Technical Writer/Editor (O-5 Billet) Non-Supervisory

About the role

Technical Writer/Editor supports ICE Health Service Corps by developing, editing, and reviewing technical, policy, clinical, and communication materials. Ensures products are clear, accurate, audience-appropriate, policy-compliant, and consistent with style and branding while coordinating with stakeholders and managing deadlines.

This position is only open to USPHS officers and Call to Active Duty (CAD) candidates.

What you will do

• Writes technical materials clearly without sacrificing thoroughness and accuracy; ensures materials are consistent with agency policy, meets style requirements of the agency, ensures materials are written at an appropriate level for the intended audience.
• Writes technical materials, such as policy directives and guides, scientific or technical articles, regulations in technical areas; technical manuals; reviews clinical guidelines, brochures, and pamphlets; award submissions.
• Works closely with outside and in-house authors, edits texts to ensure clarity and logical presentation of material, consistency and effectiveness of style, and accuracy of spelling and grammar.
• Advises and assists authors during the writing stage; verifies information supplemented by research and consultation with other subject experts; examines the organization, length, and tone of the material; edits the text for clarity and accuracy; consults on design and graphics.
• Reviews the work of authors, editors, proofreaders, translators, and indexers.
• Reviews all stages of proofs while considering accuracy, and timelines.
• Collaborates effectively with internal stakeholders, such as publications and communications coordinators, research associates, web developers, design and production staff, brand and content strategists, unit and division leadership, and others.
• Communicates expectations, including workflow and deadlines, and developments to various stakeholders and resolves problems or conflicts with good judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Reviews publications for style, design, layout, and editorial aspects before release.
• Edits, rewrites, and reorganizes materials to ensure information is clear, concise, and logical.
• Reformats materials to ensure brand consistency and readability.

Education

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Officer must possess a qualifying degree for the officer's category and an advanced degree (e.g., M.A. or M.S.) from an accredited institution. Officer must possess at least two years technical writing or similar experience to successfully perform duties for this position.

Such experience should encompass a broad range of communications-related activities, which may include but are not limited to the following: Command of grammar, punctuation, and spelling to convey information in plain language.

This may include shifting sentences within paragraphs, corrections of sentences for faulty syntax or poor choice of words, and conformance to the IHSC Style Manual. Communication skills to collaborate with staff for document contents. The incumbent's ability to communicate with others ensures they can successfully work with others to write documents.

Problem-solving skills to accurately describe processes and functions within IHSC's health care system. Ability to research topics and organize findings in easy-to-understand language; Conducting in-depth research can help you write more thorough instructions for others.

Above basic knowledge of formatting functions in the following applications: MS Word, MS PowerPoint, and Adobe Acrobat, or ability to gain these skills within the first year through self-study. Basic knowledge of generative artificial intelligence tools. Time management skills to stay on schedule for multiple projects with competing work levels and requirements.

If the incumbent holds a clinical license, it is the responsibility of the incumbent to fulfill the obligation(s) of their licensing or certifying body to maintain currency. This position may be required to perform clinical activities with the scope of clinical license in times of critical needs within the agency.

How you will be evaluated

We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the minimum qualification requirements. You may be selected for an interview at the hiring authority's discretion. You will be notified of selection or non-selection.

Documents you must provide

• To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package.
• Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position.
• A complete application includes: U.
• Public Health Service Officers Cover Letter/Letter of Interest.
• (Place under "Diploma/GED") Professional license.
• (If applicable) Additional professional certificates.
• (If applicable) Three professional references.
• (i.e., name, title and contact information) Official USPHS Promotion CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training.
• (Place under "USPHS Promotion CV") You may provide a civilian resume in addition to the USPHS Promotion CV to capture all relevant work experience.
• A copy of your Certificate of Investigation (located in your eOPF). *Three most recent Commissioned Officer Effectiveness Reports (COER).
• (Place under "Performance Appraisal") For IHSC USPHS officers only, a copy of your current Service Remaining Requirements Agreement.
• Indicate if you have an Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement and the date of the end of your AP Agreement.
• If you do not, please submit a memo attesting to no AP in the Assignment Pay (AP) Agreement section in the documents section of application.
• New Call to Active Duty Cover letter/Letter of Interest.
• Please include location preference here.
• (Place under "Diploma/GED") Professional license.
• (If applicable) Additional professional certificates.
• (If applicable) Three professional references (i.e., name, title, and contact information) CV - e.g., relevant experience, education, training.
• (Place under "USPHS Promotion CV") U.S. Public Health Service - Appointment Board Decision Letter/Email or a screenshot of AES dashboard to the United States Public Health Service

What to expect next

Once you submit your application, we will assess your experience and training, identify the best-qualified applicants, and refer those applications to the hiring manager for further consideration and interviews. We will notify you by email after each of these steps has been completed. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process.

To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." We expect to make a job offer within 60 days after the deadline for applications. If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation. View more information on applying for federal employment.

Additional information

This U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), ICE Health Service Corps (IHSC), Office of the Chief of Staff, Technical Writing and Editing Team. This is a non-supervisory position.

IHSC has a multi-sector, multidisciplinary workforce of more than 1,650 employees, including PHS commissioned officers, federal civil servants, and contract staff. In FY 2025, IHSC managed a health care system that provided direct care to more than 171,000 detained aliens housed at 17 IHSC-staffed facilities nationwide.

IHSC provided medical, dental, mental health, and public health services, resulting in nearly 1.4 million health care encounters in FY 2025. IHSC also managed off-site medical care for detained aliens housed in about 217 additional non-IHSC-staffed facilities.

The Communications Unit oversees official communications with internal and external audiences, maintains IHSC websites and collaboration platforms, and supports senior leadership and all IHSC units, offices, programs, and facilities.

The Communications Unit develops and implements communication strategies that support the agency's mission; produces electronic and printed products, including leadership messages, newsletters, fact sheets, talking points; plans and executes internal campaigns; reviews policies, reports, and other documents before publication; and coordinates town halls and similar events.

The Communications Unit provides expert writing and editing services to clearly explain complex medical and operational information, advises leadership on communication approaches, and ensures consistent, accurate information sharing across the organization. SUPERVISORY CONTROLS: Incumbent reports to the Team Leader, ICU Technical Editing Team.

The Team Leader, Technical Editing Team, reviews products to ensure they meet guidance and specifications.