Summary Human Geography Linguists apply expertise in geography, foreign languages, and linguistics to analyze foreign language sources and to develop policy recommendations for the standardization of foreign geographic names. They monitor and conduct foreign language research in their area of responsibility, identify administrative, linguistic, and human geography changes, and build foundation geospatial Responsibilities This Job Announcement will be used to build a pool of qualified applicants for a hiring event taking place on 28 February 2026 thru 1 March 2026. NGA is seeking experienced Mandarin Chinese linguists to support critical missions around the world. If you have experience in speaking, reading and translating the Mandarin Chinese language, we want you on our team. Your skills will help bridge communication barriers and make a meaningful impact in diverse regions. An ability to work in dynamic, cross-cultural environments and a strong understanding of cultural @context and sensitivities is a must! Additional Application Requirement: You may be asked to complete one or more assessments in addition to the application you submit on this website as part of your application to NGA. These assessments may include but are not limited to: 1) Online questionnaires or assessments that require you to describe your job-related knowledge, skills, abilities, or other characteristics that are aligned with the mandatory and desirable qualifications of this job posting. The information you provide in the application you submit must support the response you provide to this questionnaire. You will receive an email to describe any additional assessments required. Please monitor your emails and complete any required assessments as soon as possible. Requirements Conditions of Employment Security Investigation SPECIAL INFO: As a condition of employment at NGA, persons being considered for employment must meet NGA fitness for employment standards. - U.S. Citizenship - Security Clearance - Top Secret /Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) - Polygraph & Drug Test - Direct Deposit - Trial Period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. We may consider: performance conduct; needs and interests of the agency; and whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government and the efficiency of the Federal service SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: You must be able to obtain and retain a Top Secret security clearance with access to SCI. In addition, you are subject to a Counterintelligence Polygraph examination in order to maintain access to Top Secret information. All employees are subject to a periodic examination on a random basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Refusal to take the examination may result in denial of access to Top Secret information, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. Employees with SCI access and who are under NGA cognizance are required to submit a Security Financial Disclosure Report, SF-714, on an annual basis in order to determine continued eligibility. Failure to comply may negatively impact continued access to Top Secret information, Information Systems, SAP, or unescorted access to SCIFs. NGA utilizes all processes and procedures of the Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System (DCIPS). Non-executive NGA employees are assigned to five distinct pay bands based on the @type and scope of work performed. The employee's base salary is established within their assigned pay band based on their unique qualifications. A performance pay process is conducted each year to determine a potential base pay salary increase and/or bonus. An employee's annual performance evaluation is a key factor in the performance pay process. This position is a DCIPS position in the Excepted Service under 10 U.S.C. 1601. DoD Components with DCIPS positions apply Veterans' Preference to preference eligible candidates as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 USC, in accordance with the procedures provided in DoD Instruction 1400.25, Volume 2005, DCIPS Employment and Placement. If you are an external applicant claiming veterans' preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must self-identify your eligibility. Qualifications MANDATORY QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: For this particular job, applicants must meet all competencies reflected under the Mandatory Qualification Criteria to include education (if required). Online resumes must demonstrate qualification by providing specific examples and associated results, in response to the announcement's mandatory criteria specified in this vacancy announcement: 1. Demonstrated experience reading, writing, and researching in English and Mandarin Chinese. 2. Demonstrated experience communicating verbally between English and Mandarin Chinese. 3. Demonstrated experience with cultural/regional geographical analysis of China, Taiwan, and Chinese-speaking regions. 4. Demonstrated experience performing Source Gap Identification and quality assurance procedures. EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: A.-Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Anthropology, Cartography, Computer Science, Cultural/Foreign Area Studies, Economics, Foreign Language, Geography, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Geology, History, International Affairs/Studies, Linguistics, Liberal Arts, Meteorology, Planning, Political Science, Social Sciences, Sociology, Urban Studies, or a related discipline that included at least 24 semester hours in Geography or related fields. -OR- B. Combination of Education and Experience: A minimum of 24 semester (36 quarter) hours of coursework in Geography or related fields as shown in option A, plus experience that includes the application of foreign language or linguistics, methods of research and analysis, and/or application of cartographic principles, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. As a rule, every 30 semester (45 quarter) hours of coursework is equivalent to one year of experience. Candidates should show that their combination of education and experience totals 4 years. -OR- C. Experience: A minimum of 4 years of experience that includes the application of foreign language or linguistics, methods of research and analysis, and/or application of cartographic principles, or a related area that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the duties associated with this work. PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT: Near visual acuity of 20/60 or better with or without corrective lenses DESIRABLE QUALIFICATION CRITERIA: In addition to the mandatory qualifications, experience in the following is desired: 1. Demonstrated familiarity with and use of foreign language reference guides. 2. Experience with researching for standardized geographic names to support human geography requirements. 3. Experience with international naming conventions and agreements, romanization guidelines, toponymy, and/or translation policy and procedure. 4. Experience with Geospatial Information System (GIS) principles, GIS tools, geographic naming conventions, georeferencing, Geospatial Production Systems, producing geospatial products, and/or GEOINT Doctrine. 5. Experience with coding and scripting in human geography. 6. Demonstrated understanding of the structure and functions of the Intelligence Community and Department of War Education Additional Information
