What Does a Technical Information Specialist Do?

Individuals who work in technical information specialist jobs often are information technology (IT) professionals. They are responsible for optimizing all computer and telecommunication systems that workers use to access, share, and record information. Individuals in these positions also can perform analytical duties by looking at levels of production and determining how IT systems have contributed to an organization's success or failure. In many cases, technical information specialists design or optimize IT systems themselves by introducing new software or hardware or by redesigning workflow for improved efficiency. A technical information specialist normally reports to an operations manager or executive.

It is common for a technical information specialist to have an academic background in a field such as information systems, computer science, or computer engineering. Individuals in this profession also have had years of experience in IT departments. They are qualified to make big picture decisions that can affect the overall performance of an organization. In some cases, a technical information specialist might work for a consultant firm that is contracted by businesses that benefit from objective third party analysis.

An important function of technical information specialist professionals is to communicate between IT departments and executives or managers. In other words, these kinds of professionals are able to speak the technical jargon of IT workers and the managerial language of individuals in high level positions. They might communicate the needs of management to IT departments and suggest functions that can help organizations to achieve their goals. Likewise, they explain complex IT processes and challenges to executives in language that is easy to understand.

It also is common to find technical information specialist positions that have nothing to do with IT systems. This term can be used to describe the position of a professional who analyzes equipment and reports pertinent information to managers. For example, in a medical context a technical information specialist might inspect medical equipment after an incident has occurred. He or she might report to a technical manager why a machine malfunctioned and how it best can be repaired. In most cases, this kind of professional also is responsible for documenting all actions related to equipment, such as repairs, training, and inspections.

Individuals in these kinds of technical information specialist positions often have backgrounds in fields such as technical writing or engineering. Communication is a large part of their jobs. They often are responsible for concisely and precisely communicating to management problems with machines and also providing well written analyses that help technical managers to make the best decisions regarding usage and repair.