Public Services and Procurement Canada
Jobs with the Translation Bureau

Do you have a passion for language? Learn about careers with the Translation Bureau at Public Services and Procurement Canada, the largest employer of language professionals in Canada.

Which career suits you

The Translation Bureau employs translators, conference interpreters and terminologists. Learn about the work that these talented professionals do. Find out what qualifications they needed.

Translator

What does a translator do

A translator transfers a written text from one language to another, while respecting the meaning and style of the message.

What is a translator

A translator is a professional who specializes in written communication.

He/she:

• has excellent language skills
• has proven writing skills
• is bilingual or multilingual
• demonstrates attention to detail
• has excellent powers of concentration
• is self-reliant
• has extensive intellectual curiosity
• maintains high standards

What degree does a translator need

Bachelor of Arts in translation

Conference interpreter

What does a conference interpreter do

A conference interpreter acts as an intermediary between two or more speakers who do not speak the same language.

What is a conference interpreter

A translator is a professional who specializes in oral communication.

He/she:

• is an excellent listener
• communicates ideas
• has good interpersonal skills
• is bilingual or multilingual
• demonstrates attention to detail
• is very cultured
• is self-reliant
• is disciplined
• has extensive intellectual curiosity
• maintains high standards

What degree does a conference interpreter need

Masters of Arts in conference interpreting

Terminologist

What does a terminologist do

A terminologist carries out the research required to index terms specific to a certain area of activity or organization. He/she analyzes concepts, defines terms, finds their equivalents in another language and selects the most appropriate equivalents.

The result? The research is used to compile glossaries, feed terminology databases and standardize the terminology used in a certain field or organization.

Public service administrators and communicators (including translators, interpreters and writers) use terminologists when they require specialized terminology.

What is a terminologist

A terminologist is a professional who specializes in searching for specialized terms.

He/she:

• has strong language skills
• is passionate about in-depth research
• analyzes and synthesize data
• has extensive intellectual curiosity
• demonstrates attention to detail
• has good writing skills
• has computer skills

What degree does a terminologist need

Bachelor of Arts with Honours

Browse career opportunities

Explore and apply for translation, conference interpreter and terminologist careers. These opportunities are open to the public.

Browse career opportunities at the Translation Bureau

Language organizations

• Association of Canadian Corporations in Translation and Interpretation (ACCTI)
  The mission of ACCTI is to watch over, protect and improve the general interests and market conditions of corporations engaged in the provision of translation and interpretation services, both nationally and internationally, with special advantages for specialist members.
• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Alberta (ATIA)
  The vision of ATIA is to elevate the professions of interpreting and translating in the province of Alberta by applying high standards of national certification, implementing a rigorous Code of Ethics which protects clients and professionals, providing unique opportunities to members for professional development and community service, and establishing an excellent platform for connecting clients with the translation and interpretation professionals they need.
• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Nova Scotia (ATINS)
  The mission of ATINS is to foster collaboration between translators and interpreters within the province and across Canada, promote language professions and professional development and provide access to certified and competent professionals for people who need language services.
• Association of Translation and Interpreters of Ontario (ATIO)
  The main purpose of ATIO is to promote a high level of competence in the fields of translation, conference interpretation, court interpretation and terminology by providing a collective voice for its members, promoting the professional development of its members and applying standardized, national criteria to recognize the competence of professional translators, conference interpreters, court interpreters and terminologists.
• Association of Translators and Interpreters of Saskatchewan (ATIS)
  The main purpose of ATIS is to foster and promote translation and interpretation in the province. It is a non-profit professional association and an affiliate of the Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC).
• Association of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of Manitoba (ATIM)
  The mission of ATIM is to provide a collective voice for its members and foster their professional development, ensure that the profession is practised in accordance with its Code of Ethics, and raise awareness of the importance of the role played by translators and interpreters in society.
• Association québécoise des interprètes en langues des signes (available in French only) (AQILS)
  The mission of AQILS is to promote the interpretation profession so that it receives full recognition. The Association defends the interests of its members and represents them in various fora.
• Canadian Association of Sign Language Interpreters (CASLI)
  The mission of CASLI is to advance the profession of interpreting and to support its members. CASLI and its members uphold the highest standards of professional integrity, competence and ethics.
• Canadian Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters Council (CTTIC)
  The mission of CTTIC is to maintain and promote professional standards in translation, interpretation and terminology to ensure high-quality communication across linguistic and cultural communities in Canada through a national standardized examination.
• Corporation of Translators, Terminologists and Interpreters of New Brunswick (CTINB)
  The main objectives of CTINB are to provide a collective voice for its members, to ensure that members comply with its Code of Ethics, to publicize the professional role performed by its members in society and to maintain relations with similar organizations inside and outside Canada as well as with institutions providing university training in the areas of translation, terminology and interpretation.
• International Association of Conference Interpreters (AIIC)
  The mission of AIIC is to contribute to defining the profession and improving its visibility, and to improving the practice of conference interpretation through training and research and developing the profession by assessing the impact of new technologies
• Language Industry Association (AILIA)
  The mission of AILIA is to promote and increase the competitiveness of the Canadian language industry nationally and internationally through advocacy, accreditation and information sharing.
• Languages Canada
  The mission of Languages Canada is to promote quality, accredited English and French language education in Canada, both nationally and internationally.
• Ordre des traducteurs, terminologues et interprètes agréés du Québec (OTTIAQ)
  The mission of OTTIAQ is to promote the professionalism of members’ duties, foster improvements in professional practice and assist members in adapting to technological, economic, institutional and cultural changes.
• Society of Translators and Interpreters of British Columbia (STIBC)
  The mission of STIBC is to promote the interests of BC translators and interpreters and to serve the public by upholding a Code of Ethics to which all members must adhere and by setting and maintaining high professional standards through education and certification.