American Sign Language

We are seeking an experienced and passionate American Sign Language (ASL) Specialist to join our innovative team that creates animated avatars for sign language translation. The ASL Specialist will play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy, cultural appropriateness, and fluency of ASL in our animated avatars. This role requires deep expertise in ASL, a strong understanding of Deaf culture, and the ability to collaborate with animators, developers, and programmers.

**Important Application Considerations**:

- Clearly indicate your location of residence, and whether you are able to work 5 days a week at Kara's office in Auckland.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- **Motion capture**:

- Sign American Sign Language (ASL) signs in motion capture environment at Kara’s offices
- Work closely with the motion capture lead on the creation of correct animations within the motion capture environment at Kara’s offices
- **Translation and Interpretation**:

- Translate written and spoken English content into American Sign Language (ASL) gloss for scripts to use in animated avatars.
- Review and interpret the meaning and context of the source material to ensure accurate and culturally appropriate ASL translation.
- Provide real-time feedback on ASL translations of content to ensure they meet quality and fluency standards.
- **Avatar Animation Collaboration**:

- Create new signs for animation in mo-cap sessions with clarity and precision.
- Work closely with animators to ensure that avatar movements accurately reflect ASL grammar, facial expressions, and non-manual signals.
- Collaborate with the animation and technical teams to improve the realism and fluidity of sign language animations.
- Review and approve final animations to ensure they meet linguistic and cultural standards.
- **Linguistic Expertise**:

- Provide insights on the nuances of ASL, including regional variations, idioms, and cultural references.
- Classify and label database of glossed signs according to defined perimeters.
- Stay updated on the latest developments in ASL and Deaf culture to inform and enhance avatar translations.
- Conduct research and provide resources to support the development of accurate and up-to-date ASL content.
- **Quality Assurance**:

- Lead focus groups to gather feedback from end-users of the Deaf community.
- Identify and resolve any issues or inaccuracies in the translation and animation processes.
- Ensure that all ASL content is accessible, user-friendly, and respectful of Deaf culture.
- Advocate for accessibility features in content where possible.
- **Training and Development**:

- Provide guidance to the team on ASL best practices, cultural sensitivity, and effective communication with the Deaf community.
- Assist in the development of training materials and resources for internal use.

**Qualifications**:

- **Required**:

- Native in American Sign Language (ASL) with a deep understanding of its grammar, syntax, and cultural context.
- Located in Auckland, New Zealand, and available to work in the motion capture environment at Kara’s offices
- Experience in ASL translation, interpretation, or teaching.
- Proficient in English and written communication.
- Strong knowledge of Deaf culture and the Deaf community.
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
- Able to work independently with creative problem-solving skills.
- Attention to detail, communicative, and a commitment to accuracy.
- **Preferred**:

- Experience working with animation, digital avatars, or similar technology.
- Experience in user experience (UX) testing or quality assurance related to ASL products.
- A degree or certification in ASL, Deaf Studies, Linguistics, or a related field, OR equivalent experience.

**Job Types**: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $80,000.00 - $90,000.00 per year