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Technical Writers - 27-3042.00

O*NET-SOC Description

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

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Documentation Designer
  • Documentation Specialist
  • Engineering Writer
  • Expert Medical Writer
  • Information Developer
  • Narrative Writer
  • Requirements Analyst
  • Senior Technical Writer
  • Technical Communicator
  • Technical Writer

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

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

Detailed Work Activities

  • analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
  • communicate technical information
  • compile information through interviews
  • confer with customer representatives
  • confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
  • confer with management or users
  • confer with vendors
  • edit written material
  • ensure correct grammar, punctuation, or spelling
  • interpret technical information for written materials
  • maintain records, reports, or files
  • observe production, experimental, or developmental activities
  • organize journalistic or literary data
  • prepare instruction manuals
  • prepare technical reports or related documentation
  • read production layouts
  • read schematics
  • read specifications
  • read technical drawings
  • read work order, instructions, formulas, or processing charts
  • recommend action to ensure compliance
  • set page layout or composition
  • sketch or draw subjects or items
  • understand computer equipment operating manuals
  • understand service or repair manuals
  • understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
  • use interviewing procedures
  • use photographic materials
  • use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Intelligence Analyst (Army - Enlisted)
  • Signals Collector/Analyst (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Editor, Technical and Scientific Publications
  • Specification Writer
  • Writer, Technical Publications