YouTube Script Writer (Documentary Style)

We are looking for a talented full time YouTube Script Writer with a strong instinct for storytelling and the ability to turn raw footage, transcripts and research into engaging long form video scripts.

The channel features remarkable builds, engineering projects, restorations, vehicle conversions, tiny homes, woodworking, metalworking and other ambitious DIY projects from creators around the world.

This is not simply a transcription or descriptive writing role. The writer must be able to build a compelling story around what is happening on screen, explain technical processes in an accessible way, maintain viewer curiosity and make a 20 to 60 minute build video engaging from beginning to end.

The successful candidate will work closely with the production team to develop scripts that are accurate, visually synchronised and enjoyable to listen to.

Key Responsibilities

1. Review raw footage, creator videos, transcripts and supporting material to fully understand each project before writing.
2. Write engaging long form narration scripts that closely follow and complement the visuals.
3. Turn step by step construction footage into a coherent story with strong progression from the beginning of the build to the final reveal.
4. Explain tools, materials, techniques and engineering decisions in simple, interesting language that a general audience can understand.
5. Add useful context beyond what is immediately obvious on screen, including why a particular process, material or technique is being used.
6. Conduct additional research where necessary to verify technical terminology, materials, processes and factual information.
7. Carefully synchronise narration with timestamps and ensure the amount of dialogue fits the available screen time.
8. Maintain viewer interest through strong transitions, curiosity, anticipation and satisfying payoffs.
9. Proofread scripts for grammar, punctuation, factual accuracy, continuity and natural spoken flow.
10. Incorporate feedback from the production team and refine scripts until they are ready for narration.

Writing Style and Language

The channel serves a global audience, so scripts must be written in natural, polished British English.

We are particularly looking for a writer who can avoid phrasing that sounds distinctly Kenyan or African where it would feel unnatural to an international audience. This includes locally influenced sentence structures, expressions and direct translations that may be grammatically understandable but do not sound natural when spoken by a British or international narrator.

The goal is not overly formal English. The narration should sound conversational, fluent and internationally natural, while maintaining correct British spelling, grammar and terminology.

Strong candidates should therefore be comfortable identifying and rewriting awkward or locally influenced phrasing rather than simply checking whether a sentence is technically grammatical.

What We Are Looking For

1.Excellent written English and grammar.

2.Strong command of natural British English.

3.The ability to write for a global rather than purely local audience.

4.A natural talent for storytelling.

5.The ability to write engaging narration that sounds good when spoken aloud.

6.Strong research and fact checking skills.

7.The ability to understand unfamiliar technical processes and explain them simply.

8.Good judgement about what information adds value and what should be left for the visuals to communicate.

9.The ability to maintain continuity across a long video.

10.The ability to recognise repetition, awkward phrasing and unnatural sentence structures.

11.The ability to work independently while responding well to detailed editorial feedback.

12.Strong time management and the ability to meet production deadlines consistently.

Preferred Experience

• YouTube script writing
• Documentary writing
• Television, film or digital video production

Technical qualifications are not required. Strong writing, research ability and storytelling instincts are more important.

Application Requirements

1. A current CV
2. Two or three examples of your best writing
3. Links to videos you have scripted, where available
4. A short introduction explaining your experience with storytelling and long form content

Shortlisted applicants will be required to complete a practical script writing assessment using actual project footage. This will allow us to evaluate storytelling ability, English proficiency, research, technical accuracy, visual synchronisation and attention to detail.

The Person We Want

We are looking for someone who watches a piece of raw footage and immediately starts asking:

“What exactly is happening here? Why is it being done this way? What does the viewer need to know? And how can I make this part of the story interesting?”

If that sounds like the way you think, we would like to hear from you.