ASL Interpreter

At Cal Poly Humboldt, bold hearts and open minds shape the future. 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.

About the role

Under general supervision, the American Sign Language Interpreter 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.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate communication between Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing, Deaf-Blind, and hearing consumers (95% of role).
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 only):
  • 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.
• 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.
• Maintain fluency and accuracy in interpreting across a range of subject matters.
• Demonstrate knowledge of specialized vocabulary as required by assignments.
• Perform other duties as assigned (5% of role).

Requirements

• Interpreter I: Any combination of experience and training in voice-to-sign and 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 should be equivalent to those prescribed for certification under the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID).
• 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. Two years of relevant documented interpreting experience in a variety of settings is typically required.

Qualifications

• Interpreter I:
  • Ability to effectively communicate with a diverse population.
  • Working knowledge of the process of interpretation, ASL and/or English sign systems as required by the student(s) or assignment.
  • Knowledge of methods and techniques used in communicating with Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing consumers.
  • Familiarity with the Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID) code of professional conduct.
  • Knowledge of vocabulary used in assigned courses and demonstrated understanding of Deaf Culture.
  • Ability to hear spoken English and use ASL, Signed English, and/or another manual sign system to effectively generate language.
  • Ability to interpret and transliterate between ASL/sign systems and spoken English at a speed required by the assignment, which may involve classrooms, conferences, or one-on-one meetings.
• Interpreter II (in addition to Interpreter I qualifications):
  • Thorough knowledge of the interpreting process and demonstrated understanding of the special communication needs of Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing consumers.
  • Comprehensive understanding of Deaf Culture and working knowledge of platform interpreting techniques.
  • Working knowledge of vocabulary, terminology, and basic information in a variety of subjects.
  • Specific knowledge of specialized vocabulary and techniques used in interpreting professional and technical subject matter.
  • Ability to interpret effectively using unique terminology and language.
  • Ability to shift rapidly between ASL/manual sign systems and spoken English in highly interactive situations (e.g., discussions, workshops, seminars, platform settings).
  • Ability to interpret difficult and complex terms, concepts, ideas, and emotions.
  • Ability to learn unique subject matter, theories, and terminology.
  • Ability to provide accurate, thorough, and comprehensive services responsive to students’ communication needs and preferences.

Certification Requirements

• Interpreter II A: Must possess and maintain skills certification in either interpreting or transliteration as issued by the National Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf (RID), or NIC (National Interpreter Certification) issued by RID, or comparable certification.
• Interpreter II B: Must possess and maintain skills certification in both interpreting and transliteration from RID, or NIC Advanced certification issued by RID, or comparable certification.

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years or 1,800 hours of paid interpreting experience.

Pay

• Interpreter I (7170):
  • CSU Classification Range: $26.54 – $62.26 per hour
  • Anticipated Hiring Range: $26.54 – $37.00 per hour
• Interpreter II A (7169):
  • CSU Classification Range: $32.25 – $70.06 per hour
  • Anticipated Hiring Range: $32.25 – $37.00 per hour
• Interpreter II B (7169):
  • CSU Classification Range: $37.00 – $77.83 per hour
  • Anticipated Hiring Range: $37.00 per hour

Final salary placement is based on experience, internal equity, and budget considerations.

Schedule

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