Japanese Senior Linguist (CAT II), Exercise Support (Temporary Duty)

Summary:
The Unconventional LLC (TU) is seeking a highly qualified Japanese Senior Linguist (CAT II) to provide professional interpretation translation transcription and reporting support for military planning activities training events and exercises conducted in the continental United States (CONUS) and overseas (OCONUS).

The successful candidate will facilitate clear accurate and culturally appropriate communication between U.S. personnel and Japanese military or government counterparts. This position requires advanced Japanese and English language proficiency sound judgment discretion and the ability to operate effectively in dynamic mission-focused environments.

Specific duties may include but are not limited to:

• Provide consecutive interpretation and translation between English and Japanese in support of military planners training audiences and exercise participants.
• Support meetings planning conferences briefings working groups training activities and exercise execution.
• Translate written correspondence planning documents briefings reports and other operational or administrative materials.
• Accurately interpret discussions between U.S. personnel and designated Japanese military government or partner-nation representatives.
• Provide transcription translation and reporting services as required by supported organizations.
• Preserve the meaning tone context and intent of spoken and written communications including military and technical terminology.
• Produce clear and accurate records of discussions decisions activities and other mission-relevant information.
• Report to designated duty locations in accordance with exercise schedules planning requirements and mission needs.
• Maintain availability outside normal duty hours when required to support urgent or emergency situations.
• Conduct all activities in a professional culturally appropriate and discreet manner.
• Collaborate effectively as an integral member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to meet operational and customer requirements.
• Exercise support is expected to take place:
  • Middle Planning Conference 22SEP 2026 30 SEP 2026 in Monterey CA.
  • Wargame Execution 20FEB 2027 06 MAR 2027 in Japan.
    

Required Qualifications:

• Demonstrated professional experience providing Japanese-English and English-Japanese interpretation and translation services.
• Experience transcribing translating and accurately documenting conversations meetings or operational activities.
• Demonstrated experience providing consecutive interpretation between native English and Japanese speakers.
• Ability to interpret and translate rapidly and accurately in individual small-group and large-group settings involving multiple or complex topics.
• Advanced proficiency in English and Japanese demonstrated by a minimum Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) score of 3/3/3 or an equivalent industry-recognized assessment.
• Industry-recognized certification test result or other verifiable documentation confirming the required language proficiency.
• Familiarity with Japanese culture customs professional protocols and appropriate standards of conduct.
• Ability to understand and accurately communicate military operational technical and planning-related terminology.
• Ability to work independently exercise sound judgment and perform effectively under time-sensitive or changing operational conditions.
• Ability to function professionally as part of an integrated team.
• Prior U.S. military experience or demonstrated experience supporting U.S. military organizations exercises or operations.

Clearance: Must possess an active SECRET Security Clearance.

Location: Monterey California & Japan with additional locations possible based on mission requirements.

Travel: Frequent CONUS and OCONUS travel is required. Candidates must possess or be able to obtain and maintain a valid passport and meet all applicable travel requirements.

Compensation & Benefits: The Unconventional LLC. will provide the Linguist with a $150.00 per hour rate of pay for each day addition the Linguist will receive reimbursement for travel and lodging costs while working in support of this assignment along with a daily per diem based on location to cover meals and incidental expenses while on assignment.