GENERAL DEFINITION

This is advanced technical writing work coordinating the research, analysis, writing, and editing of reference material pertaining to data processing systems and applications. The employee in this class conducts studies of the operations of the City's information management system, evaluates a variety of technical reports and other source materials, prepares interpretive and informative publications for dissemination to client agencies and information management office staff, and develops means for training technical personnel. The employee coordinates technical writing and documentation, and may supervise a small staff of subordinate technical writers engaged in such work. Coordination of documentation, development and implementation of a program of technical training and computer-aided instruction and contact with City officials and Agency personnel are significant. Work is performed under the supervision of an administrative supervisor.

TYPICAL EXAMPLES OF WORK (ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY)

• Coordinates the documentation of systems, procedures, and programs developed by systems and programming personnel, writing technical materials in final form, writing final versions of job control language, and describing programs, structure of data base, and formation of files; assigns staff to work with analysts, programmers, and operational personnel reviews assignments for completion and accuracy.
• Confers with Agency officials to review and evaluate a wide variety of technical materials for publication or electronic distribution and determines the level of technical sophistication required on the basis of readers for whom the writing is intended.
• Analyzes and interprets statistical, graphic, and narrative material and other detailed reports prepared for selected or specialized readership; researches information from technical studies and reports; extracts pertinent data and other factual information; designs format; prepares outline of proposed publication and supports production of computer-based training course materials.
• Prepares data processing standards; serves as central agent for reviewing, updating, and controlling the distribution of Agency standards; reviews and proposes new forms intended for computer use for format, content and compliance with departmental standards, policies, and procedures.
• Develops client reference manuals, explanatory brochures on agency-related activities, technical notes, newsletters, electronic training aids, and related materials by writing original material and editing staff-supplied documents; verifies Agency staff and clients the effectiveness of Agency-generated instructional and reference material.
• Collects and analyzes technical data for training purposes; determines training needs and audience; develops materials for use in training staff in computer-related procedures; devises effective means of training personnel; conducts research relative to technical training; conducts selected training.
• Coordinates the development of Agency reports and program mission statements; develops responses to requests for information on the agency's activities from client agencies and personnel. Maintains automated training records.
• Performs continuous updating of all documentation through review and editing of staff- produced materials, personal observation, and conferences with Agency officials; composes materials and supervises their publication and distribution.
• Provides writing, editing, and publications support to other City data processing installations; coordinates the preparation for publication of documents and manuals with graphic, clerical, and print shop staffs.
• Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

KNOWLEDGE OF:

• editorial principles and practices as they pertain to the preparation of technical publications and materials.
• the methods and techniques involved in gathering, analyzing, writing, and editing technical and interpretive material in the computer sciences for dissemination to both selection and generalized groups and individuals.
• English usage, grammar, rhetoric, punctuation, and spelling.
• the organizations and functions of a large-scale data processing operation.
• the standards and terminology used in a large-scale management information system.

ABILITY TO:

• plan, assign, and review the work of staff engaged in documentation.
• devise and implement effective methods of training personnel in computer-related procedures.
• train and support departmental personnel using computer-aided instruction authoring technologies.
• evaluate and assimilate technical reports and programs and to prepare readable and accurate releases of an interpretive and information nature.
• critically evaluate technical management information systems material from the standpoint of content, style, and organization of material.
• establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, Agency officials, vendors, and representatives of client agencies.

MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE

(The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Applications submitted by candidates for this class will be reviewed based on training and experience requirements as approved on 6/85.)

• Completion of a bachelor's degree program at an accredited college or university.
• Two years of experience writing and editing technical reports and reference materials pertaining to the functions and operations of large-scale computer based management information systems, microcomputer systems and networks, and office automation systems.

Or any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Personnel Department which has included a bachelor's degree as an educational minimum.

PHYSICAL AND MEDICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.

PAY RANGE: 1E52
Class Established: 11/1978
Latest Spec. Revision and Title Change: 6/1985

ML/sb/ps