Technical Writer I/II - InTrans

Position Title:

Technical Writer I/II - InTrans

Job Group:

Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Preferred Qualifications:

Education related to technical or scientific communication 
Strong experience related to producing technical or scientific communications products 
Experience with writing and editing proposals 
Experience with WordPress web content management system and HTML 
Proficiency in Microsoft Office (particularly Word) and experience using stylesheets and following style guidelines 
Experience with producing Section 508 compliant documents 
Experience using Adobe Creative Suite, particularly InDesign and Acrobat Pro 
Experience with social media marketing strategies 
Familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style 
Experience with graphic design 

Job Description:

The Institute for Transportation (InTrans) is currently accepting applications for a Technical Writer I/II. InTrans is a $18 million research organization at Iowa State University that includes 14 centers and programs. InTrans conducts transportation-related research and outreach and addresses the education and workforce development needs of future transportation professionals. InTrans’ mission is saving lives and improving economic vitality through discovery, research innovation, outreach, and the implementation of bold ideas.

As part of InTrans’ publications group, this position supports InTrans’ mission through a combination of duties: 

• Copyedit and/or format InTrans publications, with emphasis on technical research reports, technical summaries, and manuals

• Work independently or as part of ad hoc teams to write and/or edit and help produce many print and electronic technical and informational publications, including technical and nontechnical newsletters, annual reports, brochures, web pages and websites, etc. 

• Perform periodic administrative, planning, coordinating, budgeting, and reporting activities and participate in meetings for publications and communications activities

• Maintain social media presence for InTrans’ centers and programs

• Provide website support for InTrans’ centers and programs 

• Communicate with researchers and with federal and state sponsors to ensure overall quality control of research reports, follow copyright laws, and meet Section 508 compliance

• Advance InTrans’ research and technology transfer by contributing to proposal development and editing papers for publications, including peer-reviewed journals

​The successful candidate will have the following qualities and characteristics: 

• Excellent technical writing and editing skills and a thorough attention to detail

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills

• Ability to work effectively alone and as part of a team

• Ability to effectively perform many tasks for multiple concurrent projects, meet deadlines, and work within project budgets

• Ability to act professionally and show respect for all in the workplace

This is a one-year, fixed term position with the opportunity for renewal.

This position will be filled at the Technical Writer I or II level, depending on experience.

Technical Writer I

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree

Pay Grade:

PS807

Level Guidelines:

• Individual contributor position with developing professional and/or technical skills working under immediate to general supervision
• Grasps professional-level knowledge and concepts of field while working in a progressive learning mode
• Works on problems and issues of somewhat limited scope
• Follows standard practices and procedures in analyzing situations or data for which answers are available or can be obtained
• Responds to inquiries and issues, escalating to manager or higher level workers as appropriate
• May lead projects of limited scope and complexity
• May provide guidance to students

Technical Writer II

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience

Pay Grade:

PS808

Level Guidelines:

• Intermediate-level position with solid professional and/or technical skills working under general supervision to achieve goals
• Applies broad, working knowledge of the principles of the field to moderately complex, difficult, and varied problems and issues
• Exercises judgment within defined p