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Technical Writer Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Technical Writer, or Specialized Writer, is a writer with an expertise in a professional field. Their main duties are to convert highly technical information in layman’s terms, explain the functionality of a product or service, and share information among two or more parties within the organization.

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Technical Writer duties and responsibilities

A Technical Writer will have the expertise on their respective fields to be able to fully understand and adapt the content in various ways. Here are some of the common duties and responsibilities of a Technical Writer in any profession:

  • Create user manuals and other documents needed to understand the functionality of a product or service.
  • Edit documentation for clarity without changing key information.
  • Conduct research on the specified area of topic.
  • Interview professionals and subject matter experts to gain a deeper understanding of the topic being written about.
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Technical Writer Job Description Examples:

Example 1

Foremost Industries has an immediate opening for a full-time Technical Writer, located at our facility in Calgary, Alberta. This position has the primary responsibility of producing high-quality documentation that contributes to the overall success of our products. You will work collaboratively with quality engineers to make our products easier to use. Reporting directly to the Engineering Manager, this self-starter should have the following requirements and meet the following responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

  • Producing high-quality documentation that is appropriate for its intended audience
  • Working with internal teams on products and documentation requirements
  • Work with internal teams to obtain an in-depth understanding of the product and the documentation requirements
  • Produce high-quality documentation that meets applicable standard and is appropriate for its intended audience
  • Develop and support of technical governance and strategy documentation related to the program, including policies, frameworks, standards, guidelines, and procedures
  • Ensure that engineering documentation and communications follow established writing rules, company standards, and legal requirements.
  • Perform copy/edit and provide suggestions for improving structure, presentation, and delivery of content to end-users to resolve information gaps and inconsistencies.
  • Create and update technical illustrations, graphics, and job aids as needed.
  • Ensure document content is accurate, concise, and consistent within and across documents
  • Other duties as assigned

    Qualifications:

  • Technical Diploma or University Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education
  • Previous drafting knowledge would be considered an asset
  • Previous experience as a technical writer for an industrial manufacturer would be considered an asset
  • Highly motivated and able to work and produce results independently
  • Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as PDF editing software
  • Strong Problem-solving skills
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

    Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Dental care
  • Disability insurance
  • Employee assistance program
  • Extended health care
  • Life insurance
  • On-site parking
  • Paid time off
  • RRSP match
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday



    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Calgary, AB: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    Experience:
  • Industrial Manufacturing: 1 year (preferred)
  • technical writing: 2 years (preferred)
  • PTC Arbortext: 2 years Location: In person

    • Example 2

    [website]

    Company Overview

    Red Oak Technologies Inc is an engineering services and solutions company based out of Toronto. The company�s agile team delivers on innovative and cost efficient services and solutions in the Telco sector. It proudly calls some of the largest operators, equipment vendors, enterprises and public sector organizations as its partners and customers.

    Position Summary

    We are looking for a talented and experienced Technical Writer to join our team and help us create high quality technical documentation related to network, equipment and designs. As a Technical Writer, you will work closely with our engineers and product managers to create user manuals, installation guides, system documentation, and other technical materials.

    Responsibilities

  • Write, edit, and proofread technical documentation, including user manuals, installation guides, system documentation, and other technical materials.
  • Work closely with the lead technical writer, product managers and engineers to understand product features and capabilities and translate technical information into clear and concise language.
  • Develop and maintain documentation templates, style guides, and other tools to ensure consistency and accuracy in all technical materials
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure that technical documentation is aligned with product development timelines and requirements
  • Continuously review and update documentation to ensure accuracy, completeness, and relevance to the product and its users.

    Requirements

  • Proven experience as a technical writer, preferably in the telecom industry
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to produce high-quality documentation
  • Familiarity with telecom radio systems, networking, and wireless technologies would be desired but not mandatory
  • Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams in a fast-paced environment
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite, and other documentation tools If you are a detail-oriented and experienced Technical Writer with a passion for creating high-quality technical documentation and have a reasonable understanding of Telecom systems, we encourage you to apply for this position.

    Note:The selected candidate will be asked to undergo security clearance procedure

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: $47,190.55-$96,488.88 per Location: Hybrid remote in Mississauga, ON L6H 5A8

    • Example 3

    Technical Writer

    Job Summary:

    The Technical Writer will create and revise technical and sales documents such as brochures, articles and user and reference manuals.

    Supervisory Responsibilities:
  • None.

    Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Writes and edits product literature documents including brochures and articles.
  • Writes and edits technical documents including reference manuals and product manuals.
  • Writes and edits procedural documentation such as user guides and manuals.
  • Meets with engineers, programmers, and project managers to learn about specific products or processes.
  • Researches product samples to fully understand product.
  • Assesses the audience needs for whom the technical and procedural documentation is intended; adjusts tone and technical terms used to meet those needs and to ensure understanding.
  • Plans writing processes and tasks and sets timelines and deadlines.
  • Creates diagrams, charts, and other visual aids to assist readers in understanding a product or process.
  • Gathers feedback from customers, and the design and manufacturing teams to improve technical documents.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

    Required Skills/Abilities:
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent writing and grammatical skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to present complex data in clear, concise text.
  • Ability to meet deadlines and to work independently.
  • Ability to edit and proofread work of colleagues.
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

    Education and Experience:
  • Bachelors degree in Technical Writing or combined Science and Business degrees is required.
  • Three years of related experience required.

    Physical Requirements:
  • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
  • Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

    Job Type: Full-time

    Salary: $35,000.00-$50,000.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Extended health care
  • Paid time off
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour shift

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • London, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

    Experience:
  • technical writing: 3 years Location: One location

    • Example 4

    My Visa Source Law MDP (MVS) is a premier provider of immigration services in the digital era. MVS is seeking a Technical Writer to join our expanding Toronto team. The firm is located in the heart of Toronto, downtown on Bay Street. We pride ourselves on having a client-centred focus, backed by leading technology.

    Across the country, our Toronto and Vancouver offices help thousands of individuals and business people navigate through Canadian immigration law and policy on an annual basis.

    We've built a track record to be proud of, which is equally matched by the firm culture. We care about our team and our clients.

    The opportunity allows the successful candidate to jump into a role in a collaborative team environment. We provide a high-paced environment and are scaling at a rapid pace

    What You�ll Be Doing

    As a Technical Writer. you will be responsible for writing business plans for external clients along with internal content for the operations and marketing teams.

    Your Skills

  • You�re an experienced Technical Writer/Communicator. You�re skilled at quickly understanding the subject, context and message required and able to transform that into clear, easy-to-follow documentation. You can put yourself in the audience�s shoes and understand what they need to know, when and how they need to know it
  • You have strong skills in plain language writing and design. You have a knack for understanding your audience�s point of view and choosing plain and clear words and layout to make sure the message is not only understood, but cannot be misunderstood. You know how to organize content into easily readable chunks, using industry-standard techniques for presenting information so it is easy to comprehend, use and remember.
  • You understand how to create and manage content in an online environment. You having experience coding HTML or a related language, and you understand what�s involved in linking content from different pages or chapters together in a cohesive whole. You understand the principles and methods of metadata and search engine optimization (SEO).
  • You have strong skills in consulting and relationship management. You can understand what your stakeholders need behind what they are saying, and you can show them how the design and wording of the documentation achieves their communication objectives. You know that relationships and networks are essential to success. You inspire outcomes by making yourself heard.
  • You are adept at managing multiple deadlines at different stages, able to juggle competing priorities and sometimes tight timelines.
  • You have a degree/diploma in technical communications or a related field is considered an asset
  • Values matter to you. You bring your real self to work and you live our values - trust, teamwork, and accountability.

    Job Type: Permanent

    Schedule:
  • Monday to Location: Hybrid remote in Toronto, ON

    • Example 5

    [website] is looking for tech writers!

    Please read through the details below and apply directly at: [website]

    Are you a developer that has thought about writing or blogging? Or do your hobbies include learning about new technologies and best practices? If you like to write, or if you�re interested in writing, you�ve landed in the right place.

    The [website] Author Program houses a group of talented technical writers who reap the benefits of learning about new products and technologies in the tech industry all while applying their own knowledge and getting paid well to do it. We�re looking for knowledgeable developers that love to share their skills and educate others on topics they�re passionate about.

    We�re looking for a diverse range of voices to add to our Author Program. Whether you're a fresh grad, retiring from the industry, or even looking to test the waters as a developer-writer, we are looking for minds that want to make a meaningful contribution to tech communities.

    What the ContentLab Author Program offers you:
  • Get paid well to write about your passions while educating other developers with your own voice
  • Discover new technologies, and have the opportunity to work firsthand with large companies such as Adobe, Microsoft, HubSpot, CircleCI, xMatters, and more.
  • Collaborate with a full editorial team and create polished pieces of content
  • A fully remote and flexible freelance schedule means you choose when you work

    We're looking for writers with expertise in any of these areas:
  • DevOps
  • Security

  • Software Testing
  • Azure
  • GCP
  • AWS
  • Kubernetes
  • No code automation

    Have we got your attention? We�d love to hear from you!

    Please apply through our website if you are interested in working with us: [website]

    Job Types: Casual, Freelance

    Benefits:
  • Casual dress
  • Flexible schedule
  • Work from home
    Flexible language requirement:
  • French not required
    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Experience:
  • technical writing: 1 year development: 1 year (preferred)

    • Example 6

    [website]

    Description: Nortak Software is currently seeking Technical Writers with the following qualifications:

    Mandatory Requirements:
  • Minimum 8 years of experience as a Technical Writer
  • Must have a degree or diploma in Technical Writing from a recognized post-secondary institution or have military experience at the Senior NCO level or higher with training at QL-6 level in a field related to technical writing and the Intermediate Leadership Program (ILP)
  • Must have a minimum of sixty (60) months of combined experience within the last one hundred and twenty (120) months drafting, editing and finalizing technical documents in a minimum of one of the following: Technical Specifications, Statements of Work (SOW), Evaluation Criteria, and Test Plan
  • Valid Government of Canada Secret Level II security clearance granted by CSP/PSPC

    Location of Work:
  • Gatineau (NCR)

    To apply for this job opportunity, please email us your updated r�sum� citing job number CM-DNTW-238736N in the subject line.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We would like to thank you for your interest. Please note that all submissions will be assessed, however, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

    Nortak Software LTD. is a Canadian-owned private corporation with offices in Ottawa and Toronto serving a global client base since 1975.

    Nortak is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and Type: Freelance

    • What does a Technical Writer do?

    A Technical Writer is responsible for taking information that is generally only understood by professionals in a given field and making it more understandable to the general public. Technical Writers can have a specialization in medicine, engineering, computer software, robotics, chemistry, aeronautics, or other professions. They facilitate communication between two or more parties by breaking down complex terminologies. Technical Writers create and distribute press materials and guides that can be easily digested by the masses without losing the correct meaning.

    Technical Writer skills and qualifications

    A Technical Writer must have a mastery of the given field of writing they are dedicated to. In addition, there are a few other skills and qualifications that make for a successful Technical Writer candidate. Here are some to look for:

    • Strong analytical and organizational skills
    • Exceptional communication skills, both oral and written
    • Good problem-solving skills
    • Ability to work as a team player
    • Excellent time management skills to work on tight deadlines

    Technical Writer experience requirements

    A Technical Writer will often have previous experience as a Junior Copywriter in their field of study (e.g. medical or aeronautical). The candidate should also have a portfolio of past writing examples to demonstrate their ability and knowledge in the field.

    Technical Writer education and training requirements

    A successful Technical Writer candidate will typically have a university degree in the professional field they are applying for. Some related fields of study require membership in a particular association. A Technical Writer with a degree in journalism, communications, or creative writing, in addition to their professional discipline, is a strong candidate.

    Technical Writer salary expectations

    According to Indeed Salaries, the average Technical Writer in Canada earns an average salary of $61,703 per year. Salary will vary based on factors like geographical location, the candidate’s level of experience, and the type of industry they’re writing for.

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    Technical Writer job description FAQs

    What is the difference between a Technical Writer and a Copywriter?

    A Technical Writer is a specialized writer with training in a given profession such as medicine or engineering. A Copywriter, in contrast, writes marketing copy for a number of things but does not have any specialization. While a Copywriter strives to sell something through their writing, a Technical Writer’s goal is to explain something and break down complicated concepts for non-professionals.

    What are the day-to-day tasks of a Technical Writer?

    In addition to writing texts, a Technical Writer is responsible for fact-checking all information in the documentation, interviewing personnel as required, and preserving the quality of the content. A Technical Writer must also study the products or services being written about it to get a deeper understanding of how to write about each product or service. They must write copy that is suited to the general public as well as other experts within the field.

    How can you make your Technical Writer job description stand out?

    Technical writing is a very broad field. A good job description that will stand out from the rest will have detailed information on the precise type of content the candidate should be experienced with. A good job description provides great detail but is also short and concise. To stand out even more, include attractive information like a competitive salary and other employee bonuses and privileges.

    Job Description Examples

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