Quest Software, Inc., Microsoft's 2007 Global Independent Software Vendor Partner of the Year, delivers innovative products that help organizations get more performance and productivity from their applications, databases and Windows infrastructure. Through a deep expertise in IT operations and a continued focus on what works best, Quest helps more than 50,000 customers worldwide meet higher expectations for enterprise IT. Quest's Windows Management solutions simplify, automate and secure Active Directory, Exchange Server, SharePoint, SQL Server, .NET and Windows Server as well as integrating Unix, Linux and Java into the managed environment. Quest Software can be found in offices around the globe and at www.quest.com.

We are currently seeking an intermediate level Technical Writer to join our technical communications team in our Halifax office.

Technical writers at Quest are an integral part of the product development team. You will have the opportunity to work with product management, sales, support, and testing to develop software user training. We are looking for someone who will design, write, edit, and produce software user training for our Windows-based products. Deliverables include manuals (PDF), on-line help systems, and other products suited to the product and user goals (for example, tutorials, podcasts). You will have to opportunity to implement new trends and technologies in technical communications, and interact directly with our customers on communities and wikis.  You must have an understanding of the software development cycle, the product release cycle and you will work in an Agile development environment.

Core Responsibilities:

Design and write installation guides, user guides, online help, and release notes:

• Work with project managers, support engineers, developers, testers, and professional services to ensure that the product documentation helps the user accomplish their goals.
• Ensure that technical documentation is accurate, complete, meets editorial and organization specifications, and adheres to standards for quality, graphics, coverage, format, and style.

Core Requirements:

• 3+ years experience as a technical writer in a software development environment.
• Proven ability to translate complex subject matter into clear, understandable text for technical audiences.
• Proven ability to deliver accurate, well-written documentation within specified deadlines.
• Knowledge of industry-standard development tools and practices, such as Adobe FrameMaker, ePublisher, HTML editors, and multimedia tools.
• Experience in structured authoring, XML, DITA
• Software development fundamentals experience, including proven experience with source control and defect tracking systems.
• Experience with Microsoft Exchange and Active Directory.

Desired Attributes:

• Interest and Experience in new trends and technologies in software user assistance
• Training and Experience in design and development of minimalist documentation
• Knowledge of user personas and experience with customer research
• Strong analytical and organizational skills, strong attention to detail
• Experience working with Agile development processes
• Independence, motivation, and a people-oriented personality.

Education:

• University degree in Computer Science or related discipline with a strong background in English and/or equivalent directly related working experience  or
• BA/BS in Technical Communication, English, Translation, or a related technical discipline (or comparable experience)

Please send your resume and covering letter, citing competition number TW0608-CB, to donna.milton@quest.com.