-solving, interpersonal communication, and client support
Professional experience translating written materials, ensuring cultural and contextual accuracy
Experience in networking, outreach, or partnership-building within professional or community-based environments
Prior training or teaching experience, such as onboarding staff, leading workshops, or providing instructional support
Experience working for or with a Federal, State or Local agency
Candidates with fluency in languages beyond English and Spanish are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Provide real-time interpretation for meetings, interviews, public consultations, outreach events, certification test days, and emergency phone lines
Translate and update written materials such as websites, flyers, documents, and signage
Serve as a cultural mediator, offering guidance on social norms, non-verbal communication, and community values to improve communication and decision-making
Train and support DNR employees in basic Spanish language skills and culturally responsive communication with Spanish-speaking communities
Collaborate with internal departments, external agencies, community organizations, and contractors to implement effective language-access strategies