Technical Writer

American Crystal Sugar Co•Crookston, MN

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Technical Writer develops, writes, and edits material for training manuals, instruction manuals, catalogs, and related technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods and standard operating procedures (S.O.P). This role involves reviewing manufacturers’ and trade catalogs, drawings, and other data relative to the operation, maintenance, and service of equipment for inclusion in SOPs. The writer will study blueprints, sketches, drawings, parts lists, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, and production sequence and detail. This position requires interviewing factory staff, observing production, and gathering information to write and document operating procedures and site specifics. It also includes organizing material and completing writing assignments in accordance with SOP standard format regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. The writer will select or create photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. This position works in coordination with factory training programs to create, maintain, and update procedures and documents, integrating them to ensure SOPs function in training. The role assists with written training materials as well as all training teams, such as maintenance, process, and statistical process control (SPC). Responsibilities include arranging for copying and distribution of material, submitting SOP drafts to local management, and distributing finalized SOPs to appropriate locations at the factories. Finalized SOPs will be posted on the company intranet. The Technical Writer is responsible for creating and updating documents to keep them current, reviewing published materials, and making recommendations regarding scope, format, and content. They may also edit, standardize, or make changes to materials prepared by other writers or plant personnel, specializing in writing material regarding work methods and procedures. In completing essential job functions, this position complies with and ensures SOPs include appropriate information relating to federal, state, company, and factory safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and ACSC quality standards. Performs other duties as assigned and works overtime as required.

Requirements

High School diploma or a GED certificate is required.
A minimum of 2 years of college, OR one year of experience in technical writing in an industrial-related field.
Individuals are required to submit to and successfully pass a Safety Screen that evaluates their ability to safely execute the duties and tasks defined by this position.
Able to read and write in English.
Ability to comprehend and interpret technical materials to provide easily understood SOPs for complex and technical processes, procedures, and equipment.
Must understand safety requirements for inclusion in SOPs.
Ability to reference, read, and understand how to use MSDS information.
Proficiency in math, reading, technical writing, and computer skills.
Ability to learn the manufacturing process.
Sufficient knowledge of drawing or graphics program experience is required to develop layouts and flows as needed for SOPs.
Excellent keyboarding and computer skills, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Visio, email, and Adobe.
Must be able to operate copy equipment, printers, and other office equipment.

Responsibilities

Prepare and write Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for all areas of Packaging, Laboratory, Operations, and the Agriculture Department.
Prepare SOPs for startup and shutdown of factories and equipment, troubleshooting equipment, training, environmental, safety, quality, and emergency response.
Develop, write, and edit material for training manuals, instruction manuals, catalogs, and related technical and administrative publications.
Review manufacturers’ and trade catalogs, drawings, and other data relative to operation, maintenance, and service of equipment for inclusion in SOPs.
Study blueprints, sketches, drawings, parts lists, specifications, mock-ups, and product samples to integrate and delineate technology, and production sequence and detail.
Interview factory staff, observe production, and gather information to write and document operating procedure and site specifics.
Organize material and complete writing assignments in accordance with SOP standard format regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology.
Select or create photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material.
Coordinate with factory training programs to create, maintain, and update procedures and documents and integrate these to ensure that SOPs function in training.
Assist with written training materials as well as all training teams (e.g., maintenance, process, and statistical process control (SPC)).
Arrange for copying and distribution of material.
Submit SOP drafts to local management and, following approval, distribute to the appropriate locations at the factories.
Post finalized SOPs on the company intranet.
Create and update documents to keep them current.
Review published materials and make recommendations regarding scope, format, and content.
Edit, standardize, or make changes to materials prepared by other writers or plant personnel, specializing in writing material regarding work methods and procedures.
Ensure SOPs include appropriate information relating to federal, state, company, and factory safety requirements, Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs), and ACSC quality standards.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Work overtime as required.

Benefits

Eligibility for comprehensive medical insurance starting on day one.
Pension.
401(k) retirement savings plan with a Company match.
Paid dental.
Paid basic life insurance.
Paid short-term disability.
Voluntary long-term disability.
Life insurance.
Vision insurance.
Health savings account.
Flexible spending accounts.
Paid time off.
Paid sick leave.
Paid parental leave.
Paid holidays.
Tuition reimbursement.
Service awards.
A 24/7 employee assistance program with access to eight confidential visits with a licensed counselor at no cost.