Job Title: Technical Writer
Department: Help Desk
Date: April 2006
Update: February 16, 2007
A. PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The technical writer’s purpose is to perform moderately complex technical writing assignments from the Help Desk manager. Work involves organizing, developing, editing materials, and composing compiled information as well as developing, writing, and editing material for reports, manuals, briefs, proposals, instruction books, catalogs, and related technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods and procedures, installation, operation, and maintenance of machinery, and other equipment. Additional work also involves developing, writing, and editing manuals. Works under limited direction with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.
B. DUTIES:
1. Major duties:
a. Composes technical-based documents, manuals, bulletins, brochures, publications, training manuals, and special reports, including matters relating to instructions, policies, procedures, and for use in external or internal company publications,
b. Writes and edits research reports and other documents,
c. Writes material regarding work methods and procedures,
d. Researches and answers questions related to content,
e. Edits, standardizes, or make changes to material prepared by other departmental writers,
f. Designs and produces professional quality reports that include design of format, supporting graphics for publications,
g. Organizes material and completes writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology,
h. Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail,
i. Interviews personnel, reads journals, reports, and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods,
j. Reviews published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, methods of reproduction, and binding,
k. Maintains records and files of work and revisions,
l. May select graphics, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material,
m. May assist staff in the development of formats, graphics, and lay out material for publication,
n. Identifies and assesses university and state-mandated information resource policies, disaster recovery, accreditation, practices, procedures, issues, and responsibilities,
o. Develops, writes, and recommends tests, plans, and implementation,
p. Coordinates and reviews information security and disaster recovery guidelines, responsibilities, procedures, policies, practices, rules, and regulations,
q. Prepares and submits investigation, survey, and audit reports, and
r. Performs related work as assigned.
C. KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
1. Education required: Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution in English or related field.
2. Skills required:
a. Knowledge of techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials, research methodology, departmental policies, procedures, and regulations,
b. Skill in the use of word processing systems and electronic spreadsheet,
c. Ability to conduct research, compose, review, illustrate, and edit technical documents, materials, and reports,
d. Ability to recognize, analyze, resolve problems, assimilate new products and technical concepts,
e. Ability to communicate effectively with administration, faculty, staff, state agencies and institutions, students, and vendors,
f. Ability to thrive without close supervision, exercise independent judgment, and confidentiality in completing tasks,
g. Working knowledge of the university’s current computer applications and networks, and
h. Skill in navigating World Wide Web browsers and other Internet programs.
D. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY:
N/A
E. APPLICATION OF KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
a. Composes technical-based documents, manuals, bulletins, brochures, publications, training manuals, and special reports, including matters relating to instructions, policies, and procedures for use in external or internal publications,
b. Organizes and coordinates the composing of material and drafting of forms suitable for reproduction,
c. Reviews and edits prepared material and illustrations,
d. Edits material for publication in journals and periodicals,
e. Prepares informational material,
f. May research product design, capabilities, and compatibility ranges,
g. May prepare, edit, proof, publish, and distribute proposed and finalized specifications to agencies and vendors,
h. May work with agency staff in the development of formats, graphics, and the layout of publications,
i. May assist agency staff in preparing and refining material for speeches and other public presentations, and
j. Performs related work as assigned.
F. SUPERVISION:
The incumbent does not have supervisory duties and is supervised by the Help Desk manager.
G. EXTENT OF PUBLIC CONTACT
1. The position requires occasional public contact:
a. May assist staff in preparing and editing material for speeches and other public presentations,
b. May arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of materials, and
c. May communicate with administration, faculty, staff, state agencies and institutions, students, and vendors.