GS-1040

Language Specialist

Performs language specialist work including translation, interpretation, and language analysis.

📊Administrative📈GS-5/7/9/11/12/13/14📁1000

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Qualification Requirements

Official OPM qualification standards for GS-1040

Group Coverage Qualification Standard for Administrative and Management Positions

Individual Occupational Requirements:

Education:

Bachelor's degree with major study in the target language, linguistics, or area studies
Demonstrated proficiency in one or more foreign languages

Experience: Professional experience in translation, interpretation, or language analysis demonstrating fluency in target language(s).

Education and Experience Requirements (Group Standard):

This is a two-grade interval series. Positions follow the GS-5, GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 progression pattern.

Grade	Education	Experience	Combined
GS-5	Bachelor's degree in any field from accredited college/university	3 years progressively responsible experience, 1 year equivalent to GS-4	Equivalent combinations qualifying
GS-7	1 full year graduate education OR Superior Academic Achievement	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-5	Combinations of graduate education and experience
GS-9	2 years graduate education or master's degree	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-7	Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-7 requirement) and experience
GS-11	3 years graduate education or Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree	1 year specialized experience equivalent to GS-9	Combinations of graduate education (excess of GS-9 requirement) and experience
GS-12+	Not applicable	1 year specialized experience equivalent to next lower grade	N/A

Superior Academic Achievement (for GS-7):

Upper third of graduating class in college/university or major subdivision
GPA of 3.0 or higher out of 4.0 as recorded on official transcript, OR 3.5 or higher in major field
Election to membership in national scholastic honor society

Graduate Education: One year of full-time graduate education is the number of credit hours the school determines represents 1 year of full-time study. If unavailable, 18 semester hours satisfies the 1-year requirement.

Specialized Experience: Experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position.

🎖️Tips for Veterans

✓Translate military experience: Map duties to civilian terminology.
✓Highlight training: Include courses and certifications.
✓Veterans preference: Claim your 5 or 10-point preference.
✓Experience substitution: Military experience may substitute for education.

🎖️Military to Federal Crosswalk

Military jobs that transition to GS-1040

Army35P

★★★★★Match

Cryptologic Linguist

Strong match IF the veteran has high DLPT scores (3/3 minimum for most federal positions). Many 35Ps maintain 2+/2+ or 2+/2 which is insufficient for federal linguist roles. In-demand language skills critical.

Skills:

Foreign LanguageTranslationTranscriptionInterpretation

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12GS-13

NavyCTI

★★★★★Match

Cryptologic Technician Interpretive

Strong alignment. Language Specialist positions directly value CTI linguistic skills. DLPT scores critical for qualification. NSA and intelligence agencies recruit CTIs with high proficiency.

Skills:

Language proficiencyTranslationInterpretationCultural analysis

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12

Marine Corps4341

★★★★★Match

Combat Correspondent

Language specialist for communications.

Skills:

writingcommunicationsmediacontent creation

Entry Grades:

GS-7GS-9GS-11

Air Force1N3X1

★★★★★Match

Cryptologic Language Analyst

Language Specialist series for civilian language positions.

Skills:

Foreign LanguageTranslationInterpretation

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12

Army35M

★★★★★Match

Human Intelligence Collector

Foreign language skills if linguist-trained. Cultural awareness and interpretation experience.

Skills:

Foreign LanguageCultural AwarenessInterpretationTranslation

Entry Grades:

GS-9GS-11GS-12

💡 Tip: Your unique military experience may qualify you even if your MOS isn't listed.

📋Typical Duties

•Translate documents
•Provide interpretation services
•Analyze foreign language materials
•Support intelligence operations
•Train language skills
•Develop language programs

🎯Key Competencies

Language Proficiency

High-level proficiency in one or more foreign languages.

Translation

Ability to translate written materials accurately and idiomatically.

Interpretation

Skill in providing oral interpretation in real-time settings.

Cultural Knowledge

Understanding of cultures associated with target languages.

Writing

Ability to produce clear written translations and original content.

Research

Skill in using language resources and reference materials.

Subject Matter Knowledge

Understanding of specialized terminology in relevant fields.

Communication

Ability to communicate effectively in both source and target languages.

🔑Resume Keywords

Analyze foreign language materialsDevelop language programsLanguage SpecialistProvide interpretation servicesSupport intelligence operationsTrain language skillsTranslate documents

💡 Use these phrases to help ATS systems find your qualifications.