ASL Interpreter

Campus Disability Resource Center

Job #557305

Close Date:  Open Until Filled

Temporary

Founded in 1913, Cal Poly Humboldt began as a small college for teachers. Today Humboldt has grown into a comprehensive university with rigorous science and liberal arts programs. Designated a polytechnic in 2022, Cal Poly Humboldt provides hands-on, impactful educational opportunities that lead to meaningful, measurable outcomes for the individual, for the state, and the world.

Cal Poly Humboldt is proud to have more than 6,000 students of all backgrounds spread across 61 majors, 13 graduate programs, and 4 credential programs — all of whom contribute passion and creativity within their fields and set the stage for a future grounded in equity and sustainability. Hands-on learning, inspired teaching, ground-breaking research, and thought-provoking creative activity happen daily at Humboldt.

Finding a better future is a task for the bold and open, the down-to-earth and visionary. Cal Poly Humboldt strives to cultivate these qualities in leaders, innovators, and scholars in every field. As part of the California State University (CSU) system, Cal Poly Humboldt is part of one of the nation’s largest and most impactful public university systems, where education, innovation, and service create meaningful change for California and beyond. See what it’s like to work at the CSU—watch our video and imagine your future at Cal Poly Humboldt.

CSU Classification Range: $26.54 (Per Hour) - $62.26 (Per Hour)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $26.54 (Per Hour) – $37.00 (Per Hour)

CSU Classification Range: $32.25 (Per Hour) - $70.06 (Per Hour)

Anticipated Hiring Range: 32.25 (Per Hour) - $37.00 (Per Hour)

CSU Classification Range: $37.00 (Per Hour)  - 77.83 (Per Hour)

Anticipated Hiring Range: $37.00 (Per Hour)

 This is a temporary, intermittent hourly, non-benefitted, non-exempt, 12-month pay plan in the Campus Disability Resource Center.

Under general supervision, Interpreter I provides sign language interpreting services to facilitate communication for Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students primarily in classroom and instructional settings, including assignments that may involve technical or specialized vocabulary. The complexity of assignments varies based on factors such as subject matter difficulty, communication system used, speed of delivery, and number of consumers served. The Interpreter II (A/B) performs more advanced and complex interpreting assignments requiring higher levels of skill, training, certification, and experience, often in highly interactive environments that demand rapid transitions between spoken English and sign language. These assignments include advanced academic courses, discussions, conferences, workshops, and large-group or platform settings involving multiple participants. To ensure equitable access to instruction, the Interpreter II adapts language, terminology, and concepts—including abstract ideas, tone, and intent—requiring a strong understanding of specialized subject matter to provide fluent, accurate, and culturally appropriate interpretation.

95% - Facilitate communication between Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and hearing consumers.

• Interpreting and Communication Services
• Provide sign language interpreting services to facilitate communication between Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing students and others in instructional and related settings.
• Interpret spoken English into sign language (or other manual communication systems) and vice versa.
• Ensure accurate, complete, and culturally appropriate transmission of information.
• Adapt interpreting approach to meet consumer language preferences and communication needs.

Instructional Support

• Support access to classroom instruction, including lectures, discussions, and academic activities.
• Interpret course material that may include technical or specialized subject matter and vocabulary.
• Convey terminology, concepts, tone, intent, and context of instructional content.
• Ensure equitable access to instruction comparable to that provided to hearing students.

Complexity and Scope of Assignments

• Perform assignments that vary in complexity based on:
• Type of interpreting or communication system required
• Difficulty and specialization of subject matter and vocabulary
• Speed of communication and interpreting demands
• Number of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing consumers served simultaneously
• Adjust interpreting techniques to accommodate fast-paced or complex instructional environments.

Advanced Interpreting Functions (Interpreter II)

• Perform highly complex interpreting assignments requiring advanced skill, training, certification, and experience.
• Interpret in interactive environments requiring rapid exchange between spoken English and sign language.
• Provide interpreting services in advanced-level classes and settings involving highly technical or specialized content.
• Interpret in large group or platform settings, including conferences, workshops, seminars, and performances.
• Serve multiple consumers simultaneously in complex or high-demand situations.

Language and Cultural Mediation

• Adapt terminology, concepts, and communication style to ensure clarity and comprehension.
• Incorporate linguistic and cultural considerations into all interpreting services.
• Convey nuanced meaning, including abstract concepts, tone, and emotion.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain fluency and accuracy in interpreting across a range of subject matters.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specialized vocabulary as required by assignments.

Other duties as Assigned – 5%

As Listed in Classification Standards:

Interpreter I

Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population.

Working knowledge of the process on interpretation; ASL and/or English sign system as required by the student(s) or the assignment; the methods and techniques used in communicating with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing consumers; the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct; the vocabulary used in the courses to which the Interpreter is assigned; and a demonstrated knowledge of Deaf Culture.

Ability to hear spoken English and use ASL, Signed English, and/or another manual sign system to effectively generate language; interpret and transliterate between the ASL and sign systems and spoken English at a speed required by the assignment, which may involve a variety of settings such as a classroom, conference, and/or one-on-one meeting.

Interpreter II

In addition to the knowledge required of the Interpreter I, both skill/pay levels of the Interpreter II require thorough knowledge of the interpreting process; demonstrated understanding of the special communication needs of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing consumers; comprehensive understanding of Deaf Culture, working knowledge of platform interpreting techniques; working knowledge of the vocabulary, terminology, and basic information in a variety of subjects; and specific knowledge of specialized vocabulary and techniques used in interpreting professional and technical subject matter. In addition to the abilities required for the Interpreter I, both skill levels of the Interpreter II must be able to interpret effectively at a level that requires using unique terminology and language; effectively shift between ASL or a manual sign system to spoken English and vice versa in highly interactive situations, such as discussions, workshops, seminars and platform settings; interpret difficult and complex terms, concepts, ideas and emotions; learn unique subject matter, theories, and terminology; provide accurate, thorough, and comprehensive services; and be responsive to students’ communication needs and preferences.

Interpreter I:

Any combination of experience and training in voice-to-sign & sign-to-voice interpreting or transliterating that demonstrates assurance of skills appropriate for the level of the assignment, three years of experience preferred.  Such a combination of experience and training should be equivalent to those prescribed for certification under the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf.

Interpreter II A/B:

Generally, wide acquaintance with academic higher education through attendance at or graduation from a four-year college or university may be essential to provide interpreting services at a level required for the position assignments.  In addition, two years of relevant documented interpreting experience in a variety of settings usually are needed to perform at the level required for position assignments. Certification Requirements: The following certifications are required for each of the two skill levels within this classification:

Interpreter II A:

Incumbents must possess and maintain skills certification in either interpreting or transliteration as issued by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or possess and maintain NIC (National Interpreter Certification) certification issued by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or comparable certification.  

Interpreter II B:

 Incumbents must possess and maintain skills certification in both interpreting and transliteration from RID or possess and maintain NIC Advanced (National Interpreter Certification) certification issued by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) or comparable certification. 

Back to search results Apply now Refer a friend

 Candidate must possess and maintain certification/s: RID, NAD, and/or BEI certificates

• Three years or 1800 hours of paid interpreting experience. 

Any inquiries about this recruitment can be directed to careers@humboldt.edu or Cal Poly Humboldt’s Human Resources Office at (707) 826-3626.

We acknowledge that Cal Poly Humboldt is located on the unceded lands of the Wiyot people, where they have resided from time immemorial. We encourage all to gain a deeper understanding of their history and thriving culture. As an expression of our gratitude we are genuinely committed to developing trusting, reciprocal, and long lasting partnerships with the Wiyot people as well as all of our neighboring tribes. Cal Poly Humboldt was the first campus in the California State University system to offer a stand-alone major in Native American Studies.

Cal Poly Humboldt is committed to enriching its educational environment and its culture through the diversity of its staff, faculty, and administration. Persons with interest and experience in helping organizations set and achieve goals relative to diversity and inclusion are especially encouraged to apply.

Working in the state of California is a condition of employment for this position. Even if part or all of an employee's assignment can be performed remotely, the employee must maintain a permanent residence in the state of California. The employee must be able to accept on-campus work assignment, as assigned, and come to campus when needed.

CSU strongly recommends that all individuals who access any in-person program or activity (on- or off-campus) operated or controlled by the University follow COVID-19 vaccine recommendations adopted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) applicable to their age, medical condition, and other relevant indications and comply with other safety measure established by each campus. The systemwide policy can be found at CSU Vaccination Policy and any questions you have may be submitted to hr@humboldt.edu.

Cal Poly Humboldt hires only individuals lawfully authorized to work in the United States. This position may be considered a “Campus Security Authority”, pursuant to the Clery Act, and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1107 a condition of employment.

CAL POLY HUMBOLDT IS NOT A SPONSORING AGENCY FOR STAFF OR MANAGEMENT POSITIONS (e.g. H1-B VISAS)

Evidence of required degree(s), certification(s), or license(s) is required prior to the appointment date. Satisfactory completion of a background check (including a criminal records check, employment verification, and education verification) is required for employment. Cal Poly Humboldt will issue a contingent offer of employment to the selected candidate, which may be rescinded if the background check reveals disqualifying information, and/or if it is discovered that the candidate knowingly withheld or falsified information.  Certain positions may also require a credit check, motor vehicle report, and/or fingerprinting through Live Scan service. Failure to satisfactorily complete or adverse findings from a background check may affect the employment status of candidates or continued employment of current CSU employees who are being considered for the position.

All university programs and activities are open and available to all regardless of race, sex, color, ethnicity or national origin. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, the Cal Poly Humboldt provides equal opportunity in education and employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every student and employee has access to the resources and support they need to thrive and succeed in a university environment and in their communities. Cal Poly Humboldt complies with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), other applicable state and federal anti-discrimination laws, and CSU’s Nondiscrimination Policy. We prohibit discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all university programs, policies, and practices.  Cal Poly Humboldt is a diverse community of individuals who represent many perspectives, beliefs and identities, committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and intellectually vibrant environment. We cultivate a culture of open dialogue, mutual respect, and belonging to support educational excellence and student success. Through academic programs, student organizations and activities, faculty initiatives, and community partnerships, we encourage meaningful engagement with diverse perspectives. As a higher education institution, we are dedicated to advancing knowledge and empowering individuals to reach their full potential by prioritizing inclusive curriculum development, faculty and staff training, student mentorship, and comprehensive support programs. At Cal Poly Humboldt, excellence is built on merit, talent, diversity, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all.