Technical Writer (Senior Level)

Overview:

The Technical Writer is responsible for creating technical documentation, manuals, guides, and other written materials to support disaster response and recovery operations. They play a critical role in communicating complex information effectively to various stakeholders, including field teams, partner organizations, and affected communities. This position requires deployment to disaster areas within 48 hours of notification.

Deployment areas include:
Delaware, DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, Alabama, Mississippi, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, and Tennessee.

Job Summary:
  • Documentation Development: Research, write, edit, and format technical documents, reports, standard operating procedures (SOPs), training materials, and other written content related to disaster fieldwork activities.
  • Content Creation: Translate technical information, data, and concepts into clear, concise, and accessible language for diverse audiences, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in messaging.
  • Document Review: Review and revise existing documentation to update content, improve clarity, and incorporate feedback from subject matter experts, stakeholders, and end-users.
  • Quality Assurance: Ensure that technical documents adhere to organizational standards, style guides, branding guidelines, and industry best practices for technical writing and documentation.
  • Version Control: Maintain version control and document management systems to track revisions, manage access permissions, and ensure the integrity and security of documentation repositories.
  • Cross-functional Collaboration: Collaborate with subject matter experts, project managers, field teams, and other stakeholders to gather information, verify accuracy, and incorporate relevant input into technical documents.
  • Training Support: Develop training materials, user guides, and instructional resources to facilitate training sessions and capacity-building activities for staff, volunteers, and partner organizations involved in disaster response efforts.
  • Knowledge Management: Organize, categorize, and tag technical documents and resources in knowledge management systems to facilitate searchability, retrieval, and reuse of information for future projects and initiatives.
  • Document Distribution: Distribute technical documents and updates to relevant stakeholders through appropriate channels, including email, intranet portals, document repositories, and collaboration platforms.
  • Continuous Improvement: Evaluate documentation processes, tools, and workflows to identify opportunities for efficiency gains, quality improvements, and innovation in technical writing and documentation practices.
REQUIREMENTS
  • Supervisory Responsibility: No
Skills & Abilities:
  • Proven experience as a technical writer, content developer, or documentation specialist, with a strong portfolio showcasing relevant projects and writing samples.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with the ability to communicate complex information clearly, concisely, and accurately to diverse audiences.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and technical writing tools such as Adobe Acrobat, MadCap Flare, or RoboHelp.
  • Familiarity with document management systems, version control tools, and collaboration platforms for managing and sharing technical documentation.
  • Strong organizational and project management abilities, with the capacity to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, build relationships with stakeholders, and represent the organization professionally.
  • Attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy, integrity, and ethical standards in technical writing and documentation activities.
  • Flexibility to work irregular hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
  • Willingness to travel and work in disaster-affected areas for extended periods, often in challenging conditions.
  • Must live within driving distance of a metropolitan airport.
Additional Skills (Preferred):
  • Experience with GIS (Geographic Information Systems) software and mapping tools for spatial analysis and visualization of disaster-related data.
  • Knowledge of disaster management principles, terminology, and best practices, as well as familiarity with relevant regulations, standards, and guidelines.
  • Understanding of crisis communication strategies, risk communication principles, and media relations practices in emergency situations.
  • Training or certification in emergency communication, crisis management, or related fields.
  • Fluency in multiple languages, particularly those spoken in disaster-prone regions, to facilitate communication with diverse communities.
EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:
  • Bachelor’s degree with 10 years of experience in disaster fieldwork or a related field; OR a graduate-level degree or professional registration with 5 years of experience in disaster fieldwork or a related field; OR 15 years of experience in disaster fieldwork or a related field.
  • Additional education or certification in disaster management or emergency response is a plus.
CERTIFICATION(S):
  • N/A
CLEARANCE REQUIREMENT:
  • Must be able to obtain and sustain a Public Trust clearance.
NICE TO HAVE:
  • Completion of relevant courses, including:
    • IS-1000: Public Assistance Program and Eligibility
    • IS-1001: The Public Assistance Delivery Model Orientation
    • IS-1002: Grants Portal – Transparency at Every Step
    • IS-1004: The Site Inspection Process
    • IS-1018: Determination Memorandums and Appeals
    • 7116: Program Delivery Manager
    • 7117: Site Inspection

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