Technical Writer

JOB SUMMARY

Performs complex technical writing work. Work involves composing, organizing, and editing compiled information. Works under general supervision with moderate latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Composes, reviews, and edits technical documents, manuals, bulletins, brochures, publications, training manuals, and special reports
• Assists in the development of formats, graphics, and the layout of publications
• Assists in preparing and refining material for speeches and other public presentations
• Organizes and coordinates the composition of documentation and technical materials and drafting of forms suitable for reproduction
• Reviews and prepares responses to correspondence, reports, surveys, questionnaires, and related information
• Provides technical assistance to agency staff
• Reviews and edits prepared material and illustrations
• Edits material for publication in journals and periodicals
• Prepares, edits, proofs, and distributes proposed and finalized specifications to agencies and vendors
• Maintains files, records, and automated data related to technical work
• Performs a variety of marginal duties not listed, to be determined and assigned as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education, Experience, and Training

• Bachelor's degree from a college or university accredited by an organization recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) or by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Major course work in Business Administration, Criminal Justice, English, or a related field preferred. Each year of experience as described below in excess of the required two years may be substituted for thirty semester hours from an accredited college or university on a year-for-year basis.
• Two years full-time, wage-earning technical program support, technical or research writing, report writing, or policy and procedure writing experience.
• Criminal justice experience preferred.

Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of technical writing methods and procedures.
• Knowledge of business terminology, spelling, punctuation, and grammar.
• Knowledge of agency and departmental organizational structure, policies, procedures, rules, and regulations preferred.
• Skill to communicate ideas and instructions clearly and concisely.
• Skill to coordinate with other staff, departments, officials, agencies, organizations, and the public.
• Skill to interpret and apply rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Skill in problem-solving techniques.
• Skill in the use of computers and related equipment in a stand-alone or local area network environment.
• Skill to review technical data and prepare technical reports.
• Skill in technical writing and development of information publications.
• Skill to plan work in order to meet established guidelines.
• Skill to research, compose, review, illustrate, and edit technical documents, materials, and reports.
• Skill to conduct research and analyses.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS WITH OR WITHOUT REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION

• Ability to walk, stand, sit, kneel, push, stoop, reach above the shoulder, grasp, pull, bend repeatedly, climb stairs, identify colors, hear with aid, see, write, count, read, speak, analyze, alphabetize, lift and carry under 15 lbs., perceive depth, operate a motor vehicle, and operate motor equipment.
• Conditions include working inside, working around machines with moving parts and moving objects, radiant and electrical energy, working closely with others, working alone, working protracted or irregular hours, and traveling by car, van, bus, and airplane.
• Equipment (machines, tools, devices) used in performing only the essential functions include computer and related equipment, calculator, copier, fax machine, binding machine, telephone, dolly, and automobile.

The following Military Occupational Specialty codes are generally applicable to this position. Applicants must fully complete the summary of experience to determine if minimum qualifications are met.

Military Crosswalk Guide - Prepared by the State Auditor's Office

Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions

The State of Texas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age or disability in employment or the provision of services. You may make copies of this application and enter different position titles, but each copy must be signed. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of applications, unless specifically stated in the job vacancy notice.