Jay Bryant

jay@bryantcs.com

http://www.bryantcs.com/

512-989-0624


Skill Summary

Programming Languages

  • Java
  • XSLT
  • SQL
  • Javascript

Tools

  • Ant
  • CVS
  • Eclipse
  • FOP
  • SVN

Layout and Markup Languages

  • XML
  • XSL-FO
  • HTML, XHTML, DHTML
  • CSS

Operating Systems

  • Windows (Vista, XP, NT, 95/98)
  • Linux
  • Solaris

Human Factors

  • Interaction Design
  • Interface Design

Highlights

  • Created an XML-based document-production system in XSLT and Java (applications) for a software company.
  • Created a web-based sales-automation tool in XSLT and Java (servlets).
  • Created a custom XML editor in Java (Swing).
  • Wrote the transforms that produce the reports that control the distribution of newspapers for a major metropolitan newspaper publisher.

Experience

11/05 to Present Freelance Software Developer and Information Architect. Responsible for analyzing client needs and delivering working solutions. Created an XML-based document-production system in XSLT and Java (applications) for a software company. Created a web-based sales-automation tool in XSLT and Java (servlets). Created a custom XML editor in Java (Swing). Created a report-production system in XSLT and Java (servlets) for the Boston Globe; early every morning, this system produces hundreds of pages of reports that control which bundles of newspapers and inserts go where within the city. Created a single-source system that stores documents in XML and uses XSLT and XSL-FO to produce PDF, JavaHelp, and HTML outputs for all of a software company's documents. Also continual consulting on information architecture and software development issues.
 
5/01 to 12/04 Contract Technical Writer. Responsible for creating documents for internal and external developer and system administrator audiences by analyzing source code in Java and SQL, documenting J2EE applications (for developer, system administrator, and end-user audiences), documenting COM APIs for an Integrated Development Environment, creating online help for web-based software products.
 
6/00 to 4/01 Senior Technical Writer, BroadVision. Responsible for identifying and producing all the documentation required by a software development team. Created online help in WinHelp and HTML. Created printed documents in PDF and HTML for end users, system administrators, and software developers. Assisted with interaction and interface design.
 
6/98 to 6/00 Contract Technical Writer. Responsible for finding clients (both independently and through an agency), analyzing the client's documentation needs, gathering information, and writing printed and online documents. Also created an intranet (on a Linux server w/Apache), created a bug tracking program (in Visual Basic), and performed extensive software testing.
 
2/98 to 6/98 Consultant, Usertech, Inc., Bloomington, MN. Responsible for creating printed end-user documentation and training documentation for a PeopleSoft client and integrating the input from multiple consulting companies (8, in fact) and the client's staff to create a cohesive set of documentation and training materials.
 
8/94 to 2/98 Product Documentation Manager, Express Systems, Inc., Bloomington, MN. Responsible for creating and maintaining all end-user documentation (printed and online), designing and maintaining the web site, designing some portions of the software and critiquing the portions designed by others, creating and editing sales proposals and letters, and creating some marketing material. Managed outside contractors: printer, photographer, and Internet service provider. Note: In 12/97, General Electric Information Systems acquired Express Systems, Inc.
 
10/86 to 7/94 Freelance Technical Writer and Editor. Responsible for creating printed end-user documentation for various clients (from a software firm specializing in grocery store automation to a company specializing in naval simulations). Edited academic journal articales and business letters.
 
9/87 to 8/91 Lecturer, English Department, University of Wyoming. Responsible for teaching four sections of English from Freshmen English to senior-level Technical Writing. Taught critical and creative thinking skill as background skills in all writing. Served as Coordinator of Technical Writing for the last two years.

Education

5/87 Master of Arts, English Literature, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. Studied creative writing (poetry and fiction), literary theory, and various genres. Published several poems. Thesis title: Hunter Thompson's Illustrations.
 
5/85 Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, University of Wyoming, Laramie, Wyoming. Studied all aspects of English Literature. Took all available creative writing classes. Also studied linguistics and psychology.

Memberships and Activities

  • Active Contributor, Apache FOP Project
  • Senior Member, Society for Technical Communication

References

Available on request.