Technical Writer-Editor

Summary

This position is part of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS); Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ). You will design, develop, produce and maintain operational and policy manuals, job aids, training materials, and other scientific and technical communication.

Major Duties

The duties described are for the full-performance level. At developmental grade levels, assignments will be of more limited scope, performed with less independence and limited complexity. The duties may include, but are not limited to: Identifies and develops technical, policy, scientific, and procedural manuals and associated content , to include determining information needs for a variety of audiences. Determines the adequacy of manuals and applications, and notes serious deficiencies such as incomplete coverage, illogical development of ideas and concepts, or inaccurate scientific information. Ensures the editorial quality, readability, and logical and appropriate presentation of manuals and associated content which are addressed to a wide variety of audiences. Reviews and ensures that content drafted by others for the Agency meets established standards; analyzes and evaluates identified errors or deficiencies in written PPQ and CBP communications. Assesses whether technical or scientific matters can be clearly understood; and determines whether findings support recommendations and overall program conclusions. Analyzes content, organization, and presentation, and when written content is unclear or requires extensive rewriting to meet program requirements, provides recommendations; tracks the progress. Instructs PPQ employees on the art of effective writing and editing and periodically reports to the appropriate supervisors on the extent of counseling and instructions required. Performs other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

Education

Please see above for education qualification requirement information.

Evaluations

Applications will be evaluated in accordance with Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) Delegated Examining Procedures and USDA policy using category rating. This means you will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses to the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Applicants who meet basic minimum qualifications will be placed in one of three categories: Best Qualified, Well Qualified, or Qualified. Within these categories, applicants eligible for veteran's preference will receive selection priority over non-veterans. Category placement will be determined based on applicants' quality of experience and the extent they possess the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities (KSAs), and other characteristics): Attention to Detail Flexibility Integrity/Honesty Interpersonal Skills Learning Reading Comprehension Reasoning Self-Management Teamwork Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. Your application, including the online Assessment Questionnaire, will be reviewed to determine if you meet (a) minimum qualification requirements and (b) the resume supports the answers provided to the job-specific questions. Your resume must clearly support your responses to all the questions addressing experience and education relevant to this position. Those determined to be in the best qualified category will be referred to the selecting official for consideration. Note: If, after reviewing your resume and/or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, your score may be adjusted to more accurately reflect your abilities, or you may be found ineligible. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. Providing inaccurate information on Federal documents could be grounds for non-selection or disciplinary action up to including removal from the Federal service. Cheating on the online assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. To preview the application questionnaire, please visit: