OAG - Communications | Information Specialist II | 25-0727

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

This individual will be involved in drafting, editing, and translating communications materials in both the English and Spanish languages. The work often involves collaborating with multiple departments to provide clear, accurate translations and information through various forms, including press releases, public forms, official materials, and website content.  

The OAG is a dynamic state agency with over 4,000 employees throughout the State of Texas.  As the State’s law firm, the OAG provides exemplary legal representation in diverse areas of law.  OAG employees enjoy excellent benefits (https://ers.texas.gov/Benefits-at-a-Glance) along with tremendous opportunities to do important work at a large, dynamic state agency making a positive difference in the lives of Texans.

ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS

• Translates, edits, and writes original copy for a wide variety of agency products for internal and external use, ranging from general information materials to highly technical products—including Web content, news releases, brochures, forms, applications, correspondence and legal documents in the English and Spanish languages.
• Collaborates with graphic designers and audiovisual staff in the development of corresponding communications products in the Spanish language.
• Develops agency translation policy standards, maintains a corresponding glossary, and stays informed on professional translation standards to ensure continuity and consistency of translation quality.
• Identifies and recommends priorities in the ongoing development of agency Spanish-language translations and communications.
• Serves as a spoken English-Spanish and Spanish-English interpreter in various settings, including interviews, depositions, and constituent contacts.
• Performs related work as assigned
• Maintains relevant knowledge necessary to perform essential job functions
• Attends work regularly in compliance with agreed-upon work schedule
• Ensures security and confidentiality of sensitive and/or protected information
• Complies with all agency policies and procedures, including those pertaining to ethics and integrity

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Graduation from high school or equivalent
• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university; experience in the following (or closely related) fields may be substituted for the required education on a year-for-year basis: translation, communications, legal, government, linguistics, or journalism
• Experience: One year of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields:  full-time translator engaged in the development of a wide variety of communications products, ranging from materials for general audiences to highly technical or specialized products, or proven track record while working in communications or legal field and fluency in the Spanish language.
• Knowledge of agency functions, policies, and procedures; news and media; and strong command of communications practices 
• Skill in handling multiple tasks, prioritizing, and meeting deadlines
• Skill in effective oral and written communication
• Skill in exercising sound judgment and effective decision making
• Ability to receive and respond positively to constructive feedback
• Ability to work cooperatively with others in a professional office environment
• Ability to provide excellent customer service
• Ability to work in person at assigned OAG work location, perform all assigned tasks at designated OAG work space within OAG work location, and perform in-person work with coworkers (e.g., collaborating, training, mentoring) for the entirety of every work week (unless on approved leave)
• Ability to arrange for personal transportation for business-related travel
• Ability to work more than 40 hours as needed and in compliance with the FLSA
• Ability to lift and relocate 30 lbs.
• Ability to travel (including overnight travel) up to 5% 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Education: Master's degree or higher: translation, linguistics, journalism, English or Spanish literature
• Experience: Three years of full-time experience working in the following (or closely related) fields:  full-time translator engaged in the development of a wide variety of communications products, ranging from materials for general audiences to highly technical or specialized products, or proven track record while working in communications or legal field and fluency in the Spanish language.
• Experience in communications, journalism, legal, or governmental setting preferred.
• Skills: Simultaneous spoken interpretation ability preferred, including applicable certifications to serve as a translator or interpreter in courtroom or other governmental settings
• Certifications: Accreditation through a professional organization strongly preferred.
• Other Language: Ability to proficiently read, write, and speak Spanish and English 

TO APPLY  

To apply for a job with the OAG, electronic applications can be submitted through CAPPS Recruit. A State of Texas application must be completed to be considered, and paper applications are not accepted. Your application for this position may subject you to a criminal background check pursuant to the Texas Government Code. Military Crosswalk information can be accessed at   

https://hr.sao.texas.gov/Compensation/MilitaryCrosswalk/MOSC_InformationandCommunication.pdf

THE OAG IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER