FOOD NUTRITION SYSTEMS TECHNICAL WRITER

ABOUT US

The Texas Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Division administers 12 federal child and special nutrition programs and more than $2.5 billion in federal money annually. These programs aim to reduce hunger, encourage strong nutrition, and support local economies across Texas.

This is a grant-funded position that is subject to the availability of funds up to/through September 2028.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

The Systems Technical Writer for the Food and Nutrition Division will perform highly complex (senior-level) technical writing work for systems and processes. You will be tasked with drafting technical documentation for the division’s comprehensive system. You will be responsible for preparing, reviewing, and editing technical specifications, operational and business processes, compiling information for training development to reflect the new system. You will work under limited supervision with considerable latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Compose, review, and edit technical documentation for a technical audience, including but not limited to, system specifications (front end and back end), system manuals, and system business rules and processes, in a clear, concise, and logical manner.
• Translate complex concepts into easily understandable content and communicate technical information quickly and clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Identify, track, and manage documentation needs to ensure comprehensive system coverage and timely delivery of completed documentation.
• Ensure all completed documentation is organized, accessible, and communicated to relevant stakeholders.
• Ensure the accuracy of materials by effectively collaborating with internal and external subject matter experts (SMEs).
• Review training materials and make recommendations to ensure accuracy and alignment with system functionality.
• Review, analyze, and summarize technical documentation as needed.
• Follow all TDA policies and procedures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POSITION

(To be considered for the position, applicants must submit a State of Texas Application through CAPPS or WIT – experience listed on the application and/or resume must state how each of the following qualifications are met).

• Bachelor's degree (one year of work experience related to the primary responsibilities may substitute for one year of college).
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in technical writing.
• Experience in researching, analyzing, developing, preparing, and presenting complex information.
• Masters in Journalism, Communications, Information Technology, or related field OR experience as a Graduate Assistant may substitute for required work experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in technical writing for technology systems.
• Experience in an Information Technology role, such as Business Analyst and/or Software Developer.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials; research methodology; and of departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Skill in writing technical and business documents in the use of a computer and applicable software; and in providing customer service excellence to both internal and external customers.
• Ability to conduct research; to compose, review, illustrate, and edit technical documents, materials, and reports; and to communicate effectively orally and in writing.; to interpret guidelines, policies, procedures, and regulations; exercise sound judgement and discretion; and maintain the highest level of confidentiality.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS WORKING CONDITIONS

This position will work in a normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve walking; standing; pulling and pushing; kneeling, stooping, and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skills and coordination; and safely lifting and carrying items weighing up to 30 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer and may require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends, as needed. May involve travel (up to 5%* in the assigned area), occasionally overnight.

TELEWORK WORK HOURS

The agency does not offer telework. TDA employees are required to be physically present for work. The agency's core business hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. TDA also provides limited customer service between 6:00-8:00 a.m. and 5:00-6:00 p.m.

H-1B Visa Sponsorship

We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa.

BENEFITS

The State of Texas offers a variety of benefits for you and your family that are comprehensive and, on average, make up about one-third of total compensation. Benefits include:

• Retirement Plan
• Paid Group Health Life Insurance for employees
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Leave
• Paid Sick Leave
• Longevity Pay
• Dental
• Vision
• Dependent Optional Life Insurance
• Voluntary ADD Insurance
• Dependent Health Life Insurance
• Health Dependent care flexible spending accounts

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. A skills exercise may be conducted at the time of the interview.

Due to the high volume of applications, we do not accept telephone calls. If you submitted your application through the CAPPS Careers Section , you may check the status of your application by accessing your profile and selecting My Jobpage and then selecting My Submissions.

To be considered for the position, applicants must complete additional supplemental questions, optionally provide EEO information including how you heard about the job, and provide an electronic signature in the CAPPS Career Section.

*A valid government-issued driver's license, which is recognized by the Texas Department of Public Safety and in good standing, and an acceptable driving record are required. TDA will verify this information with the Texas Department of Public Safety. Applicants with a driver's license not issued by the State of Texas should obtain and be prepared to provide a copy of their current driving record on or before their first day

Background Checks: A criminal conviction records check is required for applicants who are selected for a position.

**Foreign Credentials: upload an evaluation of your coursework if you have obtained a degree(s) from a school outside of the United States; otherwise, we cannot give you credit for your degree. Some organizations that provide evaluation services are:

• Foreign Credential Services of America 1910 Justin Lane, Austin, TX 78757-2411 Phone: 512-459-8428
• SpanTran: The Evaluation Company 2400 Augusta Drive, Suite 451 Houston, TX 77057 Phone: 713-266-8805
• Global Cr