Technical Writers
27-3042.00
Write technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Sample of reported job titles: Document Specialist, Documentation Designer, Documentation Specialist, Engineering Writer, Grant Writer, Information Developer, Medical Writer, Narrative Writer, Proposal Coordinator, Requirements Analyst, Technical Communicator, Technical Writer
Occupation-Specific Information
Tasks
- 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.
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software - SAS π₯
- Application server software - GitHub π₯
-
Cloud-based data access and sharing software -
Microsoft SharePoint
- Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD π₯; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks π₯; PTC Creo Parametric
- Computer based training software - Adobe Captivate
- Configuration management software - IBM Rational ClearCase; Perforce Helix software
- Content workflow software - Atlassian JIRA π₯
- Data base reporting software - Microsoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRS π₯; Oracle Business Intelligence Discoverer; SAP Crystal Reports
- Data base user interface and query software - Author-it; FileMaker Pro; Microsoft Access π₯; Microsoft SQL Server π₯; Structured query language SQL π₯; Talisma Knowledgebase
- Data mining software - IBM Cognos Business Intelligence
- Desktop communications software - ParentSquare
- Desktop publishing software - Adobe FrameMaker; Adobe InDesign π₯; Corel Ventura; MadCap Software MadCap Flare; Microsoft Publisher; PTC Arbortext
- Development environment software - Darwin information typing architecture DITA; IBM Rational ClearQuest; Microsoft Visual Basic π₯; Standardized general markup language SGML
- Document management software - Adobe Acrobat π₯
-
Electronic mail software -
IBM Notes; Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise application integration software - Extensible markup language XML π₯
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software - SAP Business Objects
- File versioning software - Git π₯
- Financial analysis software - Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
- Graphical user interface development software - Adobe RoboHelp
- Graphics or photo imaging software - Adobe Creative Cloud software π₯; Adobe Illustrator π₯; Adobe Photoshop π₯; Corel CorelDraw Graphics Suite; Corel Paint Shop Pro
- Instant messaging software - Blink
- Internet browser software - Web browser software
- Medical software - Epic Systems π₯
- Object or component oriented development software - Objective C π₯; Oracle Java π₯
-
Office suite software -
Microsoft Office software
-
Presentation software -
Microsoft PowerPoint
-
Process mapping and design software -
Microsoft Visio
- Project management software - Atlassian Confluence π₯; Microsoft Project π₯
-
Spreadsheet software -
Microsoft Excel
- Video creation and editing software - Apple Final Cut Pro
- Web page creation and editing software - Adobe Dreamweaver; Google Sites; JustSystems XMetaL; Quadralay WebWorks ePublisher
- Web platform development software - Cascading style sheets CSS π₯; Drupal π₯; Dynamic hypertext markup language DHTML; Extensible hypertext markup language XHTML; Hypertext markup language HTML π₯; JavaScript π₯; Microsoft ASP.NET π₯; Oracle JavaServer Pages JSP π₯; PHP π₯
-
Word processing software -
Microsoft Word
Occupational Requirements
Work Activities
- Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
- Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
- Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
- 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.
- Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
- Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
- Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
- Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
- Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
- Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
- Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
- Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Communicating with People Outside the 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.
- Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
- Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
- Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
- Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
- Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
- Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
- Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
- Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
- Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
- Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
- Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
- Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
- Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
- Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
Detailed Work Activities
- Compile technical information or documentation.
- Edit written materials.
- Maintain records, documents, or other files.
- Determine presentation subjects or content.
- Research new technologies.
- Write informational material.
- Design layouts for print publications.
- Review details of technical drawings or specifications.
- Coordinate logistics for productions or events.
- Monitor current trends.
- Draw detailed or technical illustrations.
- Confer with clients to determine needs.