Contractual Federal Court Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $86,123.00 - $145,052.00 Annually
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 26-08
Department: Court Staff
Division: Houston
Opening Date: 01/06/2026
Position Overview
The U. S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas is one of the largest district courts among the country's 94 federal judicial districts. The district courts, combined with the appellate courts and the Supreme Court, make up the judicial branch of the federal government. The Southern District of Texas consists of the following seven divisional offices: Brownsville, Corpus Christi, Galveston, Houston, Laredo, McAllen and Victoria.
We are seeking qualified applicants for an English/Spanish Court Interpreter in the Houston division. In proceedings initiated by the United States, court interpreters are responsible for interpreting communications for defendants and defense witnesses who primarily speak a language other than English, or who do not have sufficient command of the English language to understand and communicate with the court, counsel, and probation/pretrial service officers.
Interpreters' work allows defendants to hear the evidence, assist in their own defense, confront witnesses, and to communicate effectively with the court, counsel, probation and pretrial services officers, and others. Interpreters provide the means for non-English speaking defendants and defense witnesses to testify, and for defendants to be informed of the charging documents, bail forms, reports, including the pre-sentence report. When testimony is given in a foreign language, court interpreters protect the accuracy of the court record in English for consideration by the court and the jury.
The use of competent interpreters in proceedings involving speakers of languages other than English is critical to ensure that justice is carried out fairly for the defendants and other stakeholders. The incumbent's work is an integral part of the efficiency with which the case flows through the court. Errors in judgment could cause legal consequences for the defendant and others involved in the case.
Salary Range: JSP 11-14 ($86,123 - $145,052), depending on qualifications.
Representative Duties
The representative duties of this position include, but are not limited to:

• Provide simultaneous and consecutive interpreting (Spanish/English) and sight translation services (trials, hearings, etc.) by transferring the message from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English. Interpretation may occur in both in-person settings and remotely via video or telephone, as ordered by the Court.
• Provide interpretation and translation services for out-of-court proceedings for Probation/Pretrial Services.
• Provide interpretation and translation of case-related documents, including legal documents, medical, and other forensic reports and records.
• Prepare for interpreter assignments, including reading case files and conducting terminology research, as necessary.
• Interpret in the relay mode with interpreters of indigenous languages from Central America and Mexico.
• Maintain functional knowledge of the proper use and maintenance of the Court's built-in and portable interpreting equipment.
• Remain impartial and maintain a professional demeanor.
• Schedule contract interpreters for the division.
• Verify contract interpreter invoices with the Deputy-in-Charge for final approval.
• Perform other duties as assigned. Additional assignments must not detract from the interpreter's ability to concentrate fully on interpretation tasks and responsibilities.
• Travel to adjacent divisions and operate within the established organizational framework unique to that division.
• Follow set procedures, comply with organizational protocols, and respond to shifting priorities as directed.
• Demonstrate reliability, attention to detail and the ability to work effectively within established structures and expectations.

Qualifications

• Successful completion of the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Examination (FCICE).
• Ability to fluently speak, understand, read, and write English and Spanish. Advanced knowledge of idioms, slang, and regionalisms in both languages. Skill in simultaneous or consecutive interpretation and sight translation with a high degree of accuracy and at high speed of delivery.
• Ability to reproduce language register when dealing with both formal and informal speech, to listen to and retain lengthy segments of speech in both languages of up to 50 words in order to interpret without undue interruption and to preserve the accuracy of the record.
• Ability to take and read accurate notes in both languages.
• Ability to access and use reference materials as well as to develop and maintain personal professional glossaries.
• Ability to function well in an interpreting or translating team.
• Knowledge of advanced grammar and usage in both languages, including the ability to interpret smoothly, clearly, fully and accurately in both languages.
• Knowledge of court interpretation protocol and techniques.
• Knowledge of Federal and State court legal terminology and concepts in English and the relevant foreign language.

To qualify for JSP 11 pay grade, no experience is necessary. To qualify for the JSP 12 pay grade, two years of specialized experience is required, including at least one year equivalent to work at the JSP 11. To qualify for the JSP 13 pay grade, two years of specialized experience is required, including at least one year equivalent to work at the JSP 12. To qualify for the JSP 14 pay grade, three years of specialized experience is required, including at least one year equivalent to work at the grade 13.
Specialized experience is defined as: Experience that has provided the interpreter with the knowledge, skills and abilities to accurately and idiomatically render a message from the source language into the receptor language without any additions, omissions or other misleading factors that in any way alter the intended meaning of the message from the source language speaker in a courtroom or legal environment.
Miscellaneous
Employees of the U.S. Courts must be U.S. citizens or able to prove that citizenship is being sought. Participation in the interview process is at the applicant's own expense. Applicants may be asked to take proficiency tests. Employees of the United States Courts are considered "at-will" and work at the pleasure of the Court. As a condition of employment successful applicants are subject to a background check, a criminal records check with law enforcement agencies and/or a credit check. Employees must participate in electronic funds transfer for the payment of earnings. The court reserves the right to modify the conditions of this announcement, withdraw the announcement, or fill the position at any time before the closing date, any of which may occur without prior written notice. For more information on the employee benefits of federal public service, visit
Benefits include participation in the retirement system, health and life insurance programs, holiday and leave accrual, and periodic salary increases. The Court is not authorized to reimburse candidates for travel or moving expenses. This position is subject to mandatory Electronic Funds Transfer participation for payment of net pay.
For additional information regarding benefits, go to http://www.uscourts.gov/careers/benefits.
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Did you attach your Federal Court Interpreter Certification?

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• No

02
Did you attach your current resume?

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• No

03
I understand that my application may not be further reviewed until required documents have been submitted.

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• No

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