Linguist / Language Analyst - Entry to Expert Level (MD, HI, GA, TX, UT, CO, AK)

Responsibilities

NSA's Linguists, known as Multidisciplined Language Analysts (MDLAs), are expected to take an inclusive approach to problem solving and mission accomplishment by frequently engaging with partners, enablers, and customers across the Intelligence Community. Based on skill level and experience, NSA MDLAs are considered for either the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP); the Chinese Enhancement Cross-Training Program; or in the case of MDLAs with extensive experience in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT), direct hire into positions supporting an analytic mission office. LADP: The LADP, which lasts up to three years, is designed to provide an intensive, accelerated opportunity to acquire the unique technical skills and experience needed to successfully apply knowledge and analytic ability to the SIGINT mission and help MDLAs achieve core analytic competencies in accordance with the Cryptologic Training System Training Standard and the MDLA competencies framework. The program includes 4-5 operational tours in a variety of offices, interspersed with formal classroom and computer-based training. These on-the-job operational tours are primarily focused on analyzing foreign language materials within the framework of the two main SIGINT disciplines of intelligence analysis - SIGINT reporting and SIGINT development. Cross-Training Program (Language Enhancement): The current Language Analysis Cross Training Program is designed to enhance an existing language which is critically needed to fulfill NSA's mission. After successful completion of the Cross-Training program, most graduates will enter the Language Analysis Development Program (LADP), which lasts up to three years. MDLAs are at the forefront of carrying out NSA's SIGINT mission, and they do so in a variety of ways: - Offer U.S. policymakers and military leaders a window into the foreign language world of intelligence targets by analyzing, transcribing, and translating key information - Research and understand foreign intelligence targets, how they operate, and how they fit in the larger geo-political context - Apply new techniques and develop creative solutions to address analytic problems such as synthesizing large volumes of data and disparate sources of information - Demonstrate a firm understanding of the communications environment and technology trends of foreign intelligence targets - Craft written and oral assessments of foreign intelligence that provide unique insights into target intentions unavailable from other intelligence disciplines - Work independently and collaborate effectively (both within NSA and with other analysts in the Intelligence Community) in research, analysis, and reporting

Job Summary

Are you passionate about using your foreign language skills, working at the forefront of NSA's exciting SIGINT mission? Opportunities include either the Direct Hire, Language Analysis Development Program (LADP), or Enhancement Cross-training. Click below to learn more.

Qualifications

The qualifications listed are the minimum acceptable to be considered for the position. Relevant experience must be in one or more of the following: performing professional work in the language (for example, translation, transcription), military, teaching, and analysis; OR non-language work in a field such as intelligence analysis, international relations, security studies, intelligence studies, journalism, law, STEM fields (for example, computer science, chemistry, space or weapons systems, or cyber), and other topics relevant to NSA mission. Applicant must have a minimum language proficiency of Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) equal to a level 2/2 in reading and listening in the target language for which the applicant is being considered, OR be selected for placement in and commit to the Agency's intensive language training (acquisition or enhancement) programs. Selection for these programs is done in collaboration with the Language Analysis Skill Community and Language Analysis Development Program, and is intended for use with hard-to-fill or critical languages. Minimum ILR proficiency levels for the intensive language training programs are as follows (education and experience requirements above also apply): Applicants for the enhancement program must have either: (a) a minimum language proficiency equal to a combined score of ILR Level 1/1 (for example: 0+/1+, 2/0, where 0+=.5, 1 = 1, 1+ = 1.5, 2 = 2) in the target language for which the applicant is being considered OR (b) a minimum score of 110 on the DLAB. Applicants being considered for the acquisition program must have either: (a) a minimum language proficiency of ILR Level 2/2 in any world language other than English; OR (b) a minimum score of 110 on the DLAB. ENTRY/DEVELOPMENTAL Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 4 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 2 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree with no experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. FULL PERFORMANCE Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 7 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 5 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 3 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 1 year of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree and no experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. SENIOR Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 10 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 8 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 6 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 4 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 2 years of relevant experience. A degree in any field is acceptable. EXPERT Entry is with a high school diploma or GED plus 13 years of relevant experience, or an Associate's degree plus 11 years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor's degree plus 9 years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree plus 7 years of relevant experience, or a Doctoral degree plus 5 years of relevant experience. A degree in any field is acceptable.

Competencies

The ideal candidate is intellectually curious, has a desire for continual learning, and is: - Proficient (reading and listening) in one or more critical foreign languages, including Chinese, Persian Farsi, Arabic, Russian, Ukrainian, and other languages as missions and needs evolve, and/or the lower-density languages Somali (with Maay Maay), Swahili (with Kalenjin, Luo, Kikuyu,), French (with Lingala or Bambara), Urdu (with Punjabi), and Pashto - (this requirement only applies to Direct hire and LADP applicants) - Well organized and able to handle multiple assignments - A strong written and oral communicator - Able to synthesize information to solve complex problems - Able to provide timely and accurate customer service Coursework, knowledge, and experience in one or more of the following is desired: - Target development - Social network analysis - Metadata analysis - Research methodology - Topical or Regional studies relevant to national security - Quantitative/Statistical analysis - Data modeling, mining, or science - Cyber security - Computer science or networking - Telecommunications Relevant Internships, extracurricular activities, and/or foreign study are also considered. Prior military without a degree but with language analysis cryptologic experience will be considered. In most cases, Experienced Level Language Analysts at NSA will have substantial experience in one or more of the following areas: - Performing language quality control; - Serving as an established Subject Matter Expert (SME); - Authoring and releasing reports; - Mentoring, coaching, and leading other Language Analysts; - Ensuring the technical health of the mission; - Mastering and coaching others on the use of a variety of internal tools; - Testing at Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) 3/3 levels for one or more mission languages; and - Displaying a broad knowledge of the Intelligence Community and how various elements work together to prosecute mission. NOTE: If you are selected to process further, you will be required to complete an online interview and take the Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT) which measures language proficiency and/or the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB) which measures potential for learning a foreign language. Invitations and instructions for the online interview and scheduling for the language test will be emailed to you - you must complete these steps before your application can be considered for further processing. Please check your Spam folder just in case these emails landed there instead of your Inbox. You will be required to test within one month of receiving the language test email as this information will be used as part of the selection decision.