Technical Writer

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

Reporting to the Technical Support Specialist, the Technical Writer is responsible for developing, writing, and editing material for technical publications such as manuals, briefs, instruction books, catalogues, and other related documentation that focus on work methods, procedures, as well as the installation, operation, and maintenance of Hard Rock Equipment. This will also involve creating technical information, including illustrations, which provide detailed descriptions of the function, operation, maintenance, and repair of the mining equipment manufactured. Additionally, this role is responsible for publishing these documents to publication channels.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Grade 12 or Matric
• Technical certification or diploma in mechanical or electrical fields an advantage.
• 3-5 years extensive experience with hard rock mining equipment.
• Ability to work extended hours as required to meet deadlines.
• Ability to travel as required.
• May be required to work in an underground environment.

BASIC FUNCTION :

• Strong understanding of best practices for technical writing, including structured documentation. Knowledge of, and experience with, Word, DITA XML is beneficial
• Utilize 3D CAD programs to create illustrations for manuals.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulics and electrical systems.
• Knowledge of 3D animation, graphic design principles, HTML/programming, database functions are all beneficial.
• Good understanding of engineering drawings with ability to read and interpret equipment schematics.
• Good understanding of bill of material structures and engineering/manufacturing processes.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.
• Ability to work in a team environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be flexible, self-motivated, and driven to achieve customer satisfaction goals and targets.
• Knowledge of customer industry.
• Superior customer relations and active listening skills

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Observes production, developmental, and experimental activities to determine operating procedure and detail as required for publications.
• Communicates with production and engineering personnel and reads journals, reports, and other material to become familiar with product technologies and production methods.
• Reviews supplier manufacturers and trade catalogs, drawings and other data related to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment.
• Uses XML, Microsoft suite, editing and component content management software to write, organize, build and publish documents for the required audience.
• Organizes material and completes publications according to set standards regarding configuration, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
• Reviews published materials and recommended revisions or changes in scope, format, and content.
• Support conversion of manuals to electronic formats that enable web-based customer access.
• Determine requirements for translation of technical manuals (Operator & Service); work with translation services to create final foreign language manuals along with duplicate English copy. Uses
  localization tools to collaborate with vendors for the procurement of required language versions of documents
• Creates or selects and edits photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
• Collaborates on layout of material for publication.
• Performs other relevant duties as assigned by the Manager.