27-3042.00Apprenticeship

Technical Writers

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

Career Cluster:Arts, Entertainment, & Design
Job Family:Arts, Design, Entertainment, Sports, and Media
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Industry:Information
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Technology Tools

Adobe Creative Cloud softwareAdobe IllustratorAdobe InDesignAdobe PhotoshopAtlassian ConfluenceAtlassian JIRAAutodesk AutoCADDassault Systemes SolidWorksEpic SystemsExtensible markup language XMLGitGitHubHypertext markup language HTMLJavaScriptMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointCascading style sheets CSSMicrosoft SQL Server Reporting Services SSRSMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicPHPMicrosoft WordAdobe AcrobatOracle JavaSASStructured query language SQL

Key Tasks

  • Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
  • Maintain 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 material.
  • Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material 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, and production sequence and detail.
  • Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
  • Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
  • Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
  • Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
  • Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
  • Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
  • Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.

Skills

Writing
97%
Reading Comprehension
78%
Speaking
69%
Active Listening
69%
Critical Thinking
66%
Active Learning
56%
Time Management
53%
Judgment and Decision Making
53%
Coordination
50%
Monitoring
50%
Persuasion
47%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Complex Problem Solving
44%
Negotiation
41%
Instructing
38%
Operations Analysis
38%
Learning Strategies
38%
Systems Analysis
35%
Quality Control Analysis
31%
Management of Personnel Resources
28%
Service Orientation
28%
Systems Evaluation
22%
Mathematics
16%
Management of Material Resources
16%
Operations Monitoring
13%
Management of Financial Resources
10%
Programming
10%
Technology Design
10%
Science
6%
Troubleshooting
3%
Operation and Control
0%
Repairing
0%
Installation
0%
Equipment Selection
0%
Equipment Maintenance
0%

Knowledge

English Language
95%
Computers and Electronics
82%
Administrative
69%
Communications and Media
56%
Administration and Management
56%
Education and Training
54%
Public Safety and Security
54%
Production and Processing
53%
Customer and Personal Service
50%
Mathematics
48%
Engineering and Technology
47%
Mechanical
46%
Telecommunications
36%
Design
35%
Transportation
33%
Law and Government
32%
Medicine and Dentistry
26%
Sales and Marketing
26%
Chemistry
20%
Psychology
19%
Economics and Accounting
19%
Physics
17%
Personnel and Human Resources
15%
Building and Construction
11%
Biology
8%
Sociology and Anthropology
7%
Geography
5%
Foreign Language
4%
Fine Arts
3%
History and Archeology
3%
Therapy and Counseling
2%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Written Expression
81%
Written Comprehension
78%
Near Vision
75%
Oral Comprehension
72%
Deductive Reasoning
69%
Oral Expression
69%
Information Ordering
66%
Speech Clarity
60%
Problem Sensitivity
60%
Inductive Reasoning
60%
Speech Recognition
53%
Visualization
50%
Category Flexibility
50%
Fluency of Ideas
50%
Originality
47%
Selective Attention
38%
Finger Dexterity
35%
Flexibility of Closure
31%
Visual Color Discrimination
31%
Perceptual Speed
28%
Speed of Closure
28%
Far Vision
25%
Memorization
25%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
25%
Manual Dexterity
25%
Auditory Attention
22%
Mathematical Reasoning
22%
Time Sharing
22%
Number Facility
22%
Hearing Sensitivity
19%
Depth Perception
10%
Control Precision
10%
Wrist-Finger Speed
10%
Spatial Orientation
6%
Trunk Strength
3%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Reaction Time
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Extent Flexibility
0%
Night Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Stamina
0%
Static Strength
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Multilimb Coordination
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Glare Sensitivity
0%
Rate Control
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Response Orientation
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
90%
Getting Information
83%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
80%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
77%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
76%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
76%
Analyzing Data or Information
75%
Processing Information
75%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
74%
Documenting/Recording Information
73%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
65%
Thinking Creatively
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
62%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
58%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
52%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
52%
Training and Teaching Others
51%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
50%
Scheduling Work and Activities
48%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
46%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
45%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
44%
Developing and Building Teams
44%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
44%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
42%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
41%
Selling or Influencing Others
41%
Performing Administrative Activities
40%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
29%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
28%
Assisting and Caring for Others
27%
Coaching and Developing Others
24%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
23%
Controlling Machines and Processes
22%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
21%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
20%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
17%
Performing General Physical Activities
16%
Staffing Organizational Units
16%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
12%
Handling and Moving Objects
11%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

94%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

89%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

89%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

88%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

85%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

85%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

81%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

79%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

79%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

78%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

75%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

66%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

65%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

63%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

63%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

62%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

61%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

58%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

55%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

52%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

51%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

44%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

42%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

40%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

34%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

30%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

29%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

27%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

25%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

18%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

17%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

17%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

9%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

7%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

6%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

6%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

5%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

4%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

4%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

4%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

3%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

2%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

2%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

2%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

1%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

1%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

1%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

1%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

1%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

0%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

0%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

0%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

0%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

0%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

0%

Education

Associate's degree

35%

Bachelor's degree

33%

Some college, no degree

16%

Interests

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

72

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

54

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

45

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

30

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

17

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

17

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
92%
Dependability
75%
Intellectual Curiosity
68%
Achievement Orientation
51%
Cautiousness
48%
Cooperation
46%
Perseverance
41%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
41%
Adaptability
40%
Innovation
39%
Integrity
36%
Initiative
35%
Self-Confidence
31%
Stress Tolerance
27%
Sincerity
23%
Self-Control
22%
Social Orientation
22%
Humility
19%
Empathy
14%
Optimism
7%

Work Values

Independence
61%
Working Conditions
61%
Achievement
56%
Support
45%
Recognition
39%
Relationships
33%

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