INTERPRETER - TRIAL COURT

INTERPRETER - TRIAL

(Position available January 2026)

Salary: 117 - $48,087.00 Minimum Salary.

Purpose of Classification

Performs professional work in translation support of assigned trial court. Duties include interpreting and translating documents and translating for Spanish speaking plaintiffs and/or defendants. Positions in this class perform routine analysis and identify needed corrective actions to resolve discrepancies; answer questions; and maintain documents and records.

Essential Functions

The following duties are normal for this position. The omission of specific statements of the duties does not exclude them from the classification if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment for this classification. Other duties may be required and assigned.

Translates testimony, conversation, instructions, explanations, and any other court related business or activity from Spanish to English and/or English to Spanish as needed.

Interprets and/or translates during court sessions whenever there is a language barrier between court proceedings and Spanish speaking defendant and/or defendants; assists in the translation of documents or transcriptions as requested by any of the courts.

Interpret into Spanish for defendants and/or plaintiffs in real-time whenever a Spanish speaker is on the witness stand, for all present to understand what he says during interrogation in open court.

Interprets for defendants in Spanish during court proceedings such as admonishments, arraignments, pleas, and other motions, and their responses into English so that their words can be part of the record as well.

Conducts translations for the courts, for parties that do not speak either English or Spanish and they need assistance to better sue or defend themselves.

Translates documents into English whenever the Judge sees it necessary for the efficient and just operation of a particular court proceeding; translates short civil hearings, cases, whenever one of the parties needs on-demand translation or interpreting in open court.

Provides assistance and information to employees, managers, vendors, citizens, local businesses, and/or and other interested parties regarding assigned interpreter functions; serves as liaison between supervisors, vendors, and other departments in regards to translation policies and activities. Explains policies and procedures.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Graduation from High School or a General Education Development (GED) certificate plus one (1) year's experience in translating oral and written materials from English to Spanish and from Spanish to English (including translation of legal terminology); or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Must be licensed and certified with the Texas Judicial Branch, Certification Commission, 2015 W.14th St., Ste. 600, Austin, Texas 78701, P.O. Box 12066, Austin, Texas 78711-2066, Tel. No.: (512) 475-4368. Must have a valid Texas driver's License.

ADA Compliance

Physical Ability: Tasks require the ability to exert light physical effort in sedentary to light work, but which may involve some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of light weight (5-10 pounds). Tasks may involve extended periods of time at a keyboard or workstation.

Sensory Requirements: Some tasks require the ability to perceive and discriminate sounds and visual cues or signals. Some tasks require the ability to communicate orally.

Environmental Factors: Essential functions are regularly performed without exposure to adverse environmental conditions.

This is not a Civil Service covered position.

Benefits: Cameron County Offers Excellent Fringe Benefits, Including: Health and Life Insurance Protection, Sick and Annual Leave, Retirement System, and Paid Holidays. Cameron County has a mandatory direct deposit payroll program.

AA/EEO/MFD EMPLOYER