About This Position
Directorate of Operations Language Officers use their foreign Language skills, cultural experience, and expertise to support clandestine operations.
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.
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.
Education
Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (applicants within one year of earning a four-year degree will be considered); there is no preferred major or program of study (degrees from foreign academic institutions are accepted, but you are responsible for obtaining and providing CIA with a credential evaluation from an accredited firm confirming that the foreign degree is the equivalent of a BA/BS and/or MA/MS degree conferred by a U.S. college or university) At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale is preferred
How You Will Be Evaluated
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
For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Language Officer position at Central Intelligence Agency?
The salary range for this position is $79,567 - $131,826/yr. This is a GS-10/12 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Language Officer job located?
This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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 integrit...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Sep 30, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
What does GS-10/12 mean?
GS-10/12 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.