Job Information
Iowa State University Technical Writer I/II - InTrans in Ames, Iowa
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 procedures and practices to determine appropriate action and resolve problems • Responds to a broad range of inquiries and requests • May provide training and/or direction to lower-level staff • May lead projects of moderate scope and complexity • Provides guidance to students
The Technical Writer II will have additional job duties not listed in the posting.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.
Appointment Type:Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)
Proposed End Date or Length of Term:July 31, 2025
Number of Months Employed Per Year:12 Month Work Period
Time Type:Full time
Pay Grade:PS807
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae2) Letter of Application/Cover LetterIf you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.Why Choose ISU?Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:• Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans• Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans• Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)• Life insurance and long-term disability• Flexible Spending Accounts• Various voluntary benefits and discounts• Employee Assistance Program• Wellbeing program• Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.
Original Posting Date: July 1, 2024
Posting Close Date:July 14, 2024
Job Requisition Number:R14999
By focusing on the future and providing the best student experience possible, Iowa State attracts students and faculty who want to make a difference. With a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, research, extension and outreach, we produce scholars whose ideas change the world. And through Innovate at Iowa State , we provide innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for students of all backgrounds. Located just 30 minutes north of Des Moines, the city of Ames was recently named one of the Top 10 cities in the U.S. for campus life and career opportunities.
Iowa State University is a welcoming, global, and culturally diverse community of students, faculty, and staff. Campus community members have a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and are committed to engaging with each other respectfully as outlined in the university's Principles of Community (https://www.iastate.edu/diversity-and-inclusion/principles-community) . Iowa State recognizes that diverse intellectual and philosophical perspectives are vital to innovation, critical thinking skills, and a dynamic academic community that fosters the land-grant ideals of putting science, technology, and human creativity to work.
All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal and state law, ISU policies/procedures, and may include the completion of a background check and/or a consumer credit check.
Iowa State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, marital status, disability, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against. Inquiries can be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity, 3410 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, 515 294-7612, email eooffice@iastate.edu .
If you have questions about the application process please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll-Free at 1-877-477-7485 . Iowa State University provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants with questions about access or requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should email employment@iastate.edu or call (515) 294-4800 or Toll-Free: (877) 477-7485 . TTY users are welcome to use the Iowa Relay Service number by dialing 7-1-1 or (800) 735-2942 .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources (https://www.hr.iastate.edu/careers/compensation) website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.