Technical Writer

This position is located in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Office of the Commissioner for Patents, Deputy Commissioner for Patents, Office of Application Processing for Patents (OAPP), Office of Data Management (ODM). The Patents business unit examines applications and grants patents on inventions when applicants are entitled to them; publishes and disseminates patent information; records assignments of patents; and maintains search files of U.S. and foreign patents. The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per leave year. The individual selected for this position will... Serve as a technical writer responsible for researching, drafting, editing, formatting, and maintaining internal documentation related to patent data content and ODM operations. Draft, edit, and maintain data content bulletins, procedural notices, work instructions, reference guides, and related internal documentation. Gather, review, and verify information from subject matter experts, branch leadership, and operational staff to ensure written materials are accurate, current, and complete. Maintain version control, revision history, and distribution records for recurring bulletins and controlled documentation. You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at Technical Writing and Editing Series 1083 Basic Requirement: Individual Occupational Requirements Education: Undergraduate and Graduate Education: Must have included a total of 15 semester hours in an appropriate scientific, technical, or social science field(s), and at least one course above the introductory level in the field(s) covered by the position. For technical manuals and specifications writers or editors, the equivalent of 15 semester hours may have been gained through vocational or educational training above the high school level at a public, private, or Armed Forces school. OR General Experience (for GS-5 positions): Experience that provided an understanding of the basic principles, practices, operations, and specialized vocabulary of the appropriate scientific, technical, or social science field(s), or with equipment or technical systems. The applicant must have acquired the ability to describe information in simple, clear language. In addition to the Basic Requirements stated above, applicants must possess the following Specialized Experience described below: Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 in the Federal service: Specialized experience for this position includes all of the following: Developing, editing, and maintaining clear, accurate technical and procedural documents in accordance with applicable policies, standards, and business requirements; AND Managing document revisions, version control, distribution records, templates, and updates to reflect changes in policies, procedures, and business processes; AND Gathering and validating information from subject-matter experts and staff and translating technical and operational processes into guidance for internal stakeholders. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level.