Editor (Bilingual)

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices, working together, increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our mission.  We welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, veterans, and people with disabilities to apply.

Please note: Both a resume and cover letter are required to be considered for this position.

Job Summary:

Under limited supervision, manage the English-to-Spanish translation process for the Aquarium’s exhibits and signage. Review visitor-facing Spanish content to ensure it meets the Aquarium’s established voice, tone, and style and adheres to the Aquarium’s Spanish style guide and high standards for accuracy, consistency, accessibility and readability. Work alongside other members of the Exhibitions Content team to create content that’s rich and engaging. Collaborate with bilingual content specialists throughout the Aquarium and serve as the editorial authority for the Aquarium’s interpretive content in Spanish. Directly impact the experience of the Aquarium’s two million annual visitors, helping the Aquarium to meet its strategic goal of transforming all exhibits and signage to fully bilingual content (English and Spanish). Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

• Provide editorial oversight for all visitor-facing Spanish translations, including exhibit graphics (print and digital), interactives, video captions, and other interpretive materials, as well as wayfinding, operational, and back-of-house signage.
  • Edit Spanish text for print and digital signage, ensuring consistency with the Aquarium’s established voice and high editorial standards.
  • Proofread Spanish text in composed layouts, eliminating errors before designs are finalized, printed, and installed.
• Project manage the Spanish translation process for all visitor-facing content, including exhibits, and wayfinding, operational and back-of-house signage:
  • Schedule, assign, and track large and small translation projects through completion, managing the workflow between the Exhibitions Content team and contract translators, and in coordination with other divisions.
  • Guide and support external translators, providing context, resources, and background materials to support accurate, accessible Spanish translations that align with the intended content and messages. Answer translator questions about source text.
• Facilitate feedback between editorial staff, translators, and Spanish-language advisors. Negotiate multiple perspectives to reconcile differences among Spanish-speaking stakeholders and make final recommendations for word choices.
• Maintain the Aquarium’s English-Spanish Glossary and other bilingual guides in collaboration with the contract translation firm, updating terms and ensuring these references stay accurate, up to date, and available to other bilingual specialists throughout the Aquarium. Record Spanish vocabulary decisions in the Glossary. Request and record new and updated Spanish common names for species on exhibit. Communicate relevant updates to users.
• Recommend final editorial changes for Spanish content in collaboration with bilingual specialists in other divisions (Marketing, Education, Guest Experience, Conservation & Science) to ensure consistency in Spanish translation across Aquarium channels (web, social media, curriculum, etc.) and from different translators.
• Collaborate with the Exhibitions Content team from initial planning through final proofs and installation, ensuring Spanish content meets the Aquarium’s high editorial standards. Collaborate with exhibit design and multimedia teams, helping to maintain bilingual design standards for accessibility and readability. Give editorial feedback and serve as a Spanish-language writing partner during the development of exhibit text and other interpretive materials, innovating methods of integrating two languages from the beginning of the writing process.
• Participate in the cross-divisional Spanish language forum to support implementation of the Aquarium’s bilingual initiative, providing input and perspective as an active committee member. Advocate for Aquarium visitors, and in particular Spanish-speaking visitors, as our ultimate client and stakeholder.
• Stay up to date with the latest research on the best practices for translation, bilingualism, and language justice—equitable ways to communicate with Spanish/bilingual speakers.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• Fully biliterate/bicultural with high level of fluency in English and Spanish, with demonstrated verbal and written fluency in Mexican Spanish
• Bachelor’s degree in writing/composition, journalism, communications, science communication, Spanish, or linguistics, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills in both English and Spanish
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in both English and Spanish
• At least four years of related editorial experience
• Knowledge of editorial and publication procedures, styles, and standards
• Highly attentive to detail with strong organizational skills
• Ability to plan, schedule, and monitor multiple, simultaneous projects
• Ability to prioritize complex workloads across multiple projects and adhere to schedules using good judgment, problem-solving skills, and follow-through
• Ability to work independently
• Flexibility and tolerance for ambiguity
• Leadership qualities with strong team building, communication, facilitation, and active-listening skills
• Diplomacy and excellent negotiating skills, with sensitivity and empathy working across cultures
• Ability to collaborate and build positive relationships with personnel from other Aquarium divisions, leadership staff, contractors, and stakeholders
• Competency with Microsoft Office, Google Drive, and Asana
• Passion for the ocean, conservation, and/or improving access to cultural and educational opportunities for diverse people and communities
• Experience in writing interpretive labels or other materials for aquariums, zoos, or museums
• Knowledge of museum visitor behavior and evaluation
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Core Values

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment
• Constant sitting, walking, standing, bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment, main aquarium, and offsite events

Annual Compensation Range:

$73,600-$91,000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.