Specialist, Interpreter/Translator Specialist: Spanish - Office of Equity (2026-27)

Oakland Unified School District•Oakland, CA

11h•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the direction of an assigned supervisor, this role provides oral and written translation and interpretation of communications between English and Spanish. The Specialist facilitates communication between District personnel and non-English speaking students, parents, and others. This role serves as an interpreter for educational assessments, conferences, meetings, and other events.

Requirements

Speak, read, comprehend, and write fluently in English and Spanish.
Extensive vocabulary and correct usage, grammar, spelling, and punctuation of English and Spanish.
Knowledge of simultaneous and consecutive interpretation techniques.
Knowledge of operation of a computer and assigned software.
Oral and written communication skills.
Interpersonal skills using tact, patience, and courtesy.
Knowledge of modern office practices, equipment, and procedures.
Knowledge of telephone techniques and etiquette.
Ability to provide oral and written translation and interpretation of communications between English and Spanish.
Ability to serve as an interpreter for educational assessments, conferences, meetings, and other events.
Ability to understand, speak clearly, read, and write fluently in English and Spanish.
Ability to prepare a variety of correspondence independently.
Ability to learn and understand educational terminology, language, vernacular, and acronyms in order to translate documents with accuracy.
Ability to maintain records and prepare reports.
Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
Ability to learn, interpret, apply, and explain policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
Ability to operate a computer and assigned software.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
Ability to establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with others.
Ability to use assigned software at an intermediate level.
Bachelor’s Degree or its equivalency required in 1) designated foreign language or 2) native language is one of the District’s designated languages. A combination of experience and education may be used to meet the Bachelor Degree requirement; however, the work experience years used to qualify for the Bachelor Degree requirement cannot be used to meet the work requirement. (2 years of similar and relevant work level experience = 1 year of college).
One (1) year experience in translation and interpretation.
Pass District’s primary language proficiency test with 95% passing rate or possess court interpreter certification.
Exception language skills in English and the designed language including grammar, syntax, vocabulary, oral proficiency, use of idioms, etc.
Available for evening and weekend work.
Access to a reliable vehicle to conduct work.
Valid California Driver’s License.
Employment eligibility will include fingerprints, tuberculosis and/or other employment clearance.

Nice To Haves

Current employee of this school district (for the first 5 days following the posted date).

Responsibilities

Provide oral and written translation and interpretation of communications between English and Spanish.
Facilitate communications between District personnel and non-English speaking students, parents, and others.
Serve as an interpreter for educational assessments, conferences, meetings, and other events.
Translate correspondence, minutes, memoranda, bulletins, instructional and educational materials, reports, and forms into written form, using appropriate expressions, comprehensibility, grammar, and syntax.
Produce idiomatic translations considering the type of material and readers’ viewpoints; determine most accurate shades of meaning and make corrections as needed.
Review and edit translations for accuracy, context, readability, and style; research reference materials.
Prepare communications for a variety of District administrators, specialists, faculty, and other staff to provide interpretation and translation.
Provide simultaneous interpretation using interpretation equipment.
Assist District personnel in communicating by interpreting between English and Spanish.
Interpret at workplace, conferences, and meetings.
Translate for District staff, parents, and the public in Spanish.
Translate and interpret materials and conversations in an accurate and reasonable, timely manner as required.
Travel to school sites and offices as necessary.
Provide accurate oral interpretation and written translation at meetings.
Promote understanding and develop rapport with non-English speaking parents.
Use headphones, microphones, and translation equipment during oral translations of meetings and presentations as necessary.
Use word processing equipment, computers, and related software, and standard office equipment.
Efficiently perform a variety of duties that may involve interpreting, copying, answering the telephone, and making files.
Operate various office equipment including but not limited to computers, copiers, and fax machines.
Collaborate with the translation team to ensure consistent and coherent approaches to translation and interpretation that align with District branding, communication, goals, and theories of action.
Utilize personal and network computers for word processing and systems applications (IFAS, HRSS, MS Office).
Regularly participate in or attend evening and/or weekend meetings and school-related activities.
Explain words and phrases for meaning and appropriateness.
Perform other related duties as assigned.