Linguist wanted

[42]

So I got word from one of my sister-in-laws that the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security is looking desperately for linguists at the moment.

My sister-in-law works for the dept. as a cryptologist and get a large bonus if she refers anyone.

Anyone interested?

[Legion]

I am interested...I can speak English and worse English?

[Parker]

Do you know what languages they're interested in, or is it just for a linguist in general?

[42]

Linguists in general, but probably mostly languages like arabic, chinese, and korean.

[The Lost One]

I got a call on Satuday from the Defense Department, Investigation Divisions. Fortunately, they were after one of my friends that is a linguist, speaks Korean better than me, and had applied for a position with the US intelligence agencies (which includes Homeland Security). They do a through background check. So if you apply, be sure to have a lot of references prepared.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

Sounds like they are looking for bilingual people rather than linguists.

[Tink]

Did you think about contacting Linguistics departments and giving them your sister-in-law's info so they can contact her about the position? I know that there have been some grad students hired by the government because they were getting their grad degree in Linguistics. They were actually paid to learn the languages (I believe Arabic, what a surprise). You could email BYU's linguistic's department at linguistics AT byu DOT edu. Just put the info that is needed in the email and then ask it be forwarded to linguistics students.

[42]

Sounds like they are looking for bilingual people rather than linguists.

All I was told was that they were looking for linguist. My sister-in-law (and Lost_One's) is in the cryptology department. They are code-breakers not translators and they want liguist. It could be just to translate, but the government isn't forth-coming with details.

I know that the Homeland Security program recruits heavily from BYU already. BYU does have one of the best linguistics departments in the U.S if not the World.

[The Jade Knight]

I'd love a position, but I'm only minoring in Linguistics, don't have my degree yet, and speak French (though I'm learning Chinese...)

[Oldie Black Witch]

42, I'm desperately interested. I have a BA in Linguistics and I'm currently dealing with encryption algorithms and codes at work. I also almost minored in Math (I was two classes shy and wanted to graduate more than I wanted the minor).
What are the details of the job (besides cryptography)?

[42]

Old_One, do you have an email that I could give to my sister-in-law? It's probably best if she tells you the details. She is better informed and has a higher security-clearance than me.

I do suspect that the job would be in the Washington, D.C. area, but that may not be the case.

[The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers]

That's ok, the Washington DC area roxxors. Jeffe and I will help acclimate TWGer who moves here

[Oldie Black Witch]

I figured it might be in the DC area. Thanks, 42.

[Peter Ahlstrom]

Good luck!!!!

[42]

Oldie Locks, when you are done with the electronic application email my sister-in-law so you can get priority.

I found out a little more about the position. They aren't looking for people who speak any particular language. They are looking for people who can learn a language. When you get hired they will assign you to learn a certain (probably obscure) language. What is actually involved in the position is classified. They don't reveal the details until you recieve your security clearance.

According to my sister-in-law, people like working at the NSA.

Also, you have to pass a background check which takes about 8 months. So that is when you can expect to hear back from them. They won't hire people with any sort of addiction or criminal record.