Spanish Interpreter/Translator Intern

Division/Unit: Language Services Unit

Civil Service Title: College Aide

Position Title: Spanish Interpreter/Translator Intern

Salary Range: $17.50 - $18.00/hr

Job Description:

The Language Services Unit at the New York County District Attorney’s Office (DANY) provides interpretation and translation services for the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases. Under close supervision, qualified Spanish interpreter/translator interns will have the opportunity to translate bi-directionally between English and Spanish and to proofread translations for accuracy. Translation materials may include legal documents, statements, and audio recordings. Interns will make use of their verbal skills by interpreting during in-house interviews, for which mature and tactful behavior is required. All interns will also assist with screening Spanish audio recordings, in written or oral form, and in producing accurate transcriptions and translations, among other language related tasks.

 Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Ability to interpret/translate both verbal and written communication from English to Spanish and Spanish to English.
• Provide interpretations as required by phone/video conferences, community presentations, and in-person interviews.
• Prepare transcriptions and translations from recordings.
• Verbally screen audio recordings in Spanish.
• Prepare written translations of a variety of materials in both language directions, including but not limited to legal documents, personal statements, press releases, general forms/letters, etc.
• Proofread translations and provide feedback.
• Process requests for Spanish language services and update Unit database.
• In a team effort support Unit staff with translation and interpretation assignments as assigned by supervisor.

In addition to the Minimum Qualification Requirements, candidates must possess the following:

• Applicants must be currently enrolled as a junior or senior in college or in a graduate program or other language related program. Preference will be given to students enrolled in translation/interpretation programs.
• Applicants must possess a strong bi-cultural awareness as well as a strong ability to speak, write, and use idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms in both English and Spanish. (Prior knowledge of legal language is not required).   

How to Apply:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Unofficial transcript, including evidence of current enrollment.
• Three professional references.
• Two sample translations for which source texts are provided at the bottom of this posting. Please add your translations to the bottom of your Cover Letter.
• As part of the interview process, interpretation internship candidates will be expected to interpret consecutively in a mock interrogation.

Note: Applications for the Spring 2027 Internship will be accepted during the following dates:

• October 19, 2026 – December 4, 2026

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

1. As of June of the Program year the prospective intern must be a student matriculated in a college or be a recent college graduate (winter/spring term of the Program year).

NOTE: Appointment to this title is only valid for the duration of the Program, June-August.

Public Svc Loan Forgiveness:

• As a prospective employee of the City of New York, you may be eligible for federal loan forgiveness programs and state repayment assistance programs. For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of Education’s website at https://studentaid.gov/pslf/.

Hours/Shift:

• The Spring Internship is available February 22, 2027 – April 30, 2027. Interns will work two days a week, 9:30 am – 4:30 pm. 
• Applicants must commit to a complete term.

Residency Requirement:

• City Residency is not required for this position.

Source Texts for Sample Translations

Directions: please translate the below texts from English or Spanish into the other language respectively. Do not consult any reference materials.

1. Translate the below text into Spanish:

To Whom It May Concern:

I am the Assistant District Attorney in charge of the prosecution of the above-referenced case. The case will be presented to the Grand Jury on Wednesday January 5, 2022. I have enclosed a subpoena calling for your presence before the Criminal Court on that date.

The subpoena does not require it, but I would appreciate your coming to my office at 9:00 AM so that we may discuss the case prior to your testifying in the Grand Jury.

If you have any problems or questions concerning your appearance, please contact me as soon as possible. I can be reached at 212-335-5555.

Sincerely,

John Smith

2. Translate the below text into English:

Fui agredida física y verbalmente por mi actual pareja. Se pone muy celoso cuando está tomado. Me rompe todo en mi habitación y siempre me tira objetos cada vez que discutimos. En verdad tengo miedo de su maltrato. Me golpea y me dice de todo. Una vez me tiró de la guagua. Me salvaron morados. Me gritaba que me hiba matar. No puedo más. Quiero que se valla de mi casa. 

The New York County District Attorney’s Office is an inclusive equal opportunity employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy.