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Scientific Translator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Unconventional

Hmong Translator, DOJ LSS

Washington, DC

$49K - $65K/yr

Source material will contain legal, business, public administrative, medical, scientific, financial ... Minimum of two (2) years of experience in translation Qualifying scores ILR 3 minimum or equivalent ...

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How much do scientific translator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for scientific translator in the United States is $25.65, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $21.15 and $27.88 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for medical translators?

There is strong demand for medical translators due to the need for accurate communication in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and medical research. Medical translators with specialized knowledge, certification, and language skills are sought after in hospitals, clinics, and global health organizations.

What is the highest paying translator job?

The highest paying translator jobs are often in specialized fields such as legal, medical, or technical translation, especially for rare or in-demand languages. Senior translators with extensive experience, certifications, and proficiency in CAT tools can command higher salaries, sometimes exceeding six figures annually in certain industries or regions.

What does a Scientific Translator do?

A Scientific Translator specializes in translating technical and scientific documents, such as research papers, patents, and reports, from one language to another. They ensure accuracy by maintaining the correct terminology, context, and meaning while making the content accessible to the target audience. This role requires expertise in both the source and target languages as well as a deep understanding of the specific scientific field. Scientific Translators often work with researchers, publishers, or organizations to facilitate global collaboration and knowledge sharing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Scientific Translator position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Scientific Translator, you need a strong command of at least two languages, specialized knowledge in scientific fields, and experience with academic or technical writing. Familiarity with computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools, terminology databases, and relevant certifications such as ATA or specialized scientific translation qualifications are often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are key soft skills for accurately conveying complex scientific concepts. These skills are crucial to ensure precise and reliable translation of technical content, supporting global collaboration and knowledge sharing within scientific communities.

How to become a scientific translator?

To become a scientific translator, you typically need a strong educational background in both the source and target languages, often with a degree in science or translation. Developing specialized knowledge in scientific fields and gaining proficiency with translation tools like CAT software can improve job prospects. Certification from professional translation organizations can also enhance credibility and employability.

What are the typical challenges faced by Scientific Translators in their daily work?

Scientific Translators often encounter challenges such as understanding complex, field-specific terminology and staying updated with the latest scientific research in both source and target languages. They may need to consult extensively with subject matter experts or review scientific literature to ensure accuracy and consistency in translation. Managing tight deadlines while maintaining high standards of precision and clarity is also common in this role. Successful Scientific Translators are adept at handling these demands, as their work directly impacts the accessibility and integrity of scientific information shared across global audiences.

How much do scientific translators make?

Scientific translators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience, specialization, and language pairs. Freelance translators may charge per word or project, with rates ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 per word. Advanced knowledge of scientific terminology and certification can influence earning potential.
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Scientific Translator jobs near you

Spanish Translator & Linguistic Support Specialist

GD Resources LLC

Remote

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

GD Resources LLC is seeking an experienced Spanish Translator & Linguistic Support Specialist to provide professional Spanish-to-English translation services and related linguistic support for the U.S. Section, International Boundary and Water Commission (USIBWC). This position supports the Foreign Affairs Office (FAO) in translating official international correspondence, technical reports, engineering documents, legal agreements, presentations, and diplomatic communications between the United States and Mexico.
The successful candidate will serve as a subject matter expert in translation memory systems and machine-assisted translation technologies while ensuring all final products meet the highest standards of linguistic accuracy, formatting consistency, confidentiality, and professional quality.
Key Responsibilities
Translation Services
  • Translate approximately 32,000+ words per month from Spanish to English.
  • Translate official correspondence, technical reports, engineering documents, environmental studies, meeting minutes, presentations, agreements, and diplomatic communications.
  • Perform occasional English-to-Spanish translations as required.
  • Ensure translations are accurate, complete, and consistent with established USIBWC terminology and glossaries.
  • Complete priority translation assignments within one business day of receipt.
Document Formatting & Preparation
  • Format translated documents to mirror original source documents.
  • Reproduce tables, charts, graphics, diagrams, fonts, colors, and layouts.
  • Prepare publication-ready documents for immediate agency distribution.
Records Management & Tracking
  • Maintain translation logs and tracking spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel, OneDrive, and SharePoint.
  • Track incoming and outgoing correspondence.
  • Create and maintain hyperlinks between related documents and correspondence.
  • Distribute translated documents to designated agency personnel.
Translation Technology Management
  • Utilize MemoQ Translation Memory software.
  • Utilize GovCraft Machine Translation tools.
  • Update and maintain translation memory databases.
  • Troubleshoot translation memory and machine translation issues.
  • Serve as agency subject matter expert for translation technology systems.
  • Coordinate with software vendors and agency personnel regarding system updates and improvements.
Collaboration & Meetings
  • Participate in weekly staff coordination meetings.
  • Attend quarterly binational meetings with U.S. and Mexican stakeholders.
  • Provide expert linguistic guidance regarding English and Spanish terminology.
  • Coordinate translation priorities with agency leadership.
Confidentiality & Compliance
  • Maintain strict confidentiality of all official government documents.
  • Protect sensitive information in accordance with federal regulations.
  • Comply with all security requirements and agency procedures.
  • Successfully complete a Non-Sensitive Public Trust background investigation.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's Degree in Translation, Linguistics, Spanish, English, International Relations, Communications, or related field preferred.
Experience
  • Minimum three (3) years of professional Spanish-to-English translation experience.
  • Demonstrated experience translating technical, engineering, legal, scientific, governmental, or diplomatic documents.
  • Experience using translation memory software and computer-assisted translation (CAT) tools.
  • Experience managing document tracking systems and translation databases.
Language Requirements
  • Native or near-native proficiency in English.
  • Advanced professional proficiency in Spanish.
  • Exceptional written communication skills in English.
  • Ability to accurately translate complex technical terminology.
Technical Skills
  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
  • SharePoint and OneDrive.
  • Translation Memory Software (MemoQ preferred).
  • Machine Translation Platforms.
  • Document formatting and publishing tools.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Previous translation experience supporting U.S. Government agencies.
  • Experience with Department of State, international organizations, or treaty-related work.
  • ATA (American Translators Association) Certification.
  • Experience translating water resources, environmental, engineering, infrastructure, or scientific documents.
  • Familiarity with U.S.-Mexico international agreements and governmental terminology.
  • Experience serving as a translation technology administrator or subject matter expert.
Security Requirements
  • Must be eligible to obtain and maintain a Non-Sensitive Public Trust clearance.
  • Ability to successfully complete background investigation and fingerprinting requirements.
Core Competencies
  • Spanish-to-English Translation
  • Technical Translation
  • Legal Translation
  • Engineering Documentation
  • Scientific Translation
  • Linguistic Analysis
  • Translation Memory Management
  • Machine Translation Review
  • Quality Assurance
  • Records Management
  • Government Correspondence
  • Cross-Cultural Communication
  • Document Formatting
  • SharePoint Administration
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Attention to Detail
  • Confidentiality Management
  • Time Management
Performance Expectations
  • Maintain at least 90% translation accuracy with no material errors.
  • Achieve 100% compliance with standard American English grammar and usage.
  • Complete priority translations within one business day.
  • Maintain translation logs within required timelines.
  • Attend all required meetings and coordination sessions.
  • Deliver professionally formatted documents ready for immediate distribution.
Why Join GD Resources LLC?
GD Resources LLC supports critical federal missions by providing highly qualified professionals across government agencies nationwide. This position offers the opportunity to contribute directly to international relations, treaty implementation, and cross-border collaboration between the United States and Mexico while working remotely in a professional federal contracting environment.

Apply