(Cleared) Senior Linguist - Korean Language Specialist and Cultu

Job Description (Duties & Responsibilities)

The Senior Linguist - Korean Language Specialist and Cultural Advisor is a mission-critical role supporting the ROK CWMD Readiness Program under DTRA CTRIC III. This position directly enables DTRA, USFK/CFC, 8th Army, SOCKOR, and ROK CBRNDC stakeholders by providing expert-level classified translation, consecutive interpretation, cultural advising, and operational linguistic support for high-stakes mission planning, joint/combined exercises, and multinational operational engagements.

The incumbent must possess expert fluency in English and Korean, experience in military interpretation at the senior command level, and a deep understanding of Korean cultural, military, and government protocols. This role will primarily support classified multinational operational planning, SOF CWMD mission execution, and force capability assessments between the U.S. and ROK.

Responsibilities

Duties include but are not limited to:

Classified Interpretation & Cultural Advisory (Consecutive): 60%

• Provide classified, high-level consecutive interpretation for DTRA CTR leadership and ROK CBRNDC stakeholders across planning meetings, training exercises, and classified document reviews
• Serve as the lead linguist for multinational CWMD mission planning and execution involving USFK, SOCKOR, ROK SWC, 8th Army, and CBRNDC
• Support key leader engagements, roundtable discussions, multinational conferences, official training seminars, and military site assessments
• Serve as the cultural and operational advisor to ensure seamless engagement between U.S. and ROK military forces, advising on protocols, etiquette, and geopolitical sensitivities
• Manage classified interpretation equipment and provide real-time linguistic support during operations, ensuring accuracy and security in sensitive mission contexts
• Conduct pre- and post-mission research to understand specialized CBRN and CWMD terminology, operational plans, and cultural sensitivities affecting mission success

Classified Translation & Document Review: 40%

• Conducts quality reviews and provides project leadership with technical feedback of subcontractor provided interpretation and translation services regarding linguistic quality and accuracy
• Translate classified operational documents, military doctrines, capability assessments, SOPs, and threat intelligence from English to Korean and vice versa
• Ensure translation accuracy for ROK and U.S. military assessments, CWMD joint planning reports, and unit capability briefs
• Support DTRA CTR's classified documentation efforts, ensuring compliance with U.S. and ROK national security policies
• Provide translation quality control (QC) and verification for critical mission reports, ensuring accurate terminology and alignment with strategic objectives
• Maintain familiarity with evolving CBRN defense doctrines, force capability assessments, and US-ROK interoperability requirements

Required Qualifications

Qualifications:

• USG Security Clearance: TS/SCI with CI Poly preferred, Minimum SECRET, eligible for upgrade
• Must be eligible for U.S. Government-issued clearance with classified access
• Bachelor's degree in Linguistics, Interpretation, Intelligence Studies, International Relations, or a related field
• Eligible for USFK SOFA status with access to ROK-US military installation and facilities ISO program activities

Language Proficiency:

• Certified in Korean in one of the following: (1) Masters Degree in Interpretation and Translation; (2) Level IV (fluent) English and Level V (native, educated) Korean; (3) Military DLPT 3/3+ or greater; or (4) ACTFL/LTI upper proficiency score in both Korean and English (listening, writing, and speaking)
• Demonstrated expert understanding of ROK-U.S. military terminology, SOF/CWMD operational planning language, and geopolitical theater context

Skills and Experience:

• 5+ years of consecutive interpretation experience in military or government settings
• Direct experience working with ROK-U.S. military forces in operational CWMD and SOF environments
• Proven ability to interpret and advise at the 2- to 3-star general officer/flag officer level in unclassified/classified discussions or exercises
• Expertise in U.S. and ROK military doctrine, operational planning, and intelligence analysis
• Experience supporting multinational force interoperability, joint exercises, and classified mission planning
• Ability to function in high-pressure environments, providing mission-critical linguistic and cultural advisory support
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and secure document handling software

Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of professional translation work for English and Korean.
• Good sense of Korean and English style is required
• Good knowledge of translation technical toolkits, including electronic dictionaries, thesauruses, and other translation databases
• Good working knowledge of how to use the Internet
• Basic knowledge of Korean and American political, economic, military, scientific, cultural, and social developments
• Knowledge of CBRN training programs and supporting capability assessments of Partner Nation Forces

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Experience supporting DTRA CTR, USFK, SOCKOR, or ROK CBRNDC efforts
• Background in SOF CWMD operations, intelligence analysis, or strategic force capability assessments
• Prior service as a military linguist, operational analyst, or senior advisor within KTO operations
• Expertise in CBRN threat analysis and special operations force (SOF) capability assessments
• Strong network with ROK SWC, USFK, and CFC strategic planning units

Additional notes

Note:

• Base salary plus Housing Allowance (HOLA) and Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) for Greater Seoul Metropolitan Area (GSMA)
• International Assignment Agreement through Amentum GMT with full relocation assistance may be provided for qualified candidates
• Position contingent on security clearance validation
• Funding only through 3/31/2026
• TS/SCI preferred, Minimum SECRET
• Must be US citizen

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