LANGUAGE SPECIALIST (FBI ONLY) GS-1040-7/9/11/12/13, NORFOLK FIELD OFFICE, NORFOLK, VA

Job Opening : 56763
Open to current, permanent FBI employees in all locations who speak Chinese/Mandarin.
Opening Date: September 3, 2024
Closing Date : September 17, 2024 11:59 p.m. (EST)
Questions regarding this opening should be directed to V. Elias Velias@fbi.gov.
Job Summary
Position: Language Specialist, GS- 7/9/11/12/13
Division: Norfolk Field Office
Location: Norfolk, VA
Working Hours: Determined by the office
Salary:GS-7 $49,713.00 - $64,628.00
GS-9 $68,808.00 - $79,050.00
GS-11 $73,572.00 - $95,641.00
GS-12 $88,183.00 - $114,634.00
GS- 13 $104,861.00 - $136,323.00
Full Performance Level: GS-13 - Advancement to the GS-13 and GS 12 Language Specialist level is subject to Directorate of Intelligence approval and compliance with their promotion criteria. As such, only current GS-12 Language Specialists will be considered for selection at the GS-12 level in this posting and only current GS-13 Language Specialists will be considered for selection at the GS-13 level in this posting.
Number of Positions Available: 1
Duration: Full Time/Permanent/
Additional selections may be made from this announcement to fill positions within the same division when the position includes substantially the same duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.
In order to recruit and retain highly qualified candidates, selectee(s) may be eligible for a Full Cost Transfer and 10% of basic pay relocation incentive. To be eligible, selectee will be required to relocate for this position and show proof of change in residency. A position is considered to be in different geographic area if the worksite of the new position is 50 or more miles from the worksite of the position held immediately before the move. As part of receiving this combination of incentives, selectee will be required to sign a two (2) year service agreement with the FBI at the new duty station.
Key Requirements

• Must be a current, permanent FBI employee
• Must be able to obtain an SCI clearance
• Must have Chinese capabilities
• Applicants must verify completion of the basic education requirement by submitting a copy of college transcripts by the closing date of the vacancy announcement, if using education to qualify.
• Selectee may be required to complete form FD-887, Request for Access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI)
• Must sign a n FD-918 Worldwide Mobility Agreement
• Only current GS 12 FBI Language Specialists will be considered for the GS 12- level advertised in this posting due to Directorate of Intelligence promotion policy
• Only current GS 13 FBI Language Specialists will be considered for the GS 13- level advertised in this posting due to Directorate of Intelligence promotion policy

All applicants for Language Specialist positions must have current scores on record, or must have initiated the linguist test battery by the closing date of this announcement. The linguist test battery typically consists of tests in multiple skills, including foreign language listening and reading, translation from the foreign language into English, foreign language speaking, and English speaking.
Completing the test battery generally takes three months from submitting a testing request to receiving a report of results. If the linguist test battery process is not initiated prior to the closing date of this announcement by the applicant, you may not be considered for this posting. Those interested in applying to be a Language Specialist should request the linguist test battery by sending an email to the local Field Office's test administrator (typically a part of the local HR or applicant program) with cc to LTAU_Onboard_Tests@fbi.sgov.gov on FBI systems. The email must indicate interest to apply for a Language Specialist position and the language (including dialect) in which to be tested. Test scheduling will be coordinated through the Field Office test administrator.
Language Specialists serve on the front lines of the FBI's broad-ranging investigative jurisdiction. In addition to the Linguist's qualifying education and work experience, the FBI's foreign language test battery results guide the grade determination for hiring the FBI's Linguists. Language Specialists who pass the test battery and qualify at the "Core" or the "Core +1" level enter the position at the GS 7, 9, or 11 levels. A "Core +2" can enter the position at the GS 7, 9, 11, or 12 levels. Only candidates who test in the "Core +1" or "Core +2" level are eligible to request a promotion to the GS 13 grade level after completing program requirements
Major Duties
GS 7

• Perform literary research in language assigned to gain an understanding of specialized vocabulary
• Translate correspondences, messages and inquires of a routine nature

GS 9

• Translate verbatim and summarize from assigned foreign language into English and vice versa from a variety of recorded material
• Translate verbatim and summarize printed, typed and written material from assigned foreign language into English and vice versa

GS 11

• Research, analyze and critique foreign language documents for information which may be beneficial to Bureau's intelligence-and criminal operations
• Compose grammatically correct and logical communications on an expeditious basis
• Dictate or type, proofread and edit verbatim translations and/or summaries; compose transmitting communications

GS 12

• Translate and/or summarize recorded and/or written material that consistently involves a variety of non-standard terminology where extreme consideration to inflection and nuances is important to render an accurate translation or summary of a recorded conversation or document
• Research, analyze, and critique intelligence data translated from recorded and written materials. Incumbents use extended work experience, intermittent guidance from investigative personnel, and in-depth knowledge of current world affairs to detect data of importance to FBI investigations and operations

GS 13

• Analyzes and highlights the significance of raw intelligence data received, which may be of interest to the United States Intelligence Community
• Keeps abreast of various developments on the international scene and notifies investigative staff of information which might be of interest to the Bureau

Qualifications and Evaluations
Please make sure your specialized experience/requirement(s) can be identified in your resume. Applicants must meet the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Your application will be evaluated and rated under the FBI's Candidate Rating Procedures. Your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed in this announcement and will be compared to your responses to the online assessment questionnaire. High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from Most Competitive status.
If you are deemed Most Competitive, you will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
All applicants will be rated on the following Competencies:

• Initiative
• Interpersonal Ability
• Analytic Thinking
• Communication

Specialized Experience (SE):
GS-7: Applicants must possess a passing language proficiency test score in combination with a high school diploma, or its equivalent. Applicants must possess at least four (4) years of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-5 grade level. SE is defined as follows:

• Translate routine conversations and analyze data for relevance
• Apply research methods and analytical skills to perform document edits

GS-9: Applicants must possess at least five (5) years of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-7 grade level and passing language proficiency test scores. SE is defined as follows:

• Translate and interpret orally and in writing to communicate effectively in English and the foreign language assigned to employee
• Correct grammar, punctuation, syntax, and spelling for grammatically correct, fluent and more precise translations

GS-11: Applicants must possess at least seven (7) years of qualifying specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 and passing language proficiency test scores. SE is defined as follows:

• Translate to transfer material from one language to another to accurately reflect the meaning of the original
• Ability to understand idiomatic expressions, colloquialisms, habits, mannerisms, and other data to furnish information of interest to investigative personnel

GS-12: Applicants must possess at least eight (8) years of qualifying work experience and/or college level education and passing language proficiency test scores. SE is defined as follows:

• Translate material consisting of non-standard terminology, recognizing technical jargon related to intelligence data
• Perform literature research to determine equivalents to new and unique terms, idiomatic expressions, and /or highly abbreviated material

GS -13

• Prepare written documents, reports, and summaries relating to translation assignments
• Research and answer technical questions form other Language Specialists and translators concerning terminology or information on a particular subject

Education
All degrees must be from an accredited college or university. Education may be substituted for specialized experience as follows:
GS-7: Applicant must have a bachelor's degree with superior academic achievement or one (1) full year of graduate level education. Superior academic achievement is the completion of all the requirements of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university, which is based on (1) class standing, (2) grade-point average of 3.0 or higher as recorded on an official transcript, or as based on courses completed during the final two years of the curriculum, or (3) honor society membership. The completion of a bachelor's degree (or its academic equivalent from a college or university with regional or national institutional accreditation) in any discipline will count as four (4) years credit.
GS-9: Applicant must have a master's or equivalent graduate degree or 2 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree or LL.B. or J.D. The completion of a master's degree or Juris Doctorate (or its academic equivalent from a college or university with regional or national institutional accreditation) in any discipline will count as five (5) years credit.
GS-11: Applicant must have a Ph.D. OR equivalent doctoral degree OR 3 full years of progressively higher level graduate education leading to such a degree OR LL.M. The completion of a Doctorate Level Degree (or its academic equivalent from a college or university with regional or national institutional accreditation) in any discipline will count as seven (7) years credit.
GS-12 : Education may NOT be substituted.
GS- 13 Education may NOT be substituted.
How to Apply
For detailed instructions related to applying, uploading documents, withdrawing an application or updating your application, please review instructions on How to Apply . If applying online is a hardship, please use the contact information listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
Required Documents
To apply to this position, interested applicants must provide a complete application package by the closing date which includes:

1. Your resume, specifically noting relevant work experience and associated start and end dates
2. A complete assessment questionnaire
3. Other supporting documents (if applicable)
   • College transcripts, if qualifying based on education or if there is a positive education requirement
   • Memorandum for Record (MFR), Please see Additional Information

Documents that were uploaded one or more years ago will need to be uploaded again. Although an applicant may see these documents within their current profile, the HR Specialists may not have access to view them. All applicants are being asked to upload another copy (if applicable) to ensure the staffing units can review the complete application.
You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. If applying online is a hardship, please contact the HR Specialist listed in the vacancy announcement prior to the closing date for assistance.
What to Expect Next
Once your complete application is received we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The Most Competitive candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of your status throughout the process.
Additional Information

• Failure to provide necessary and relevant information required by this vacancy announcement may disqualify you from consideration. Additional information will not be requested if your application is incomplete. Your application will be evaluated solely on the basis of information you have submitted.
• As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
• Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing the other workplace safety protocols. Positions with fitness for duty requirements or those that require international travel may require proof of certain vaccinations.
• Management may select at any grade for which this position has been announced.
• Identification of promotion potential in this announcement does not constitute a commitment or an obligation on the part of management to promote the employee selected at some future date. Promotion will depend upon administrative approval and the continuing need for an actual assignment and performance of higher-level duties.
• Limited Movement: Policy has been implemented wherein support employees entering a position through a competitive OR non-competitive action may be precluded from moving to another position within the Bureau by means of reassignment or change to lower grade for a minimum of 12 months. HRD will waive this limited movement policy for qualified employees, who have received an official notification letter that their current position is being relocated to Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama by 2024, so those employees can compete for a position elsewhere.
• Probationary employees are precluded from being considered for all job opportunities until 12-months of their 24-month probationary period has concluded. Probationary employees may be considered for competitive vacancies that are advertised within their respective division or field office after serving 90 days within the FBI.
• Candidates will not be considered if currently on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP); a Letter of Requirement (LOR); or have failed a PIP or LOR and are currently awaiting the final action by HRD.

a. A Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) is a 90-day written developmental plan for an employee whose performance on one or more critical elements is rated "Inconsistent."
b. A Letter of Requirement (LOR) is issued when a supervisor identifies leave abuse and/or when frequent absences negatively impact operations of an office.

• Relocation expenses MAY be borne by the FBI. Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location, whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one-year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.
• Current tax law impacts your transfer by making your moving expense reimbursements taxable. Please contact Transfer_Issues for information regarding taxable expenses. For additional insight on the personal impact of the IRS tax rules, you may wish to contact the IRS or a tax professional. Federal Travel Regulation provides that the Withholding Tax Allowance (WTA) plus the Relocation Income Tax Allowance (RITA) are designed to "substantially reimburse" an employee for the additional Federal, State, and Local taxes associated with a change of duty station and the FBI has the authority to compensate employees through the WTA and RITA.
• Candidates receiving a transfer of physical location, whether at the expense of the FBI or not, will be required to complete a one year commitment to the assignment, prior to moving to a new position at the FBI. The 12-month waiting period begins the day an employee reports for duty at the new location.
• Employees selected for promotions at the GS-12 level or higher, as well as employees selected for positions where a transfer of location is required, will be processed through the name check program prior to being notified of their selection.
• Memorandum for Record: Work performed outside assigned duties (that would not normally be documented on a SF-50, i. e., back-up duties), has to be documented in detail by an immediate supervisor in order to receive full credit for amount of time worked in that position. If no documentation is furnished no credit will be given for time worked in that position. The following notations must be specified in the documentation (Memorandum for Record):

a. Percent of time worked in the particular position (cannot conflict with main duties)
b. The month/year work began
c. Frequency worked (i.e., daily, monthly, etc.)
d. Specific duties performed
Attach the Memorandum for Record to your application in the "Cover Letters and Attachments" section of My Career Tools on the Careers Home page. Please upload the attachment as type "Other."
Nepotism
Nepotism is the act of favoring relatives in the hiring process, and is prohibited by law. Public officials are prohibited from hiring or promoting relatives or relatives of officials in their chain of command, as well as actively or indirectly endorse a relative's appointment or promotion.
During the hiring process, all selected candidates and FBI hiring managers will be required to certify they are not related to anyone involved in the hiring process.
Reasonable Accommodation Request
The FBI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation pursuant to a sincerely held religious belief or medical disability for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please notify the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity Affairs (OEEOA) Reasonable Accommodation (RA) Program by either e-mail at REASONABLE_ACCOMMODA@fbi.gov , telephone at 202-324-2158, or FAX at 202-324-3976. Your request will receive an individualized assessment.
This e-mail address is only for reasonable accommodation requests. Please do not submit your application and/or any questions unrelated to reasonable accommodations. Should any applications be received, they will not be forwarded for consideration during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The FBI is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for this vacancy. Unless explicitly authorized by law, selection will be made without regard to, and there will be no discrimination because of, color, race, religion, national origin, marital status, parental status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, age (40 or over), sex (including pregnancy and related conditions, gender identity, and sexual orientation), or on the basis of personal favoritism, or any other non-merit factors.

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