It’s important from time to time to remind ourselves of the kinds of opportunities that still exist for skilled technical writers and communicators despite the recent economic downturn. This is one of those full-time writing positions offered by a US Federal Agency to US citizen writers.
It pays a salary of $82,961 to $107,854 a year (depending on your qualifications), the kind of money that 90% of all full-time poets, novelists, and screenwriters will never see.
I will highlight a few features of this position to give a better idea of all these wonderful opportunities that exist in technical writing for all of you who may be debating whether or not to become a technical writer.
The person chosen for this position will serve as technical writer and editor for this agency.
However, since the Agency is also running a nationwide “Health Campaign” (not his real name), this writer will also end up serving as the campaign’s Project Officer.
The responsibilities of this technical writer will include the following:
1) Develop and disseminate messages about new research findings.
2) Create a variety of information products for health professionals, researchers, the press, and the public, including publications, e-newsletters, multimedia training, videos, public service announcements, and exhibits.
3) Write and issue press releases and hold news teleconferences and press conferences.
4) Develop and execute promotion and dissemination plans.
5) To respond to inquiries from the public, the press, physicians, and researchers.
6) To maintain and build relationships with constituent groups and stakeholders and coordinate special events.
7) Update and maintain the Agency’s clinical trials database.
8) Update and manage the content of the Agency website and develop new web pages as needed.
So that’s what some technical writers do for $82K to $107K a year.
What do you think?
Do you agree with me that this is a fairly dynamic position that would require interpersonal and journalistic skills, as well as simple information design and technical writing experience?
There are plenty of such jobs for technical writers, as the demand for good information and communication professionals will never go away, regardless of the economy.
The Society for Technical Communication (STC) membership website is a great place to look for such jobs. I highly recommend it.
