Superior Court of California, County of Merced

Superior Court of California, County of Merced Overview

JOB

Performs a wide variety of language interpretation activities on an assigned and as needed basis for the Court and for parties to proceedings, including witnesses, defendants, attorneys, other court personnel, and the public. 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).

May translate written documents at discretion of interpreter.

• 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.
• Makes sight translations for the benefit of the court of documents including, but not limited to, court petitions, reports, waivers, felony disposition statement forms, and short documents introduced as evidence.
• Interprets for judges, attorneys, court staff, and other court-related departments at the direction of the court.
• Interprets between languages in court proceedings.
• Sight translate written documents. May translate written documents upon oral agreement at discretion of interpreter.
• Brings to the court's attention any items that may impede the interpreters' performance.
• Researches and understands legal terminology used in court and functions of the court.
• Reviews the daily calendar and coordinates with Trial Court Interpreter Coordinator (or other supervisor) to determine which courts and proceedings require an interpreter and accurately completes daily activity logs or other paperwork as required.
• Performs other language interpretation duties as assigned, such as providing general court information to the non-English speaking public.
• Attend training as offered and/or directed. Travel to off-site courts, as needed.
• Follow Court Rules and Regulations, Safety Procedures and Court Code of Ethics.
• Must, at all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior with co-workers and management.
• Follow verbal and written directions.
• Maintain professional appearance and demeanor.
• Train and assist co-workers.
• Operate and maintain various office equipment and machines (including, but not limited to, computer, photocopier, multifunction telephone, transmitter and receiver equipment).
• Supervisory Duties:
  None.

40 hour workweek, normally 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with overtime per court needs.

Work Environment: Office environment in older building with varying degrees of heat and cold air. Interaction with court divisions requires travel indoors and outside over uneven ground and pavement and in all types of weather. High noise level, at times.

Physical Requirements:

Requires sitting and/or standing for extended periods and movement between office and courtrooms. Corrected hearing and vision to normal range. Work is performed in the courtroom and related court facilities and includes contact with judges, staff, attorneys, and the public. The position requires the ability to concentrate and deliver interpreting services in a busy and fast-paced environment. Courtroom interpreting requires the ability to adjust to speakers with differing voices and accents at varying rates of speed.

Interpreters come into contact with a wide variety of people from differing educational and economic backgrounds. Travel within and between counties may be required.