Legislative Technical Editor
About The Position
This is a unique and specialized position that utilizes what are likely unfamiliar styles, processes, and software. Adapting to and mastering these will require critical thinking, problem solving, and technological proficiency. Reviews and edits legislative documents and Montana Code Annotated (MCA) statute text and annotations to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency, and conformity with designated style. Reviews bill drafts and amendments prepared by research analysts and attorneys and reviews codification and annotations materials prepared by attorney/codifiers for strict compliance with department standards, compatibility with existing law, and accurate use of established terminology. Proofreads bill drafts, engrossed and enrolled bills, and legislative publications for accuracy and style. Assists chief editor with training and supervision of temporary session proofreaders. Identifies potential deficiencies and proposes appropriate changes in bill titles, bill text, and amendments. Researches and ensures accuracy of legal citations. Provides process and style direction to department staff for drafting bills, codifying statutes, preparing annotations, drafting other legislative documents, and compiling and formatting publications. Extensively uses a customized electronic system for bill drafting, codification, and preparation of annotations, including guiding other users, troubleshooting issues, updating procedures, and assisting with ongoing design and implementation. Designs and performs complex computerized database searches and other database management duties. Writes and updates style manuals and related aids. This is a nonpartisan position. Applicants selected for interviews will be required to take an editing skills test.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree (with coursework in English, Journalism, or related field)
- Three years of relevant work experience in proofreading, editing, or legal publishing
- The employee must reside in Montana.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in editing tools and XHTML editor is a plus
Responsibilities
- Reviews and edits legislative documents and Montana Code Annotated (MCA) statute text and annotations
- Reviews bill drafts and amendments
- Reviews codification and annotations materials
- Proofreads bill drafts, engrossed and enrolled bills, and legislative publications
- Assists chief editor with training and supervision of temporary session proofreaders
- Identifies potential deficiencies and proposes appropriate changes in bill titles, bill text, and amendments
- Researches and ensures accuracy of legal citations
- Provides process and style direction to department staff
- Extensively uses a customized electronic system for bill drafting, codification, and preparation of annotations
- Designs and performs complex computerized database searches and other database management duties
- Writes and updates style manuals and related aids
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
