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Job Definition
View MovieWrite technical materials, such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions. May assist in layout work.
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests
Artistic - Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Knowledge
English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Communications and Media - Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Skills
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Time Management - Managing one's own time and the time of others.
Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Learning Strategies - Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Tasks
Draw sketches to illustrate specified materials or assembly sequence.
Organize material and complete writing assignment according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Maintain records and files of work and revisions.
Edit, standardize, or make changes to material prepared by other writers or establishment personnel.
Confer with customer representatives, vendors, plant executives, or publisher to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication.
Review published materials and recommend revisions or changes in scope, format, content, and methods of reproduction and binding.
Select photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Study drawings, specifications, mockups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, operating procedure, and production sequence and detail.
Interview production and engineering personnel and read journals and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
Observe production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail.
Arrange for typing, duplication, and distribution of material.
Assist in laying out material for publication.
Analyze developments in specific field to determine need for revisions in previously published materials and development of new material.
Review manufacturer's and trade catalogs, drawings and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $76,880.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $42,530.00 and $109,740.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 7,200 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 8,600 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 140 openings due to growth and about 220 replacement openings for approximately 360 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Technical and Business Writing - A program that focuses on the theory, methods, and skills needed for writing and editing scientific, technical and business papers and monographs.
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Job Openings
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