Language Officer

📍 Washington, District of Columbia · 🏛 Central Intelligence Agency · 💰 $79,567–$131,826 per year · 🎓 GS 10–12 · 🧭 Language Specialist (1040) · ⏳ Closes Jan 31, 2027 · 81 days left · 🗓 Posted Sep 1, 2026
Browse: More Central Intelligence Agency jobs · More Language Specialist jobs · Federal jobs in District of Columbia

Job details at a glance

AgencyCentral Intelligence Agency
DepartmentOther Agencies and Independent Organizations
LocationWashington, District of Columbia
Salary$79,567–$131,826 per year
GradeGS 10–12
ScheduleFull-time
Occupation seriesLanguage Specialist (1040)
OpeningsMany
Hiring pathsCompetitive service, Excepted service, Open to the public
PostedSep 1, 2026
Application deadlineJan 31, 2027
Telework eligibleNo
Remote jobNo
Security clearanceSensitive Compartmented Information
Relocation expenses reimbursedYes
Promotion potential15
Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

About this job

Directorate of Operations Language Officers use their foreign Language skills, cultural experience, and expertise to support clandestine operations.

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.

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.

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

Evaluations

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.

Applications are handled only on the official announcement. This page is a readable copy of the public announcement data — the official version controls if anything differs.

Apply on USAJobs (official) ↗

Required documents

For further information, please visit: https://www.cia.gov/careers/.

What to expect next

After you express interest for up to four positions on cia.gov/careers, a CIA recruiter may contact you for further discussion if your qualifications meet our needs. See the MyLINK FAQs on our website for more information.

Frequently asked questions

How much does this Language Officer job pay?

The announcement lists a salary of $79,567–$131,826 per year (GS 10–12).

When is the last day to apply?

Applications close on Jan 31, 2027 — 81 days from today.

Where is this job located?

This position is located in Washington, District of Columbia with the Central Intelligence Agency.

How do I apply?

Applications are submitted through the official announcement on USAJobs. Use the Apply button on this page to go to the official posting — this site never takes applications itself.

More jobs at Central Intelligence Agency

All Central Intelligence Agency jobs →

More Language Specialist jobs

All Language Specialist jobs →

Data: USAJobs (U.S. Office of Personnel Management), retrieved 2026-11-11 · Announcement 24-12182922-7035/CSHD · Official announcement. FederalJobs is unofficial and is not affiliated with OPM or the agency.
Language Officer
Jan 31, 2027 deadlineApply