Job Role Description

Design > Technical Writer

Salary National Average

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55350.0000 70670.0000 93270.0000

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Short Description:

A Technical Writer is responsible for creating clear, concise, and user-friendly documentation, such as manuals, guides, and online help content, to explain complex technical information. They collaborate with engineers, developers, and product teams to gather information and translate technical concepts into easily understandable materials for various audiences. Technical Writers also ensure accuracy, consistency, and usability by editing and updating documentation as needed. Strong writing skills, attention to detail, and the ability to understand and communicate technical information effectively are essential for success in this role.

Duties / Responsibilities:

  • Writes about technical subjects for technical and non-technical audiences
  • Creates scripts for video tutorials
  • Test and update existing documentation.
  • Adheres to and updates the in-house style guide.
  • Creates infographics and screenshot markups
  • Writes, edits, and helps section updates for User Experience (UX) and User Interface (UI) copy.
  • Creates and builds user assistance infrastructure, including how-to sections, FAQs, and Help sections.
  • Updates, edits, and proofreads written materials such as product manuals, user manuals, how-to guides, and FAQs.
  • Work closely with subject matter experts, engineers, developers, and product marketing team.
  • Monitors analytics and the usage of online product training materials and those embedded within the product.
  • Collects user data to determine areas of documentation that need revision and updating.
  • May serve on quality design, product development, or user experience teams.
  • Writes explanations of care interventions that are understandable for patients, families, and medical personnel at all levels of expertise.
  • Works with scientists and researchers to draft grant proposals and write articles for non-specialist readers.
  • Organize material and complete writing assignments according to standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
  • Maintains 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 the material.
  • Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other materials 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, production sequence, and detail.
  • Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
  • Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedures and detail.

Skills / Requirements / Qualifications

  • Working 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 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.
  • 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: Develop 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.

Job Zones

  • Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
  • Related Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. 
  • Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, or vocational training.
  • Job Zone Examples: Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
  • Specific Vocational Preparation in years: 2-4 years of preparation (7.0 to < 8.0)

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