Senior Technical Writer / Project Lead / Journalist
FREELANCE JOURNALIST
(June 2004 to Present)
As a freelance journalist and photojournalist, my work has been published in Z Magazine (including the art work for a magazine cover), Intervention Magazine, and on Michael Moore.com. Interviewed on the Los Angeles radio show, “Beneath the Surface,” about one of my feature articles.
SENIOR TECHNICAL WRITER
DIRECTV (November 2010 to December 2010)
Wrote instructional guides on this short term assignment.
NAVCOM TECHNOLOGY, INC. (April 2007 to November 2009)
Wrote/edited/updated most of NavCom's documentation in close collaboration with NavCom Managers, Product Experts and the Marketing Department.
During product development and for product release, wrote all the documentation for the SF-3050 StarFire/RTK GNSS receiver, the SF-2110 L1 StarFire GPS receiver, and the Land-Pak land surveying system, including Product User Guides, Software Technical Reference Manuals, Quick Start Guides, Software Utility Guides, Troubleshooting Guides, and Test Plans. Created Visio diagrams, and simplified CAD illustrations from various sources to use in the documentation.
Wrote the OEM Integration Guide for the Sapphire 66 Channel Integrated StarFire/RTK GNSS Engine.
DATA TREE (July 2006 to December 2006)
In five months, I wrote two large, comprehensive manuals (together, over 800 pages): Physical Electronic Media and File Transfer Protocol. These were new manuals, not based on any previous documentation.
The Physical Electronic Media manual describes in detail the basic and county-specific steps for indexing real estate focused documents received at Data Tree on CDs, DVDs, Jazz Disks, and DAT Tape. The File Transfer Protocol manual describes the indexing of similar documents sent to Data Tree by File Transfer Protocol.
For both manuals, I gathered information on my own initiative, interviewing Production Specialists, and other relevant personnel. Worked independently as well as in consultation with Supervisors. Attention to detail, thoroughness, and technical expertise using Microsoft Excel were required. Quickly learned numerous technical approaches to indexing, and effectively and accurately wrote procedures. Also documented Quality Assurance: the tracking/monitoring of database records, filling database gaps, and troubleshooting database anomalies. Acquired an extensive knowledge of Data Tree proprietary software in support of Data Tree’s database.
SMART AND FINAL (November 2005 to March 2006)
Wrote Business Process Guides (BPGs), quick reference/training guides, and troubleshooting procedures. The BPGs detailed various processes of the warehouse computer system. The processes involved shipping and receiving, managerial and warehouse associate tasks, inventory control, etc. Gathered information by using the system, and from all levels of personnel. Analyzed methods of operation. Wrote the troubleshooting procedures in close collaboration with a supervisor at company headquarters.
THALES NAVIGATION (April to May 2005)
Wrote, edited, and formatted the manual for a software development project. The software was intended to enable developers to convert their own source data (detailed maps) into Thales propriety format. Once converted, the detailed maps were to be used in Thales Navigation’s Global Positioning System (GPS) devices (Magellan, etc.). Gathered information by using the software and from subject matter experts. Attended project meetings. Used FrameMaker to create the manual. Created drafts in Adobe Acrobat pdf format for distribution.
NORTH COMMUNICATIONS (December 2001, August 2000 to November 2000)
North designs secure transactional public access kiosk and online applications for financial and government institutions. In consultation with the lead software architect, I wrote the procedure for installing North’s new Web application on IBM WebSphere Application Server Advanced Edition. Also, wrote a deliverables document for the new Web application, instructions on how to make a build, and various internal procedures. Wrote two documents describing the physical installation of North’s new kiosk.
GRAYMARK INTERNATIONAL (May 1998 to December 1999)
Graymark's Commander PC Troubleshooting & Repair Training System prepares students for careers as Computer Service Technicians. Specifically, it trains them to pass the A+ Certification Exam, administered by the Computing Technology Industry Association. The students build a computer, learn how new and old computers work, and practice troubleshooting techniques. Graymark’s Training System provides everything necessary: the case, motherboard, CPU, components, instruction manuals, software, faulted parts, etc.
The Commander courseware consists of three manuals: the Student PC Instruction Manual, the Student PC Troubleshooting and Repair Manual, and the Instructor's Guide. I worked most extensively on the PC Instruction Manual, writing original chapters, editing out-of-date information, and reorganizing its structure. Approximately 500 pages, it is a very thorough course, which includes detailed component installation procedures, technical information, instructions on configuring the computer's BIOS, and instructions for installing and using Microsoft Windows and other programs. Reorganizing the manual was a major project, which entailed analysis of the learning system and in-depth meetings with the company president and the lead technician.
I edited and wrote procedures for the PC Troubleshooting and Repair Manual. Approximately 500 pages, this manual teaches students how to troubleshoot computer problems. I also edited the Instructor's Guide.
Graymark's NETtech Network Technology Student Instruction Manual is a complete training system for students wanting to become Network Support Technicians. I worked on the chapters in this manual that pertain to the installation, configuration, and security implementation of Novell NetWare and Windows NT Server.
In addition, I also wrote and edited marketing materials and business proposals. I developed a directory structure and file naming conventions for all of Graymark’s illustrations. For over a year, I was the only Technical Writer working at Graymark. After more writers were hired, I became the lead.
PROCOM TECHNOLOGY (November 1996 to August 1997)
Created the CD Rax documentation set: ten manuals and one quick installation guide. The CD Rax is a modular CD-Rom tower with rack mountable units (RMUs): a CPU available in four configurations and CD-ROM RMUs available in three configurations. The manuals included installation procedures, component descriptions, replacement procedures, specifications, etc. The CD Rax is Procom Technology's premier product for network data storage. Worked in close coordination with the project leader, the manager of documentation, and a technical illustrator.
VIEWSONIC CORPORATION (September to December 1995)
Wrote/illustrated product guides for a 29" presentation monitor and four 17" computer monitors. Wrote/edited a product guide for an uninterrupted power system (UPS). Develop...
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