Freelance Transcriber (Parliamentary Committees) - Parliament of NSW – Sydney/Remote/work from home

• NSW Hansard is seeking to develop a pool of freelance transcribers to support the Hansard team in transcribing Parliamentary committees.
• If you are an experienced transcriber or reporter with an enthusiasm for politics and current affairs, put your transcription skills to the test in the challenging and dynamic environment of the New South Wales Parliament.
• Ad hoc hours, as needed by Hansard, depending on committee workload. Work/hours offered are subject to the peaks/troughs of the Parliament's schedule.
• Freelancers are engaged as independent contractors, not as employees.
• Hourly rate of $58.06 - $64.26 per hour, depending on experience.
• NSW Parliament, Sydney CBD, or remote/work from home.

About us

The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is a specialist service department working to support the operation of NSW Parliament by providing logistical support and advice to members, the Departments of the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly and the people of New South Wales.

Enabling the Parliament, serving New South Wales: We demonstrate and foster in others a commitment to the five values of the Department of Parliamentary Services: collaboration, innovation, excellence, integrity and service.

Our commitment to diversity: We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQI+, people with disability and mature-age people to apply for this role.

To get a feeling of what it’s like to work at the Parliament of NSW, watch our video, 'The People's Parliament'. You can now explore the Parliament of NSW online in a new 360-degree virtual tour.

About the position

NSW Hansard is seeking to develop a pool of freelance transcribers to support the Hansard team in transcribing Parliamentary committees.

Responsibilities

• You will transcribe and edit parliamentary committee hearings to provide an accurate, clean verbatim record to an acceptable literary quality, adhering to Hansard style.
• Transcripts must be accurate. Transcribers are responsible for undertaking the requisite checks and reviews to ensure the accuracy of their transcript.
• Transcription must be completed to strict deadlines as set by Hansard.
• Transcription experience is essential; however, training will be provided on the specifics of transcribing parliamentary committees and parliament systems. Successful candidates must be available for a 1-2 day training session.

Transcription

• Freelancers are placed in a freelance resource pool, with work assigned based on availability.
• Transcription work is available based on Hansard's operational need and the schedule of Parliamentary committees. Each year contains peak periods with a large amount of work available, and off-peak periods with no freelance assistance required.
• Transcription can be completed remotely. Office space may be available if required.
• Audio/video files and additional resources will be sent via email/Dropbox.
• Freelancers will use their own equipment to complete the transcription and return it as a Microsoft Word file.

To be successful you will:

• have proven transcription experience;
• have proficiency in spoken and written English comprehension;
• be able to consistently follow formatting and style guides;
• be able to work autonomously;
• be able to meet strict deadlines;
• have excellent attention to detail;
• be reliable, organised, and have excellent communication skills;
• have a strong interest in current affairs.

Requirements:

• access to a reliable computer and strong internet connection;
• access to Microsoft Word and the ability to download necessary software
• a valid ABN or willingness to obtain an ABN.

How to apply

To apply for this position please attach to your application:

• Your covering letter [maximum one page] which outlines your transcription experience and response to the above requirements.
• Your up-to-date resume [maximum five pages] which clearly details your skills and experience as relevant to this position, and
• Your response [maximum two pages] to the targeted questions below.
• Candidates who meet the selection criteria will be invited to undertake an editing/grammar test and short transcription assessment.

Targeted questions

1. Please outline your experience in transcribing "clean verbatim" while adhering to a style guide. How do you ensure accuracy in your transcription?
2. Transcription jobs may come up with little notice and have tight deadlines. Outline your experience working to tight deadlines.
3. What is your typical availability?

Your resume and response to the following targeted questions will be the initial assessment method used to determine your suitability for this position compared to other applicants. Applications that do not include a response to the targeted questions cannot be comparatively assessed and are unlikely to progress to the next stage of assessment.

Electronic attachments must be MS Word compatible or in pdf format.

Technical assistance: Should you encounter any technical problems, please contact ‘I work for NSW’ helpdesk 1800 562 679 (Monday - Friday).

Applications must be lodged online through https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/

Job Reference: 0000APZK

CLOSING DATE: Sunday, 29 September 2014 at 11.59PM