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Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Metlang maintains a comprehensive roster of highly qualified federal court certified interpreters throughout the country in over 100 languages and dialects. We take pride in building long term ...

Court Interpreter 1 or 2

Toms River, NJ · On-site

$77K - $109K/yr

Voluntary investment programs separate from and in addition to the pension plan through the ... the Federal Court Interpreter Certification from the Administrative Office of the United States ...

Metlang maintains a comprehensive roster of highly qualified federal court certified interpreters throughout the country in over 100 languages and dialects. We take pride in building long term ...

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Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter information

See salary details

$23.5K

$78.3K

$100K

How much do volunteer federal court interpreter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for volunteer federal court interpreter in the United States is $78,267.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $91,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer federal court interpreter?

Volunteer Federal Court Interpreters are individuals who offer their language skills to assist in federal court proceedings without monetary compensation. They help ensure that non-English-speaking participants can fully understand and participate in legal processes by accurately interpreting spoken or written communication. These volunteers play a critical role in upholding defendants' rights to a fair trial and due process. While they are not paid, they are often required to meet specific qualifications, such as proficiency in English and a second language, and may undergo training or certification. Their work supports the court's mission to provide equal access to justice for all.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer federal court interpreter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter, you need advanced proficiency in English and at least one other language, a deep understanding of legal terminology, and often a bachelor's degree or specialized interpreter training. Familiarity with digital recording systems, remote interpretation platforms, and possibly certification from organizations like the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts or NAJIT is common. Outstanding listening skills, impartiality, and cultural sensitivity are crucial soft skills for effective communication and accurate interpretation in legal settings. These skills ensure that all parties receive fair access to justice and that proceedings are conducted accurately and efficiently.

What are common challenges faced by volunteer federal court interpreters, and how can they be managed?

Volunteer Federal Court Interpreters often encounter challenges such as handling complex legal terminology, maintaining impartiality, and managing the fast pace of courtroom proceedings. To address these, interpreters benefit from thorough preparation, ongoing language and legal training, and effective communication with court staff and attorneys. Supportive mentorship from experienced interpreters and participation in professional development can also help volunteers stay current on best practices and maintain high standards of accuracy.

What is the difference between Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter vs Federal Court Interpreter?

AspectVolunteer Federal Court InterpreterFederal Court Interpreter
CredentialsTypically requires certification from the Administrative Office of the U.S. CourtsRequires certification, often with additional federal-specific qualifications
Work EnvironmentUnpaid, volunteer role in federal court settingsPaid position in federal courts, often full-time or part-time
Employer & IndustryFederal courts, volunteer basisFederal courts, paid employment
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing volunteer vs paid roles in federal court interpretingIndividuals seeking paid federal court interpreter jobs

In summary, Volunteer Federal Court Interpreters perform similar duties to paid Federal Court Interpreters but do so on a volunteer basis without compensation. Both roles require certification and work within federal court settings, but the key difference lies in compensation and employment status.

More about Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter jobs

What cities are hiring for Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter jobs?

Cities with the most Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Federal Court Interpreter jobs?

The most popular types of Federal Court Interpreter jobs are:

What states have the most Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter jobs include:

Infographic showing various Volunteer Federal Court Interpreter job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $78,267 per year, or $37.6 per hour.

Court Interpreter 1/ Court Interpreter 2 (Spanish)

New Jersey Courts

Elizabeth, NJ • On-site

$77K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 18 days ago


New Jersey Courts rating

6.7

Company rating: 6.7 out of 10

Based on 11 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

715th of 848 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

Description If another position becomes available within five months of this recruitment's closing date, the applicant pool from this posting may be used to fill additional vacancies. When you come to work for New Jersey Judiciary you will join an 8500-member strong TEAM that operates with the highest standards of independence, integrity, fairness and quality service. You will be engaged with work that has purpose, meaning and makes a difference in lives of the public we serve.

We work hard every day to build the public's trust and confidence in our court system, which includes issues such as bail reform, marijuana decriminalization and recovery court. Whether it be in a courtroom, an administrative office, a courthouse training room, an IT office or in the field, our Judiciary workforce is improving the lives of countless individuals and families every day. We honor the dignity and individualism of each member of our organization while fostering professionalism and continuous improvement in our work.

SALARY: The salary range for this position is $77,060.73 - $109,426.20 for Schedule A, and $77,060.73 to $103,954.90 for Schedule B. For newly hired individuals, the starting salary will normally be at the minimum of the salary range. For current Judiciary employees, salary upon promotion or advancement will be an increase of 5% of base salary, not to exceed the maximum of the range, or the minimum salary of the band/level, whichever is greater

Judiciary employees hired prior to June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule A. Newly hired individuals, and Judiciary employees hired on or after June 3, 2014, are considered Schedule B. REMOTE WORK: The Judiciary currently offers a hybrid work schedule, and this position may qualify for up to 2 days of remote work outside of Judiciary buildings.

To participate in this program, in addition to installing a multifactor authentication app on your phone or tablet, you will be required to have high speed home internet access. Regular and predictable physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position. The Judiciary offers a strong opportunity for growth.

The Union Vicinage is seeking a Court Interpreter, who is highly motivated, organized, and detail oriented. Under the general direction of the Interpreting Supervisor, the selected candidate must be bilingual in English and Spanish, and able to interpret in the three modes of interpretation (sight, consecutive, simultaneous) in court proceedings, quasi-judicial hearings, complementary dispute resolution events and other court related events either in person, virtually, or via a telecommunications device. This candidate must be familiar with courtroom protocols and adhere to the highest ethical standards.

The qualified candidate will be able to produce translations of signage and other documents, either in draft or final form, as directed by their supervisor. Responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, assistance in the procurement and assignment of contract interpreters and related paperwork, collecting and entering data in the automated record keeping system, providing training to staff as needed, and participation in study and training events to develop and maintain interpreting and translation skills. The successful candidate must possess excellent time management and interpersonal skills and be able to work effectively with all levels of Judiciary staff.

Performs related duties as required. POSITIONS WILL BE FILLED AT ONE OF THE FOLLOWING LEVELS BASED ON CANDIDATE QUALIFICATIONS AND AVAILABLE POSITIONS. Court Interpreter 1 - Journey Level 2 - Journey Employees at this level interpret legal proceedings and may translate forms, letters and other court related documents.

Minimum Salary: $74,454.81 Maximum Salary: $100,439.52 Court Interpreter 2 - Mastery Level 3 - Mastery Employees at this level interpret complex legal proceedings and translate forms, letters and other court- related documents Minimum Salary: $78,922.07 Maximum Salary: $113,171.27 Example of Duties - Interpret court events in the simultaneous, consecutive and sight modes, whether on site, telephonically or virtually in accordance with the Code of Conduct and all other applicable requirements - Translate signage and vicinage documents as requested - Assist with the contracting of freelance interpreters, as well as the processing of vouchers, statistical reports, TIVD, ADA accommodations, and other tasks requested by supervisor Qualifications Eligibility: Eligible applicants are court interpreters approved by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC). AOC approved interpreters include interpreters who have passed the written and performance oral exams of the National Center for State Courts administered by the AOC or an equivalent test administered by a member state of the National Center for State Courts; or who possess the Federal Court Interpreter Certification by having passed the Federal Court Interpreter Certification Exam administered by the Administrative Office of the United States Courts. Note: Prior to translating documents, incumbents must pass the translation test administered by the AOC

For additional information on becoming a Court Interpreter refer to https://www.njcourts.gov/public/lang-services Supplemental Information Driver's License: Appointees will be required to possess a driver's license valid in New Jersey only if the operation of a vehicle is necessary to perform essential duties of the position. Authorization to Work: US citizenship is not required. Selected candidate must be authorized to work in the US according to Department of Homeland Security, US Citizenship and Immigration Services regulations

Special Note: Newly hired employees must agree to a thorough background check that will include fingerprinting. All data received will be kept in strict confidence except to inform the individual of the findings and what action will be taken as a result of this information. Residency Law: In accordance with N.J.S.A

52:14-7 (L. 2011, Chapter 70), the "New Jersey First Act," all persons newly hired by the Judiciary within one year must establish, and then maintain, principal residence in the State of New Jersey. Any person may request an exemption from that requirement from the Employee Residency Review Committee in the Department of Labor & Workforce Development on the basis of either hardship or employer critical need.

HOW TO APPLY: The NJ Judiciary requires all applicants to complete the application process fully and as instructed. All applicants must complete the work experience and education sections and attach any required documents. Applications must describe all relevant work experience in detail, beginning with your current or most recent job, including military service (indicate rank), internships and job-related volunteer work, if applicable.

Use a separate section to describe each position. Applicants who indicate "see resume" or enter their initials to acknowledge that they have skipped the Work History and Education sections will not be considered, unless they do not possess any education history or work experience. Only applicants that follow the application instructions and submit completed applications will be considered.

The New Jersey Judiciary consists of: the Supreme Court, the Superior Court including the Appellate Division and the Trial Court of the 15 vicinages in New Jersey, the Tax Court and the Municipal Court System. The Administrative Office of the Courts provides technical assistance, operational support, training, research and development, budget and personnel coordination, and development and operation of information systems for the Courts of New Jersey. The Judiciary of New Jersey is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Committed to Ensuring an Open Door to Justice NeoGov applicant support at 1-877-204-4442 (toll free call) Monday through Friday, 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM Mountain Time (MT).


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