Job Duties Custom List 27-3042.00 — Technical Writers
- Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
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- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
- Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
- Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
- Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.
- Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.
- Verify facts, dates, and statistics, using standard reference sources.
- Develop story or content ideas, considering reader or audience appeal.
- Oversee publication production, including artwork, layout, computer typesetting, and printing, ensuring adherence to deadlines and budget requirements.
- Write text, such as stories, articles, editorials, or newsletters.
- Confer with management and editorial staff members regarding placement and emphasis of developing news stories.
- Plan the contents of publications according to the publication's style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements.
- Assign topics, events and stories to individual writers or reporters for coverage.
- Meet frequently with artists, typesetters, layout personnel, marketing directors, and production managers to discuss projects and resolve problems.
- Monitor news-gathering operations to ensure utilization of all news sources, such as press releases, telephone contacts, radio, television, wire services, and other reporters.
- Select local, state, national, and international news items received from wire services, based on assessment of items' significance and interest value.
- Allocate print space for story text, photos, and illustrations according to space parameters and copy significance, using knowledge of layout principles.
- Direct the policies and departments of newspapers, magazines and other publishing establishments.
- Arrange for copyright permissions.
- Interview and hire writers and reporters or negotiate contracts, royalties, and payments for authors or freelancers.
- Supervise and coordinate work of reporters and other editors.
- Read copy or proof to detect and correct errors in spelling, punctuation, and syntax.
- Read, evaluate and edit manuscripts or other materials submitted for publication, and confer with authors regarding changes in content, style or organization, or publication.
- Prepare, rewrite and edit copy to improve readability, or supervise others who do this work.
- Review and approve proofs submitted by composing room prior to publication production.
- Make manuscript acceptance or revision recommendations to the publisher.
- Read material to determine index items and arrange them alphabetically or topically, indicating page or chapter location.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Adapt text to accommodate musical requirements of composers and singers.
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
- Develop factors such as themes, plots, characterizations, psychological analyses, historical environments, action, and dialogue to create material.
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
- Confer with clients, editors, publishers, or producers to discuss changes or revisions to written material.
- Choose subject matter and suitable form to express personal feelings and experiences or ideas, or to narrate stories or events.
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
- Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.
- Follow appropriate procedures to get copyrights for completed work.
- Attend book launches and publicity events, or conduct public readings.
- Collaborate with other writers on specific projects.
- Write narrative, dramatic, lyric, or other types of poetry for publication.
- Write words to fit musical compositions, including lyrics for operas, musical plays, and choral works.
- Write humorous material for publication, or for performances such as comedy routines, gags, and comedy shows.
- Teach writing classes.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Adapt text to accommodate musical requirements of composers and singers.
- Edit or rewrite existing written material as necessary, and submit written material for approval by supervisor, editor, or publisher.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Develop advertising campaigns for a wide range of clients, working with an advertising agency's creative director and art director to determine the best way to present advertising information.
- Vary language and tone of messages based on product and medium.
- Present drafts and ideas to clients.
- Discuss with the client the product, advertising themes and methods, and any changes that should be made in advertising copy.
- Review advertising trends, consumer surveys, and other data regarding marketing of goods and services to determine the best way to promote products.
- Write articles, bulletins, sales letters, speeches, and other related informative, marketing and promotional material.
- Conduct research and interviews to determine which of a product's selling features should be promoted.
- Invent names for products and write the slogans that appear on packaging, brochures and other promotional material.
- Collaborate with other writers on specific projects.
- Conduct research to obtain factual information and authentic detail, using sources such as newspaper accounts, diaries, and interviews.
- Consult with sales, media and marketing representatives to obtain information on product or service and discuss style and length of advertising written material.
- Follow appropriate procedures to get copyrights for completed work.
- Plan project arrangements or outlines, and organize material accordingly.
- Prepare works in appropriate format for publication, and send them to publishers or producers.
- Work with staff to develop script, story, or advertising concepts.
- Write advertising material for use by publication, broadcast, or internet media to promote the sale of goods and services.
- Write fiction or nonfiction prose, such as short stories, novels, biographies, articles, descriptive or critical analyses, and essays.
- Write to customers in their terms and on their level so that the script, story, or advertisement message is more readily received.
- Edit or rewrite existing written material as necessary, and submit written material for approval by supervisor, editor, or publisher.
- Revise written material to meet personal standards and to satisfy needs of clients, publishers, directors, or producers.
- Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
- Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
- Write commentaries, columns, or scripts, using computers.
- Coordinate and serve as an anchor on news broadcast programs.
- Examine news items of local, national, and international significance to determine topics to address, or obtain assignments from editorial staff members.
- Analyze and interpret news and information received from various sources to broadcast the information.
- Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.
- Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
- Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
- Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
- Select material most pertinent to presentation, and organize this material into appropriate formats.
- Present news stories, and introduce in-depth videotaped segments or live transmissions from on-the-scene reporters.
- Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
- Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
- Review and evaluate notes taken about news events to isolate pertinent facts and details.
- Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
- Report on specialized fields such as medicine, green technology, environmental issues, science, politics, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
- Determine a published or broadcasted story's emphasis, length, and format, organizing material accordingly.
- Transmit news stories or reporting information from remote locations, using equipment such as satellite phones, telephones, fax machines, or modems.
- Check reference materials, such as books, news files, or public records, to obtain relevant facts.
- Discuss issues with editors to establish priorities or positions.
- Photograph or videotape news events.
- Present live or recorded commentary via broadcast media.
- Take pictures or video, and process them for inclusion in a story.
- Conduct taped or filmed interviews or narratives.
- Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences.
- Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone.
- Write online blog entries that address news developments or offer additional information, opinions, or commentary on news events.
- Assign stories to other reporters or duties to production staff.
- Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions.
- Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements.
- Review written, audio, or video copy, and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
- Compose and edit scripts or provide screenwriters with story outlines from which scripts can be written.
- Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.
- Plan details such as framing, composition, camera movement, sound, and actor movement for each shot or scene.
- Communicate to actors the approach, characterization, and movement needed for each scene in such a way that rehearsals and takes are minimized.
- Direct live broadcasts, films and recordings, or non-broadcast programming for public entertainment or education.
- Research production topics using the internet, video archives, and other informational sources.
- Review film, recordings, or rehearsals to ensure conformance to production and broadcast standards.
- Study and research scripts to determine how they should be directed.
- Supervise and coordinate the work of camera, lighting, design, and sound crew members.
- Confer with technical directors, managers, crew members, and writers to discuss details of production, such as photography, script, music, sets, and costumes.
- Perform management activities, such as budgeting, scheduling, planning, and marketing.
- Consult with writers, producers, or actors about script changes or "workshop" scripts, through rehearsal with writers and actors to create final drafts.
- Identify and approve equipment and elements required for productions, such as scenery, lights, props, costumes, choreography, and music.
- Establish pace of programs and sequences of scenes according to time requirements and cast and set accessibility.
- Conduct meetings with staff to discuss production progress and to ensure production objectives are attained.
- Compile scripts, program notes, and other material related to productions.
- Resolve personnel problems that arise during the production process by acting as liaisons between dissenting parties when necessary.
- Coordinate the activities of writers, directors, managers, and other personnel throughout the production process.
- Obtain rights to scripts or to such items as existing video footage.
- Write and submit proposals to bid on contracts for projects.
- Cut and edit film or tape to integrate component parts into desired sequences.
- Choose settings and locations for films and determine how scenes will be shot in these settings.
- Review film daily to check on work in progress and to plan for future filming.
- Negotiate with parties, including independent producers and the distributors and broadcasters who will be handling completed productions.
- Perform administrative duties, such as preparing operational reports, distributing rehearsal call sheets and script copies, and arranging for rehearsal quarters.
- Develop marketing plans for finished products, collaborating with sales associates to supervise product distribution.
- Arrange financing for productions.
- Hire principal cast members and crew members, such as art directors, cinematographers, and costume designers.
- Hold auditions for parts or negotiate contracts with actors determined suitable for specific roles.
- Select plays, scripts, books, news content, or ideas to be produced.
- Compose and edit scripts or provide screenwriters with story outlines from which scripts can be written.
- Write and edit news stories from information collected by reporters and other sources.
- Design, evaluate, recommend, and approve changes of forms and reports.
- Gather and organize information on problems or procedures.
- Confer with personnel concerned to ensure successful functioning of newly implemented systems or procedures.
- Analyze data gathered and develop solutions or alternative methods of proceeding.
- Document findings of study and prepare recommendations for implementation of new systems, procedures, or organizational changes.
- Plan study of work problems and procedures, such as organizational change, communications, information flow, integrated production methods, inventory control, or cost analysis.
- Interview personnel and conduct on-site observation to ascertain unit functions, work performed, and methods, equipment, and personnel used.
- Prepare manuals and train workers in use of new forms, reports, procedures or equipment, according to organizational policy.
- Review forms and reports and confer with management and users about format, distribution, and purpose, identifying problems and improvements.
- Develop and implement records management program for filing, protection, and retrieval of records, and assure compliance with program.
- Recommend purchase of storage equipment and design area layout to locate equipment in space available.
- Design, evaluate, recommend, and approve changes of forms and reports.
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.
- Translate messages simultaneously or consecutively into specified languages, orally or by using hand signs, maintaining message content, context, and style as much as possible.
- Listen to speakers' statements to determine meanings and to prepare translations, using electronic listening systems as necessary.
- Compile terminology and information to be used in translations, including technical terms such as those for legal or medical material.
- Refer to reference materials, such as dictionaries, lexicons, encyclopedias, and computerized terminology banks, as needed to ensure translation accuracy.
- Check translations of technical terms and terminology to ensure that they are accurate and remain consistent throughout translation revisions.
- Identify and resolve conflicts related to the meanings of words, concepts, practices, or behaviors.
- Compile information on content and context of information to be translated and on intended audience.
- Adapt translations to students' cognitive and grade levels, collaborating with educational team members as necessary.
- Check original texts or confer with authors to ensure that translations retain the content, meaning, and feeling of the original material.
- Adapt software and accompanying technical documents to another language and culture.
- Educate students, parents, staff, and teachers about the roles and functions of educational interpreters.
- Train and supervise other translators or interpreters.
- Read written materials, such as legal documents, scientific works, or news reports, and rewrite material into specified languages.
- Travel with or guide tourists who speak another language.
- Discuss translation requirements with clients and determine any fees to be charged for services provided.
- Follow ethical codes that protect the confidentiality of information.
- Proofread, edit, and revise translated materials.
- Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
- Respond to requests for information from the media or designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source.
- Plan or direct development or communication of programs to maintain favorable public or stockholder perceptions of an organization's accomplishments, agenda, or environmental responsibility.
- Post and update content on the company's Web site and social media outlets.
- Write press releases or other media communications to promote clients.
- Confer with other managers to identify trends or key group interests or concerns or to provide advice on business decisions.
- Coach client representatives in effective communication with the public or with employees.
- Study the objectives, promotional policies, or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies that will influence public opinion or promote ideas, products, or services.
- Arrange public appearances, lectures, contests, or exhibits for clients to increase product or service awareness or to promote goodwill.
- Plan or conduct market or public opinion research to test products or determine potential for product success, communicating results to client or management.
- Develop plans or materials to communicate organizational activities that are beneficial to the environment, public safety, or other important social issues.
- Confer with production or support personnel to produce or coordinate production of advertisements or promotions.
- Consult with advertising agencies or staff to arrange promotional campaigns in all types of media for products, organizations, or individuals.
- Prepare or deliver speeches to further public relations objectives.
- Develop marketing campaigns for environmental technologies or services.
- Purchase advertising space or time as required to promote client's product or agenda.
- Establish or maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of community, consumer, employee, or public interest groups.
- Coordinate public responses to environmental management incidents or conflicts.
- Prepare or edit organizational publications, such as employee newsletters or stockholders' reports, for internal or external audiences.
- Write or edit copy for clients.
- Key information into computer equipment to create layouts for client or supervisor.
- Review final layouts and suggest improvements, as needed.
- Determine size and arrangement of illustrative material and copy, and select style and size of type.
- Develop graphics and layouts for product illustrations, company logos, and Web sites.
- Create designs, concepts, and sample layouts, based on knowledge of layout principles and esthetic design concepts.
- Use computer software to generate new images.
- Prepare digital files for printing.
- Confer with clients to discuss and determine layout design.
- Research the target audience of projects.
- Draw and print charts, graphs, illustrations, and other artwork, using computer.
- Mark up, paste, and assemble final layouts to prepare layouts for printer.
- Study illustrations and photographs to plan presentation of materials, products, or services.
- Maintain archive of images, photos, or previous work products.
- Prepare notes and instructions for workers who assemble and prepare final layouts for printing.
- Prepare illustrations or rough sketches of material, discussing them with clients or supervisors and making necessary changes.
- Research new software or design concepts.
- Produce still and animated graphics for on-air and taped portions of television news broadcasts, using electronic video equipment.
- Photograph layouts, using camera, to make layout prints for supervisors or clients.
- Write or edit copy for clients.
- Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
- Operate control consoles.
- Record commercials for later broadcast.
- Announce musical selections, station breaks, commercials, or public service information, and accept requests from listening audience.
- Study background information to prepare for programs or interviews.
- Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
- Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, ad-libbing or using memorized or read scripts.
- Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
- Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
- Develop story lines for broadcasts.
- Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
- Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.
- Provide commentary and conduct interviews during sporting events, parades, conventions, or other events.
- Make promotional appearances at public or private events to represent their employers.
- Host civic, charitable, or promotional events broadcast over television or radio.
- Attend press conferences to gather information for broadcast.
- Write and edit video and scripts for broadcasts.
- Maintain organization of the music library.
- Locate guests to appear on talk or interview shows.
- Keep daily program logs to provide information on all elements aired during broadcast, such as musical selections and station promotions.
- Give network cues permitting selected stations to receive programs.
- Coordinate games, contests, or other on-air competitions, performing such duties as asking questions and awarding prizes.
- Moderate panels or discussion shows on topics such as current affairs, art, or education.
- Describe or demonstrate products that viewers may purchase through specific shows or in stores.
- Prepare and deliver news, sports, or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
- Review manuscripts for professional journals.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, laboratory work, assignments, and papers.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as mechanics, hydraulics, and robotics.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate class discussions.
- Supervise students' laboratory work.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, and course materials and methods of instruction.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks and laboratory equipment.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Review manuscripts for professional journals.
- Review manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
- Teach writing or communication classes.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as poetry, novel structure, and translation and adaptation.
- Assist students who need extra help with their coursework outside of class.
- Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in professional journals, books, or electronic media.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Teach classes using online technology.
- Schedule courses.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Write letters of recommendation for students.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Participate in cultural and literary activities, such as traveling abroad and attending performing arts events.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Recruit, train, and supervise department personnel, such as faculty and student writing instructors.
- Provide assistance to students in college writing centers.
- Conduct staff performance evaluations.
- Write original literary pieces.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Provide professional consulting services to government or industry.
- Review manuscripts for publication in professional journals.
