Q'eqchi (Guatemala) Audio Transcription Specialist (Remote, Freelance | Paid per Audio Hour)

Role Overview

How pay works - please read first

The rate shown on this posting is paid per completed audio hour - that is, one hour of audio that you transcribe and that is approved. It is not an hourly wage for the time you spend working. The time it takes to transcribe one audio hour varies from person to person depending on your experience, typing speed, and the audio itself.

You do not have to complete a full audio hour to get paid. Pay is proportional to how much approved audio you complete. For example, if you complete and get approved for 30 minutes of audio, you earn half the listed rate; 15 minutes earns a quarter, and so on. Everything you finish and that passes review counts toward your pay.

About the project

We're hiring Q'eqchi speakers to transcribe real-world audio recordings into accurate, well-structured written text. The recordings are natural conversations, typically with 2-3 speakers. Your job is to capture what's said faithfully, in clean and readable Q'eqchi, following a simple style guide we provide. This is ongoing project work, and we're building a sizable team, so there is steady volume for people who do good work.

Both newcomers and experienced transcribers are welcome. You do not need prior transcription experience to apply. We provide full written guidelines, and you'll complete a short calibration before production: just two simple practice units that confirm you're ready. If you've transcribed before, even better - but it's the quality of your Q'eqchi and your attention to detail that matter most.

What you'll do

• Listen to Q'eqchi audio and transcribe it into clear, accurate written text
• Identify and label the different speakers, and structure the dialogue cleanly
• Apply correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and follow the provided formatting/style guide
• Handle natural speech: overlapping talk, filler words, varying accents, and imperfect audio
• Proofread your own work so each transcript is accurate and easy to read
• Meet reasonable turnaround times on the audio assigned to you

Who can apply

• Native or near-native fluency in Q'eqchi (Guatemala)
• Strong written Q'eqchi: grammar, spelling, and punctuation
• A good ear for different accents, dialects, and varying audio quality
• Strong attention to detail and consistency
• Able to work independently, manage your own time, and meet deadlines
• A reliable computer and internet connection
• No prior transcription experience required - full guidelines and a calibration are provided

Nice to have (not required)

• Previous audio transcription experience (podcasts, interviews, media, captioning, or similar)
• Experience with transcription or subtitling tools
• Experience with bilingual transcription or translation

What to expect after you apply

1. Apply to this posting.
2. If you're a fit, you'll receive an email from us with a welcome message and step-by-step instructions to begin the calibration. Please watch your inbox (including spam/promotions), and follow the steps in order - completing each step is required to move forward. **3. Complete a short calibration: just two simple practice units. It's quick and confirms you're ready.
3. Once you pass, you move into production and start earning per approved audio hour.

This is ongoing project work, and contributors who do well are often invited to future projects with this client, so strong performance can lead to more opportunities down the line.

Details

• 100% remote, work from anywhere with a flexible schedule
• Pay is per approved audio hour, and proportional to what you complete (see above)
• Ongoing work may be available based on performance and project needs

If you're fluent in Q'eqchi, detail-oriented, and reliable, we'd love to have you on the team.