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Language Officer

Central Intelligence Agency
Other Agencies and Independent Organizations
Salary$79,567 – $131,826 / per year
GradeGS-10 – GS-12
LocationWashington, District of Columbia
Service02
Clearance🔒 Sensitive Compartmented Information
Drug Test🧪 Required
RelocationTrue
Posted: October 1, 2025Closes: September 30, 2026 (in 103 days)Announcement #: 24-12182922-7035/CSHD
Who may apply:fed-competitivefed-exceptedpublic

Summary

Directorate of Operations Language Officers use their foreign Language skills, cultural experience, and expertise to support clandestine operations.

Major Duties

As a Directorate of Operations Language Officer at CIA, you will perform a critical and dynamic function within the Directorate of Operations by using your advanced foreign Language skills combined with cultural experience and expertise to produce high-quality, accurate, and timely translations, interpretations, and other Language-related support to Directorate of Operations clandestine operations. Language Officers are key to the success of many foreign intelligence, counterintelligence, cyber, and covert action operations and have native or near-native level fluency in one or more of the following Languages: Japanese Persian/Farsi Khmer Arabic Chinese Mandarin Russian Spanish Language Officers generally are assigned to the Washington, DC area, but have opportunities for overseas travel. Opportunities to serve multi-year postings overseas are very limited and these positions are highly competitive. You will receive specialized training to acquire an understanding of clandestine operations tradecraft and to maintain and/or advance your foreign Language skills. Classroom training, practical exercises, and on-the-job experience are all part of the training process. Foreign language ability is highly applicable in all DO career tracks - Case Officer, Collection Management Officer, Staff Operations Officer, Targeting Officer - and prospective Language Officer candidates interested in DO employment would be best served by submitting interest in multiple career tracks. If the candidate is not considered for the Language Officer role, they may still be considered for this alternate career track of interest to them.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Interested candidates should be passionate about the ideals of our American republic, committed to upholding the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution, and committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government. Hiring decisions will not be based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. Personal integrity Strong interpersonal and communication skills (verbal and written) Action- and results-oriented Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently Flexibility, adaptability, and commitment to the mission of the CIA and the Directorate of Operations Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation Desired Qualifications Strong command of the foreign language(s) and English in speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Professional work experience as a translator and/or interpreter. Cultural and area knowledge of where the foreign language(s) is/are spoken. Strong critical/analytical thinking and research skills.

Evaluation

For more information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.

How to Apply

This post is for viewing purposes only. To get started, please visit https://www.cia.gov/careers/, where you can read more about this position and express your interest in up to four jobs. Upon expressing your interest, you will be taken to MyLINK, which allows you to submit your resume and job rankings and provide basic information about yourself.

Required Documents

Review the full application instructions on USAJOBS for the complete list of required documents. Typically includes resume, transcripts, and any applicable preference documentation (DD-214, SF-15, SF-50, etc.).

Data from official USAJOBS API · Not affiliated with USAJOBS.gov · Job data may be up to 5 minutes old
Language Officer — Central Intelligence Agency | DutyStation | DutyStation