Technical Author
Join us as a technical author! Develop technical specifications, collaborate with stakeholders, and create user-friendly publications for BESA and the building engineering services sector.
WE ARE
The Building Engineering Services Association is the UK's leading trade organisation for building engineering services contractors – representing the interests of firms active in the design, installation, commissioning, maintenance, control and management of engineering systems and services in buildings. Want to find out more? Why not check our website? www.thebesa.com
ABOUT THE ROLE
The post holder will be responsible to the Head of Publications. The technical author role involves researching, developing, and writing technical specifications, standards and guidance for BESA members and the wider Building Engineering Services sector. Essential qualifications include a graduate level education or equivalent industry experience, along with a sound knowledge of building engineering services and related regulations. Key responsibilities include attending relevant BESA meetings, collaborating with stakeholders to draft content, clarify technical issues, and managing review teams. The role entails organising information, writing and editing technical content, coordinating images and illustrations, and using software applications to present information effectively. Strong communication, technical knowledge, continuous improvement, collaboration, and research skills are essential for success in this role. Additionally, adaptability, organization, and a user-centric approach are vital for creating user-friendly and accurate technical publications.
Key Duties
• Research, development and writing of BESA’s technical specifications, standards and guidance.
• The provision of technical advice to BESA member, BESA Group companies and the wider industry.
• Keeping abreast of relevant developments relating to the technical and safety aspects of the building services sector.
• Collation and analysis of technical issues, trends and updates based on this analysis.
Additional responsibilities
As a technical author, you'll assess the requirement for a standard, specification or guidance for the particular target audience, through attendance at relevant BESA meetings of the specialist groups and BESA Technical Committee and technical working groups.
A large part of your job will be spent researching and verifying technical information. You'll need to:
• Work with the Head of Publications to establish, manage and administer where required, review/drafting teams comprising BESA members, BESA staff, external experts and other sources where relevant.
• Work with the Head of Publications, BESA Technical, BESA Group companies, BESA members and external sources, to gather information and review drafts and to provide clarification on any technical issues.
• Liaise with BESA Group companies to advise on any technical content in other materials produced by the specific BESA Group company.
Presentation of information:
• organise information according to your user's needs
• write and edit technical content
• commission, coordinate or prepare images and illustrations
• use a variety of software applications to present the information
• index and catalogue published material.
Related administration may involve:
• working on and managing multiple projects simultaneously
• creating work schedules
• keeping up to date with developments and trends in the industry
• attend training courses.
ABOUT YOU
Qualification, Knowledge & Experience - Essential
• Graduate level or equivalent industry experience.
• Good working knowledge / understanding of the technical requirements of Building Engineering Services.
• A sound working knowledge of current regulations, industry standards and codes of practice.
Qualification, Knowledge & Experience – Desirable
• Good working knowledge/ understanding of H&S requirements of the building services sector.
• A good network of industry professionals operating within buildings services consultancies, contractors, and manufacturers.
Skills & Abilities
• Ability to communicate strongly and effectively with a broad range of stakeholders, subject matter experts and end-users in the Building services sector.
• Ability to interpret technical standards, best practice guides or similar etc. in order to draft, edit and produce BESA’s technical publications.
• A good understanding of the subject matter including a solid grasp of technical concepts and terminology.
• Proficient in written and oral communications skills to communicate complex guidance clearly and concisely.
• Proficient IT skills – familiarity with the use of Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat essential.
• An enquiring mind with an interest in technical innovation within the sector.
• Have attention to detail ensuring precision, accuracy and consistency.
• A proactive approach to work.
• An ability to understand the audience and tailor the writing accordingly to communicate with both technical and non-technical users, adjusting the level of detail and complexity as needed.
• Through a user-centric approach, the ability to understand the needs and preferences of the end users and tailor documentation accordingly and which is user-friendly, accessible, and easy to understand.
• An ability to adapt to changes quickly with flexibility to update documentation to reflect new features, changes, or improvements.
• An ability to break down complex topics and present them in a coherent manner.
• A commitment to continuously improving skills and staying updated on industry trends and best practices in technical writing. This may involve seeking feedback, attending training sessions, or participating in professional development activities.
Other
• Hold a full UK driving licence.
• Travel with occasional overnight stays.
- Department
- Technical
- Locations
- Remote
- Remote status
- Fully Remote
About BESA
For Better Buildings
For more than 100 years, BESA (The Building Engineering Services Association) has been driving excellence so everyone can expect and experience better buildings, and better buildings support better lives.
We were formerly known as the Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association (HVCA).
As a trade body and membership organisation, we’re here to help our members and their customers deliver or specify better building engineering services and a better built environment.
Interested? Check out our website at www.thebesa.com!
Technical Author
Join us as a technical author! Develop technical specifications, collaborate with stakeholders, and create user-friendly publications for BESA and the building engineering services sector.
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