Timewaster's Guide Archive

General => Everything Else => Topic started by: 42 on September 20, 2005, 09:58:38 AM

Title: Linguist wanted
Post by: 42 on September 20, 2005, 09:58:38 AM
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?
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Legion on September 20, 2005, 12:04:37 PM
I am interested...I can speak English and worse English?

Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Parker on September 20, 2005, 01:14:12 PM
Do you know what languages they're interested in, or is it just for a linguist in general?
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: 42 on September 20, 2005, 02:06:25 PM
Linguists in general, but probably mostly languages like arabic, chinese, and korean.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: The Lost One on September 20, 2005, 02:18:50 PM
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.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on September 20, 2005, 02:31:54 PM
Sounds like they are looking for bilingual people rather than linguists.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Tink on September 20, 2005, 03:02:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: 42 on September 20, 2005, 05:31:09 PM
Quote
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.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: The Jade Knight on September 20, 2005, 06:48:50 PM
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...)
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Oldie Black Witch on September 20, 2005, 09:27:09 PM
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)?
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: 42 on September 21, 2005, 11:40:37 AM
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.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers on September 21, 2005, 12:05:17 PM
That's ok, the Washington DC area roxxors. Jeffe and I will help acclimate TWGer who moves here
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Oldie Black Witch on September 21, 2005, 05:49:50 PM
I figured it might be in the DC area. Thanks, 42.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Peter Ahlstrom on September 22, 2005, 12:53:11 AM
Good luck!!!!
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: 42 on October 02, 2005, 11:36:51 PM
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.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: The Holy Saint, Grand High Poobah, Master of Monkeys, Ehlers on October 03, 2005, 09:25:57 AM
Yes, you too can go to church or parties and tell people you work for "the government" or the "department of defense."

Everyone knows EXACTLY what that means. But the agency insists on having you say it. I think it's hilarious.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: The Jade Knight on October 03, 2005, 03:28:30 PM
I used to tell people I worked for the government when I was a Library Aide in a public library.
Title: Re: Linguist wanted
Post by: Oldie Black Witch on October 03, 2005, 04:59:48 PM
Quote
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.



Learning obscure languages is my hobby. Thanks 42. I have a couple of things to work out that will determine whether I apply.