Technical Writer

Lansing, MI (Contract)


Job Description
Seeking a C2C candidate located in the specified area.





Technical Writer 3, DTMB Agency Services Supporting MDARD

DTMB Agency Services is seeking a Technical Writer 3 to support agency initiatives to review and update documents and web published content for ADA WCAG 2.1AA compliance for the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). This individual will work with the MDARD Bureau Services Manager and be provided with the opportunity to establish best practices for the ongoing efforts to review and address non-compliance to ADA WCAG2.1 AA standards and applicable department policies for published documents and agency-maintained web content. This individual will also train program staff on those best practices and lead efforts to complete the needed updates.

This position will meet weekly with the MDARD Bureau Services Manager to track progress, remove any barriers, and set priorities. This position works closely with the department’s web administrator, web team, forms analyst, and Digital Accessibility Review Team (DART) to ensure timely compliance.

This individual needs to be experienced producing technical content for published documentation and web content in support of business operations, reports, and communications in compliance with the WCAG2.1AA ADA guidelines to include the use of utilizing accessibility tools.

Candidates must have a minimum of 4 years of general technical writer experience.



Technical Writer 3 Position General Description:

· Develops and maintains user and technical documentation and project process documentation for Application Teams. Understands the user’s view of applications and /or technology and is able to put procedures in a logical sequence. Provides expertise on technical concepts of applications and /or user groups and structuring procedures in a logical sequence, due to a broad understanding of the applications. Writes a variety of technical articles, reports, brochures, and/or manuals for documentation for a wide range of uses. May be responsible for coordinating the display of graphics and the production of the document.

· Develop, enhance, and maintain user documentation for multiple applications including documentation required for the operations provider. Develop on-line source documentation as appropriate. Maintain documentation libraries and subscription lists. Identify, create, revise, and maintain documentation and templates. Ensure appropriate control access/use of documentation materials. Maintain application and user documentation. Ensure messages and terminology is consistent across all written materials. Research and complete documentation service requests. Communicate accurate and useful status updates. Manage and report time spent on all work activities. Follow quality standards. Ability to work in a team environment. Strong communication skills; both written and spoken.

· Composes technical documents, manuals, bulletins, brochures, publications, training manuals, and special reports. Organizes and coordinates the composition of material and drafting of forms suitable for reproduction. Reviews and edits prepared material and illustrations. Develops and refines material for publication in journals and periodicals. Prepares informational material for release to the mass media. Works with agency staff in the development of formats, graphics, and the layout of publications. Assists agency staff in preparing and refining material for speeches and other public presentations. May research product design, capabilities, and compatibility ranges.

· May oversee the writing, editing, publishing, and distribution of specification documents. May review various resources and prepare analyses or summaries. May train others. Experience in technical writing, journalism, or communications work. Knowledge of the techniques and methods of planning, organizing, and writing various types of materials; of research methodology; and of departmental policies, procedures, and regulations.



Specific Position Experience Required:

• Minimum 1 year mentoring and working with teams to implement standards for documentation, including the development and delivery of related training materials.

• Minimum 2 years reviewing existing documentation against standards. Documenting and prioritizing identified gaps.

• Minimum 1 year of working with work products and projects with purposeful ADA WCAG2.1AA focus.

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with ADA tools associated with technical writing (e.g. Microsoft accessibility checker, Adobe accessibility checker, etc.).