Get Knee Deep in Oil and SAP! We're looking for Aspiring Technical Writers/Editors

We are putting together a network of writers, editors and business process trainers working to build a comprehensive team of experts for long term projects in the oil and gas industry. Currently, we have a contract with Suncor Energy working in an SAP environment creating, reviewing and revising 800 business procedures for a June 12 deadline. If we nail it, there will be further opportunities to do additional work.

We are looking for writers and editors who would like to obtain some oil and gas experience and improve their client portfolio and skill set in an entry level position. You will have the chance to work with SAP 4.7, SAP ECC6 and RWD uPerform. . . all three being heavily-used applications in Calgary.

We are equipped to provide you with software training and mentoring to assist you in a writer/editor/researcher role.

You have completed most or all of an accredited Technical Writing Certificate program and are interested in working with a high-performing team of technical writers and editors.

In addition, you:

• have a keen eye for detail and are competent at identifying errors and grammatically incorekt sentences
• enjoy interacting with human beings and get a kick out of learning what other people do for a living
• have an entrepreneurial spirit and have an incorporated company
• are available by March 15 to embark on an opportunity that could lead to a new career in technical writing/editing
• like chocolate

Our client is looking for a Technical Writer to support the Project Leads in the delivery of various client projects and initiatives. This position will be responsible for designing, writing, creating and maintaining strong project documentation throughout the project lifecycle. This includes working closely with project teams to develop clear and concise print and online user manuals for software, documentation guides for engineering design processes, training materials, and business process documentation.

Main Responsibilities (but not limited to):

• Create, design, and maintain various types of documentation including business processes, software user guides, technical specifications, training materials, process manuals, etc.
• Gather, analyze, and synthesize information from project team members, business representatives, existing documentation, hands-on software exposure, the Internet, or other sources as required.
• Edit documentation (e.g. copyediting, style, content, consistency, etc.).
• Assess, define, implement, and monitor documentation management practices as required and appropriate for the project, in conjunction with the client’s applicable standards, including template design and maintenance; version and change control; naming conventions; and official repository(ies).
• Review and understand any predefined acceptance criteria associated with the third-party documentation to ensure requirements are met in the final product.
• Follow or establish an overall documentation acceptance review framework in order to ensure interdependencies for deliverables, traceability where applicable, and alignment with the overall client project or initiative.
• Other duties and responsibilities as required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Strong verbal, written, and presentation communication skills including the ability to clearly present information to various audiences in both formal and informal settings.
• Proven ability to both lead and contribute in a team environment by providing guidance and coaching in areas of expertise.
• Proven ability to provide professional judgment and also work independently.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills in order to manage multiple priorities and competing demands with tight timelines.
• Strong computer skills with proficiency in Excel; SAP experience would be an asset.

Education and Experience:

• Experience with the application of the The Chicago Manual of Style is preferred; however, familiarity with other recognized standards may be considered.
• Experience working in a regulated environment, preferably within the electrical/energy industry, would be an asset.

Reporting to the Project Coordinator, this position is responsible for creating isometric and perspective technical illustrations for our technical manuals and other documents. Proven experience in creating technical illustrations for the automotive, aircraft or heavy industrial equipment manufacturing industries, as well as interpreting computer MRP Bills of Materials, engineering drawings and other technical documents is required in this position.

Must have:

• Post secondary education in Technical Illustrating, Mechanical Drafting or the equivalent related training
• Experience using technical illustration applications such as Corel Draw, Corel Designer or Adobe Illustrator
• Team player
• Well organized
• Strong communication skills
• Well versed in a Windows NT network computer environment with MS office programs

Nice to have:

• Experience with NX4 3D Modeling
• Good mechanical abilities with an understanding of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic systems

Reporting to the Publications Manager, this position will provide leadership and guidance to the Manual Updates Team.

Main Responsibilities:

• You will effectively manage manual update activities in accordance to the established schedule, providing detailed feedback and progress reports to management on a regular basis.
• You will review and edit completed work to ensure content accuracy and conformance to standards.
• Using effective leadership and communication skills, you will work with other Technical Editors and departmental leaders to investigate content issues and supply appropriate solutions.

Requirements:

• Post secondary education in Technical Communications, Mechanical Technology or several years experience as a leader in a Product Data Management position
• Well organized and detail oriented
• Excellent editing skills
• Ability to effectively manage competing demands under pressure
• A sound understanding of engineering standards, product data and document lifecycles with working knowledge of Oracle structured BOMs
• Knowledge of PDM systems such as Teamcenter would be an asset
• Excellent command of the English language
• Strong mechanical aptitude
• Working Knowledge of MS Office

Summary

Reporting to the Manager of Technical Publications and working as an active member of the development team, you will research, plan, and write software documentation for technical and non-technical audiences in print and online formats.

Responsibilities

• Use your advanced writing skills to design, schedule, write, and edit guides, online help, and release notes, following company standards and house style.
• Use source material and interviews with subject matter experts to research documentation projects.
• Manage your projects independently. Closely track product-development progress and issues.
• Act as an advocate for the user during product development. Provide usability feedback to the development team.
• Attend regularly scheduled and extemporaneous meetings with other technical writers and product development teams.
• Participate in Technical Publications team projects.

Requirements

• BA/BS in science, engineering or a communications-related field.
• 1 to 3 years related experience.
• Excellent planning, research, and writing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to master software applications quickly.
• Ability to handle multiple assignments with tight deadlines.
• Ability to work on teams that are geographically distributed.
• Experience with Author-it, FrameMaker or online help authoring tools is an asset.
• Familiarity with revision control systems such as Perforce is an asset.