Technical Editor with Security Clearance
The Technical Editor supports environmental investigation and remediation projects by reviewing and editing complex technical documents to ensure clarity, accuracy, and compliance with client and regulatory standards. This role involves quality control of technical materials, coordination with subject matter experts, and managing multiple deliverables to meet project deadlines. The position requires strong editorial skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively within a technical team environment.
About Careertakes
👉 Important disclosure: Careertakes is a third-party recruiting platform supporting this hiring process. If selected, you will be employed directly by our client, Energy, Oil & Gas.
Applicants for this role may also receive access to additional matched opportunities through the Careertakes platform.
Role Overview
Confidential client is hiring a Technical Editor with Security Clearance to support environmental investigation, remediation, and restoration programs. This remote-friendly, full-time role (telecommute) requires strong editorial judgment, attention to technical accuracy, and experience producing and QA/QC-ing large technical documents for government clients. The position is based in Herndon, VA (telecommute allowed) and requires the ability to meet government client/site access requirements.
Primary Responsibilities
- Review technical documents for grammar, punctuation, spelling, clarity, readability, and organization while preserving technical intent.
- Perform document-level QA/QC to identify inconsistencies, missing or conflicting information, formatting issues, and errors prior to submission.
- Ensure consistency among narrative text, tables, figures, appendices, references, acronyms, terminology, units of measure, and figure/table numbering.
- Apply project and client style guides, templates, and document control procedures.
- Coordinate with technical staff to ensure proper incorporation of figures, tables, and supporting materials.
- Support electronic document production, compilation, and delivery according to project and client requirements.
- Manage multiple documents and priorities to meet project schedules and submission deadlines.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in English, technical communication, journalism, communication, or a related discipline.
- Strong command of English grammar, punctuation, spelling, syntax, and professional writing conventions.
- Ability to edit complex technical material for clarity and consistency without changing technical meaning; willingness to develop skills through on-the-job training.
- Working proficiency with Microsoft Word (track changes, cross-references, tables, navigation) and Microsoft Office.
- Working proficiency with Adobe Acrobat.
- Strong attention to detail and a methodical, repeatable approach to QA/QC.
- Ability to manage multiple assignments, contributors, review cycles, and deadlines.
- Effective interpersonal skills; able to communicate editorial recommendations diplomatically.
- Willingness to learn and consistently apply established project procedures and document control practices.
- Ability to meet applicable government client and site access requirements (see Clearance section).
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in English, technical communication, journalism, or related field.
- Experience editing large, multi-author technical reports with multiple sections, tables, figures, appendices, and references.
- Experience with SharePoint or other electronic document management/collaboration systems.
- Familiarity with environmental investigation and remediation terminology (soil, sediment, groundwater, surface water, waste characterization, risk assessment, remedial technologies).
- Familiarity with environmental regulatory programs such as RCRA, CERCLA, or NEPA.
- Advanced Microsoft Word skills (styles, templates, automated cross-references, captions, TOC creation).
- Academic coursework, internship, practicum, or published work involving environmental, scientific, or engineering subject matter.
Compensation & Benefits
- Pay Range: $45,500 - $82,250 per year (range provided by the confidential client for this job level).
- Employment benefits include competitive compensation, health and wellness programs, income protection, paid leave, and retirement plans. Final offer depends on experience, skills, education, and internal alignment.
Location & Clearance
- Primary location: Herndon, VA. Role is telecommute-friendly (jobLocationType: TELECOMMUTE) but may require on-site access for certain projects or client locations.
- Must be able to pass a Public Trust background investigation; due to contract requirements, U.S. citizenship or U.S. lawful permanent residency is required.
- Applicant location requirement: USA.
Why This Role
- Work with technical teams (scientists, engineers, geologists, project managers) producing high-quality technical deliverables for government environmental programs.
- Develop advanced editorial and document-management skills in a mission-driven, fast-paced environment.
- Opportunity to support meaningful environmental investigation, remediation, and restoration work while growing technical communication expertise.
Equal Opportunity & Hiring Transparency
Careertakes and our client are Equal Opportunity Employers committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce. We prohibit discrimination or harassment of any kind. To support a fair and efficient hiring process, AI tools may be used to assist with application review or resume screening. These tools do not replace human decision-making. Final hiring decisions are made by people.
If you have questions about how your data is used, please contact us directly.
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