Technical Writer/Editor (Communications Specialist 2) | Los Alamos, NM | Los Alamos National Laboratory

Technical Writer/Editor (Communications Specialist 2)

What You Will Do

Join our world-class writing and editing team at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)! We are looking for an exceptional technical editor to join our Technical Editing and Communications (TEC) group, which provides multidisciplinary, full-service communications support for organizations and programs at LANL.

In this role, you will be working as a communications specialist with a heavy emphasis on technical writing and editing of existing material to ensure quality standards across all documentation. You will be embedded with a specific Laboratory organization to provide communications counsel and dedicated services to leaders, managers, and staff.

What You Need

Minimum Job Requirements:

Technical Knowledge
  • You will have a thorough knowledge of English grammar and punctuation and extensive experience in technical editing and writing, able to translate complex concepts and material into detailed procedures.
  • You will have advanced proficiency using Microsoft Word with a solid understanding of Word styles and templates. You will have intermediate to advanced skills in Adobe Acrobat, Excel, and PowerPoint, including PowerPoint-specific formatting.
  • You will have a solid understanding of file structure and organization.
  • You will have demonstrated expertise in providing guidance on technical writing skills to staff including template development and user training.
  • You will be skilled at identifying and supporting process and tool improvement efforts.
  • You will have the ability to learn and comprehend new technical concepts and terminology.

Communication Skills
  • You will demonstrate excellence in written and oral communication, problem-solving, and customer service and interpersonal skills.
  • You must be a strong, proactive communicator and have experience working with technical subject matter experts.

Work Management and Customer Service
  • You will have the ability to work on multiple, sometimes conflicting, deliverables and deadlines in a high-pressure work environment where priorities frequently shift.
  • You will demonstrate the ability to maintain professional and courteous interactions with team members, technical personnel both inside and outside the assigned organization, and a wide range of managers to ensure priorities are understood, issues are identified and resolved, and deliverables are met.

Punctuality and Adaptability

The successful candidate will be extremely detail-oriented with initiative and the ability to quickly adapt to an intense and highly technical environment.

Tools and Systems

You will have experience with document control/management systems.

Education and Years of Relevant Experience

This position requires a bachelor's degree in communications, English, or related field and a minimum of five years of related experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Clearance

This job requires the ability to obtain a Q clearance, which typically requires US citizenship.

Desired Qualifications:

Industry Knowledge

Experience with PDMLink or similar data management system and procedure writing and editing will set you apart from other candidates.

Clearance

The ability to obtain a Q clearance is a requirement; an active Q clearance is preferred.

Location: This position will be located in Los Alamos, NM with the potential for a hybrid work arrangement (partially onsite/partially offsite) from a location within 2 hours ground commute of this location. Reporting onsite will be periodically required. Hybrid is at the discretion of management and can change at any time with appropriate notice.

Position commitment: Regular appointment employees are required to serve a period of continuous service in their current position in order to be eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the time required, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. The position commitment for this position is 1 year.

Note to Applicants:
  • For full consideration, please submit a detailed cover letter with your resume addressing all required and desired skills. (Please include the job number and your name in the filename for your cover letter).
  • Applicants will be asked to perform editing and formatting tests.
Where You Will Work

Located in beautiful northern New Mexico, Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) is a multidisciplinary research institution engaged in strategic science on behalf of national security. Our generous benefits package includes:

§ PPO or High Deductible medical insurance with the same large nationwide network

§ Dental and vision insurance

§ Free basic life and disability insurance

§ Paid childbirth and parental leave

§ Award-winning 401(k) (6% matching plus 3.5% annually)

§ Learning opportunities and tuition assistance

§ Flexible schedules and time off (PTO and holidays)

§ Onsite gyms and wellness programs

§ Extensive relocation packages (outside a 50 mile radius)
Additional Details

Directive 206.2 - Employment with Triad requires a favorable decision by NNSA indicating employee is suitable under NNSA Supplemental Directive 206.2. Please note that this requirement applies only to citizens of the United States. Foreign nationals are subject to a similar requirement under DOE Order 142.3A.

Clearance: Q/SCI(Position will be cleared to this level). Applicants selected will be subject to a Federal background investigation and must meet eligibility requirements* for access to classified matter. This position requires a Q clearance which requires US Citizenship except in extremely rare circumstances. Dependent upon position, additional authorization to access nuclear weapons information may be required that may or may not be available to dual citizens depending upon the circumstances.

*Eligibility requirements: To obtain a clearance, an individual must be at least 18 years of age; U.S. citizenship is required except in very limited circumstances. See DOE Order 472.2 for additional information.

New-Employment Drug Test: The Laboratory requires successful applicants to complete a new-employment drug test and maintains a substance abuse policy that includes random drug testing. Although New Mexico and other states have legalized the use of marijuana, use and possession of marijuana remain illegal under federal law. A positive drug test for marijuana will result in termination of employment, even if the use was pre-offer.

Regular position: Term status Laboratory employees applying for regular-status positions are converted to regular status.

Internal Applicants: Regular appointment employees who have served the required period of continuous service in their current position are eligible to apply for posted jobs throughout the Laboratory. If an employee has not served the required period of continuous service, they may only apply for Laboratory jobs with the documented approval of their Division Leader. Please refer to Policy Policy P701 for applicant eligibility requirements.
Equal Opportunity: Los Alamos National Laboratory is an equal opportunity employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workforce. All employment practices are based on qualification and merit, without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or preference, marital status or spousal affiliation, physical or mental disability, medical conditions, pregnancy, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or citizenship within the limits imposed by federal laws and regulations. The Laboratory is also committed to making our workplace accessible to individuals with disabilities and will provide reasonable accommodations, upon request, for individuals to participate in the application and hiring process. To request such an accommodation, please send an email to applyhelp@lanl.gov or call 1-505-665-4444 option 1.Employment StatusFull Time