Job Specification

Purpose of Position :

To provide and ensure editorial quality and consistency in all OSC written material for the general public. To write/edit copy for permanent, temporary, special exhibits, OSC web site and to produce related publications and A/v material.

Duties / Responsibilities :

In the scientific editorial section of the Science Experience Branch, reporting to the Director, Science Communication the position is responsible for:
I. Writing/editing instructional and explanatory copy, audio-visual scripts for exhibits, special programs and related publications and web site; supervising the development and flow of exhibit copy; coordinating the development of all OSC exhibit copy: setting priorities and ensuring that each copy project is assigned; keeping track of deadlines for copy projects and supervising/facilitating their progress through the department; ensuring sign-off of approved copy; checking and editing submitted and assigned material for style, clarity, grammar, relevance and audience suitability; rewriting as required; copy editing, proofreading and assisting in the production stages of a variety of written material; reading finished manuscripts, checking grammar/spelling/style, making corrections/additions as required; reading typeset copy or manuscripts, checking against original for typographical or transcription errors; making recommendations on overall writing/editing department programs a:nd strategies; working with designer to direct design, checking and approving final artwork and vandykes.
2. Working with exhibit researchers, scientists, designers, university scientists and researchers to determine the nature of exhibits and their copy needs.
3. Researching, collecting information, and writing a manuscript or rewriting rough drafts or outlines for publications such as brochures, hall guides, handouts (e.g. brochure for Question of Truth Exhibit).
4. Translating scientific and technological information into clear, interesting, understandable and enjoyable copy for the general public; maintaining consistent editorial standards of style, grammar, clarity and audience suitability.
5. Maintaining a record of final, signed copy, filing all final work in central exhibit files. Liaising with OSC French Translator to ensure the translation of all copy into French.
6. Working with exhibit team to test exhibit prototypes, surveying OSC visitors as to effectiveness of exhibit copy, design, analyzing results and making recommendations for redesign.
7. Planning and coordinating the delivery on deadline of writing and editing services by discussing requirements with clients, making arrangements for writing of materials with internal/external writers, coordinating editing and review/approval of drafts between writers and clients.
8. Organizing and planning to develop and coordinate assignments, establish priorities, and meet deadlines.
9. Other tasks as assigned by the Director, Science Communication who has the authority to do so.

Knowledge :

Position requires knowledge of science/education topics and writing techniques for a variety of media (e.g. for hands-on exhibits) to write and edit material for a variety of media. Position required knowledge of communication methods and practices, research techniques, writing techniques and styles to produce copy for exhibit, web pages and publications. Position requires knowledge if techniques and theories related to development of communication initiatives to provide advice on how to communication message in written form to audiences, e.g. style, vehicle and tone. Position requires knowledge of OSC programs, services and organization to research and gather information on OSC initiatives and prepare a client's needs to provide advice and consultation on communication approaches. Position requires knowledge of design and print-production processes and project management skills to contract with and supervise freelance personnel and service suppliers. Position requires knowledge of web site operations and development and knowledge of writing for we site and CD ROM material to provide electronic information. Position requires knowledge of script writing techniques to write for AV presentations. Position requires knowledge of computer word processing (E.g. Microsoft word), desktop publishing and communication software (e.g. HTML programming ) to produce materials and to create materials for web site page.

Skills :

Positions requires analytical and evaluative skills to: research and assess issues/initiatives and prepare communication materials; assess nature of research required, identify sources and gather/compile information from researchers, scientists, university students and OSC staff; assess communication requirements and objectives for initiatives: assess writing style and tone in relation to nature of objectives and audience to gain visitors; interest and attention; write a variety materials including pamphlets, brochures, web pages, and articles; assess OSC requirements and edit/review materials prepared by other to ensure they meet OSC requirements.
Position requires written communication skills to: write, edit and proofread a wide variety of communication materials including exhibit text, brochures, web pages, edit other writers' copy, meet established standards, convey intended messages; express technical terms/material in plain language while maintaining accuracy. Position requires written and oral communication skills to: understand and present scientific information; develop and discuss views in a way that the general public can understand. Position requires oral and interpersonal communication skills to: conduct interviews and gather information on a variety of initiatives, e.g. exhibits, publications and web site. Position also requires communication skills to discuss communication objectives with clients; provide advice on written materials required (e.g. format, tone, style); discuss and clarify client requirements ensure written materials prepared SOC communication requirements; work in a team environment.

Freedom of Action :

Position requires working within OSC policies, guidelines and standards for the development and management of written communication and within recognized writing/communication techniques and conventions. Position requirements making decisions by: determining nature and scope of research required for materials; recommending format for communication initiatives; determining writing style, tone and approach suitable to SOC requirements and audience. Work is reviewed by supervisor/manager through updates of progress of writing assignments and activities. Position requires referring problems/issues such as problems with writers on contract, or delay in providing products to clients to supervisor/manager.