Job Title

Technical Writer & Editor

Agency

Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service

Department

Emergency Services Training Institute

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

The Technical Writer & Editor is responsible for formatting and editing curriculum materials for both classroom and online learning to align with agency curriculum requirements and applicable style guides and templates. Works both independently and with instructional design specialists and graphic designers to finalize materials for publication. Works with the Curriculum Coordinator to establish project requirements and track and report progress within the established budget and timeline limitations. Remediates electronic materials to align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)/Section 508 accessibility standards.

This position reports to the Curriculum Coordinator.  

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in applicable field from an accredited college or university, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• One year of related experience in copy editing. (Equivalency: Associate’s degree and three years of related experience in copy editing or a High School Diploma/GED and five years of related experience in copy editing)

Required Licenses/Certifications: 

• Must have a valid motor vehicle operator’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Communication, English, Communications, Journalism, or closely related field.

• Ability to work independently with intermittent collaboration.

• Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat for print production.

• Knowledge of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG)/Section 508 accessibility standards.

• Experience with Adobe FrameMaker.

• Experience creating accessible documents (e.g., Word, PDF, PowerPoint) to meet WCAG/Section 508 accessibility standards.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing.

• Ability to regularly use computer/keyboard.

• Ability to sit/stand for long periods of time in an office environment.

• Ability to lift and/or move light to moderately weighted objects with assistance.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving and/or flying on commercial airlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Highly developed technical knowledge of English grammar and mechanics.

• Ability to follow an editing style guide.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills.

• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents and handbooks.

• Ability to present information clearly and concisely.

• Ability to research and fact check copyrighted materials and their proper usage.

• Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite.

• Ability to learn software programs such as Adobe Acrobat Professional and Adobe FrameMaker to a high level of facility.

• Ability to work collaboratively in a team and manage multiple priorities while utilizing effective time management skills.

• Ability to interact positively and professionally with others and allows for honest feedback. 

Equipment: 

• Standard office equipment: computer, keyboard, multifunctional printer, telephone.

Notifications: 

• This position is security sensitive.

• This position may require work beyond normal office hours and/or work on weekends.

• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TEEX regulations and procedures.

• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and Agency safety requirements.

• As part of TEEX’s mission of providing training, developing practical solutions, and saving lives; this position could be required, if called upon, to deploy within the State of Texas as directed by this position’s Division Director/HQ Department Head.

• Ability to travel independently to other and/or remote locations by driving a personal or TEEX vehicle and/or flying on commercial airlines.

Essential Duties, Tasks, and Percentages 

Curriculum Materials Editing & Formatting – 80%

• Formats curriculum materials according to established processes using prescribed software and templates.

• Edits curriculum materials to align with requirements of applicable style guides and branding guides.

• Ensures materials comply with copyright and plagiarism standards.

• Publishes and manages the distribution of print files for physical books and course resources.

• Follows all TEEX guidelines for the protection of intellectual property.

• Remediates electronic documents to ensure documents (e.g.,PDFs and Word/PowerPoint files) are accessible for screen readers.

• Reviews, maintains, and archives electronic files as needed.

Curriculum Development Teams – 20%

• Participate as a member of curriculum development teams.

• Assists with the design, development, implementation, and evaluation of classroom and online training courses and materials. 

• Collaborates with instructional designers to ensure accuracy, consistency, validity, and purpose of training manual content.

• Completes work in accordance with project timelines and constraints.

• Provides status reports on projects and work assignments to supervisor as directed.

• Performs all assignments with a positive and professional team approach, providing excellent customer service to both internal and external TEEX/ESTI customers.

• Promotes a positive working environment that is respectful of others and allows honest feedback with open communication.

Additional Program/Division Responsibilities:

• Participates in professional development opportunities and seeks personal growth.

• Maintains involvement with Agency Initiatives.

• Maintains and safeguards assigned divisional equipment and property.

• Maintains a professional appearance.

• Maintains an organized workspace.

• Performs additional work duties as assigned. 

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.