Senior Sign Language Specialist / *Canada Remote Only*
RemoteCanada
Job Summary
Maintain and expand Sorenson's ASL sign dictionary by authoring new entries, updating existing ones, and resolving disputed items with the Lead. Annotate ASL video using advanced gloss conventions, including classifier predicates and non-manual markers, while partnering with AI/ML engineering teams to clarify linguistic requirements and review model outputs. Review text-to-sign avatar output for grammatical accuracy and cultural appropriateness, documenting issues using standardized rubrics. Lead weekly linguistic calibration sessions, mentor Sign Language Specialists during cross-functional rotations, and maintain accurate records of annotation work and decisions in team tooling. Requires a bachelor's degree in ASL linguistics or related fields, three years of substantive ASL work experience, and bilingual proficiency in ASL and English. This Canada remote-only position includes less than 25% travel and offers incentive compensation.
Required Qualifications
- Minimum of 4 Year / Bachelors Degree In ASL Linguistics, Deaf Studies, ASL Studies, Interpreting, Deaf Education, or related fields.
- 3 Years of substantive professional ASL work (annotation, linguistics, interpreting, Deaf education, or comparable).
- Bilingual in ASL in English, with the ability to produce and quality-assure professional English transcriptions from ASL source content.
- Deep working knowledge of ASL linguistics — gloss conventions, non-manual markers, classifier predicates, role shift, and ASL grammar.
- Active and informed participant in the Deaf community, with awareness of regional and generational ASL variation.
- Experience producing or annotating ASL content for instructional, research, interpreting, or media purposes.
- Strong written English for documentation, task specifications, and cross-team collaboration.
- Comfortable working with computer-based annotation tools and learning new software.
- Attention to detail, consistency, and a willingness to follow and improve standardized conventions.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with peer Specialists, the Lead, and engineering teams.
- Proficiency with standard productivity and collaboration tools (Microsoft Office, Confluence, JIRA, or equivalent).
- Positive attitude, team player, strong interpersonal communication skills, and able to work across research, engineering, and business departments.
- Able to travel up to 5% of the time.
- Able to sit/stand for long periods of time in an office or remote work environment.
- Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and related tools.
- Regular and predictable attendance required.
Desired Qualifications
- Preferred Graduate Degree In ASL Linguistics, Linguistics, Deaf Studies, Interpreting, Deaf Education, or a related field.
- American Sign Language as a primary or native language.
- Prior experience with annotation tools such as ELAN, CVAT, or comparable platforms.
- Experience working with AI/ML teams, technology companies, or research groups that produce sign language data.
- Experience reviewing or evaluating signed avatars, animations, or generated ASL content.
- Experience writing or reviewing annotation guidelines, style guides, or convention documentation.
- Familiarity with sign language corpora, lexicography, or dictionary projects.
- Experience mentoring or training other annotators or linguists.
- Familiarity with PSE, SEE, and other North American signing varieties.
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