Technical Writers

Also called: Assembly Instructions Writer, Clinical Writer, Contract Writer, Document Specialist, Documentation Designer

jobs advertised

courses available

Varies

estimated salary

Technical writers write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.

Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
Develop or maintain online help documentation.
Assist in laying out material for publication.
Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.

Work Context

Electronic Mail — 74% responded "Every day".
Work With Work Group or Team — 77% responded "Extremely important".
Spend Time Sitting — 64% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 75% responded "Extremely important".
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 76% responded "Extremely important".
Freedom to Make Decisions — 65% responded "A lot of freedom".
Face-to-Face Discussions — 66% responded "Every day".

Work Activities

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

Communicating with Persons Outside Organization — Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.

Training and Teaching Others — Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

Detailed Work Activities

Write informational material.
Compile technical information or documentation.
Edit written materials.
Maintain records, documents, or other files.
Edit written materials.
Confer with clients to determine needs.

English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Clerical

Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

Achievement/Effort

Persistence

Initiative

Leadership

Cooperation

Concern for Others

Social Orientation

Self Control

You might use software like this on the job:

Project management software

Microsoft Project
Microsoft SharePoint
Confluence

Electronic mail software

IBM Notes
Microsoft Outlook

Object or component oriented development software

Objective C
Oracle Java

Get started on your career:

New job opportunities are very likely in the future.

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Technical Writers

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