Best Practices, Communication Skills, Computer Programming, Data Quality, Detail Oriented, Documentation, Documentation Format, Documentation Plan, Documentation Standards, Editing, English Language, Establish Priorities, Interviewing Skills, Journalism, Leadership, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Product Family, Microsoft Visio, Microsoft Word, Multitasking, Needs Assessment, Organizational Skills, Presentation/Verbal Skills, Project Evaluation, Project/Program Management, Proofreading, Publications, Research Skills, Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), Strategic Planning, Style Guide, Systems Administration/Management, Team Player, Technical Writing, Time Management, Writing Skills
Position Description: The Technical Writer documents the Gwinnett County IT department’s processes, standards, and internal applications, and develops supporting documentation such as strategies, plans, flowcharts, job aids, interactive forms, and product instructions written for both technical and non-technical audiences across all departments. The Technical Writer works closely with subject matter experts, project teams, and stakeholders to ensure documentation is accurate, accessible, consistent, and aligned with organizational standards and business needs. Minimum Qualifications: • Two (2) years of professional technical writing experience. • Bachelor’s degree in English, Communications, Journalism, Technical Writing, or a related field or equivalent professional experience. Preferred Experience & Skills: • Four (4) years of professional technical writing experience. • Proven ability to produce clear, concise documentation for varied audiences, with hands-on experience in technical writing and editing of departmental processes (SOPs), standards, software instructions, and system configurations. • Experience using topic-based writing methodology such as Information Mapping for identifying information types and using best-practice topic-based writing principles to document each content type to optimize findability and readability. • Experience gathering information by interviewing subject matter experts, conducting hands-on research, analyzing information types, and organizing content into succinct topics. • Experience following best-practice technical writing principles such as those outlined in the Microsoft Writing Style Guide (formerly known as the Microsoft Manual of Style). • Strong writing, editing, proofreading, and grammatical skills with exceptional attention to detail. • Ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, user-friendly language. • Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Visio, Excel, and PowerPoint. • Strong understanding of document formatting, templates, styles, and visual presentation techniques, including use of the Styles panel in Microsoft Word. • Strong interpersonal, listening, and interviewing skills with the ability to build rapport with stakeholders. • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment. • Strong organizational, time-management, and prioritization skills. • Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Responsibilities: • Collaborate with department leadership, project teams, and end users to identify documentation requirements based on business needs, hardware, and software. • Analyze IT project and user requirements to determine appropriate documentation types, scope, formats, publication methods, and delivery approaches. • Work closely with ITS staff, engineers, programmers, and project managers to collect, interpret, and validate technical information, processes, and procedures. • Assess audience needs and tailor tone, terminology, and technical detail to ensure documentation is clear and understandable for both technical and non-technical users. • Plan documentation projects, including writing processes, timelines, deadlines, and deliverables. • Research, write, edit, and maintain a wide range of documentation, including SOPs, standards, user guides, manuals, technical specifications, training materials, policies, proposals, and interactive forms for print and online delivery. • Edit documentation produced by others to ensure consistency, clarity, accuracy, and adherence to documentation standards. • Create diagrams, flowcharts, charts, and other visual aids to support understanding of systems and processes. • Ensure all documentation remains accurate, current, and aligned with system and process changes. • Research, evaluate, and recommend improvements to documentation tools, methods, and workflows. • Establish, communicate, and maintain documentation standards, templates, and best practices. • Provide guidance or training to staff on documentation standards and processes, as needed. • Perform other related duties as assigned.