COMET Translator (Casual)

University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR)

6d•$30 - $37•Hybrid

About The Position

COMET is seeking a skilled French translator to help bring its world-class Earth science education and training materials to French-speaking meteorologists and Earth science professionals globally. This casual role supports the translation and localization of COMET's multimedia content, including web-based lessons, training guides, videos, narrations, and imagery, from English into French, and facilitates translation into additional languages as needed. Core responsibilities include translating content in native formats and Translation Memory (TM) environments, maintaining and updating the COMET English-French Glossary, preparing final translations for publication, and contributing to the MetEd French website (one of the primary platforms through which COMET's training reaches the international meteorological community). COMET creates customized learning experiences and technology solutions for the Earth sciences enterprise and was developed by a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, instructional designers, graphic artists, multimedia developers, and IT and administrative professionals working in close collaboration with our partners. Our mission is to advance the weather, water, and climate fields through scientifically robust, accessible, and impactful education, training, and innovative tools. Our vision is a world of educated, resilient communities with the expertise and resources to understand, predict, respond to, and adapt to environmental hazards.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in English, French, translation or linguistic studies; 3 years of translation experience; OR a bachelor’s degree in English, French, translation or linguistic studies, plus 0 to 2 years of translation experience; OR an equivalent combination of education and work experience.
Native-level fluency in both French and English, with the ability to develop and localize content for specific French-speaking audiences (Europe, Caribbean, Africa, Canada) if necessary, while recognizing the global reach of web-based materials.
Demonstrated ability to translate, edit, proofread, and write technical and scientific content in French.
Ability to understand and communicate complex scientific concepts, particularly related to meteorology, hydrology, and environmental sciences.
Experience working with a variety of digital content formats, including text, graphics, multimedia, animations, and video.
Proficiency with common productivity and translation tools, including Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and cloud-based CAT tools and TM platforms such as Phrase or XTM.
Experience with AI applications (Claude) for localization purposes.
Comfortability producing subtitles, captions, and AI voice-produced audio files for dubbing.
Strong attention to detail with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.

Nice To Haves

Experience managing or coordinating translation or multilingual content projects.
Experience with multimedia development, graphic design, or illustration in support of translation or localization efforts.
Familiarity with HTML editing tools (e.g., VSCodium) and/or graphic editing software (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro).
Experience developing translation, multimedia, or localization standards and guidelines for multilingual projects.
Experience leading or coordinating translation activities with translators, vendors, or project partners.

Responsibilities

Translates COMET publications (i.e., primarily web-based, multimedia content on a variety of technical and scientific topics for meteorologists and Earth sciences professionals) from English into French, including web-based multimedia lessons, training guides, job aids, digital images, animated sequences, videos, narrations, reference materials, and related assets.
Contributes to a list of French terms for each project and updates COMET’s English-French glossary of hydrometeorological and other scientific terms as needed; researches concepts and terminology as needed.
Edits/reviews other French translations, sometimes by volunteers or outside groups, for completeness, proper syntax, grammar and terminology, consistency with the English original, and appropriateness for speakers of French from multiple regions.
Supports social media posts and responds to user questions and queries in French, as needed.
Translates, edits, proofreads, and evaluates materials for other UCAR/NCAR entities when available.
Collaborates directly with members of COMET’s graphic design and web development team to build and edit translated publications for MetEd and COMET websites, provide input on translation-related issues, corrects linguistic and technical issues identified in the original English publications, and addresses technical issues related to linguistic problems on MetEd and the underlying learning management system (LMS).
Evaluates translated materials for correct functionality and formatting on MetEd website, and consults with technical staff to find solutions, as needed.