Meet Jessica Letteney, Technical Writer

Where are you from and where do you live now?

Originally from coastal New Jersey, I live in Vancouver, Washington, now.

What do you do at MFA?

I call myself a Swiss Army knife because I do a lot of different things. Last year, I wrote a grant that won $1.5 million to clean up pollution in a blighted area of an Oregon city. I also research current state and federal funding and get the word out to my colleagues and their clients. I analyze qualitative survey data and coach staff on developing effective questionnaires, teach people the under-the-hood aspects of Microsoft Word, edit technical documents, and help develop efficient processes for achieving compliance with the document requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

What’s rewarding about your job?

I love the variety of work here and the chance to learn. Though I have worked for a long time on reports and plans for natural resources conservation, Superfund site cleanup, and planning for drinking water and groundwater supplies, I didn’t know anything about testing air quality or industrial hygiene when I joined MFA. All of my favorite jobs have included exploring new subject areas.

Why is what you do important?

Helping clients find funds to clean up properties is critical to supporting our local communities and something we pride ourselves on at MFA. Writing or coaching staff to write clear prose is not only part of our reputation for excellence but can also make or break a technical document that will be read by regulators, decision-makers, and the public. 

What’s your favorite restaurant/place to go in your area?

I love to take my dog to Shillapoo Natural Wildlife Area, a series of wetlands around Vancouver Lake. I’ve witnessed about 40 sandhill cranes taking off for a mass migration and a dozen egrets roosting in the fog above a floodplain. I’m grateful that Vancouver has so many easily accessible wildlife areas.

What skills do you bring to your work?

Deep listening, a love of writing, respect for our audiences, and a passion for learning about science.

What do you like to do off the clock?

I write in my free time. I lead a weekly writing workshop, and I publish my poetry and essays in print and online.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a work colleague?

Be curious about everything.

If you were not a technical writer, what would you be?

An architect. I love visualizing the built environment.

What’s on your bucket list?

So many trips, but the one I would do first is the Shikoku Pilgrimage, a 750-mile hike to 88 Buddhist temples on the island of Shikoku in Japan.

What was your favorite childhood movie/TV show?

I’ll say the original Mary Poppins, the first movie I ever saw. Julie Andrews played her as direct but playful, and she traveled under her own power! I’d love to be able to dive into a sidewalk drawing and dance!