Robert-Bruce Giddens Writer, Editor, Help Author

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

·        High level of productivity with desktop and visualization tools such as MS Word, MS Visio, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, etc.

·        Skilled and experienced in research, analysis, organization, design, development, and logical presentation of information. 

·        Self-motivated personality with the ability to manage and prioritize tasks with minimum guidance.

·        Able to design, script, and create online software demonstration videos with narration.

·        Able to rapidly learn and apply new concepts and absorb technical information.

·        Able to interface effectively with people at every organizational level and discipline.

·        Excellent written, presentation, graphic and verbal communication skills.

·        Able to work independently.  Able to work as part of a group.

SUMMARY OF EXPERTISE

·        Proven expertise in creating and delivering training materials and class-room training; creating, updating, and maintaining software user manuals, online help, software requirements, and design documents; and creating, updating, and maintaining software QA testing plans and procedures, manufacturing instructions, operating instructions, policies, processes, and procedures. 

·        Proven expertise in developing documentation standards, templates, and style guides, help screens, policies, procedures, standards, charts, forms, user guides, product documentation, training materials, and other types of technical documentation for application deployments.

·        Proven expertise in creating and maintaining technical documents related to all phases of the Systems Development Life Cycle.

·        Knowledgeable in processes, tools, and best practices for technical communication management from conceptualization, planning, and development of software, to development of user guides, online help and courseware development; including Structured Authoring and Instructional Systems Development.

·        Proven ability for stakeholder engagement—interfacing effectively with people at every organizational level and discipline for conceptualization, development through to acceptance, certification, and training, for technical content and new application deployment.

·        Proven ability as an independent contributor, team player, and leader—managing the development of technical content, online help, and training.

EDUCATION

·        B.S. in Business Management, Pepperdine University, Malibu, CA.

OTHER PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES

·        Past Chapter President, and active Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC).

·        Online Training and Online Help Competition Judge, Society for Technical Communication.

·        Member Instructional Design Special Interest Group.

·        Member American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) and the E-Learning Guild.

·        Author of articles and presentations on Structured Authoring, The Power of MS Word, and Using Comics in Technical Communication.

·        Editor of APA and MLA academic papers, and reports for graduate and undergraduate papers.

·        Editor of books for commercial distribution.

·        Compositor of a 1000-page anthology of hymns for commercial publication. 

·        Certified Microsoft Professional in Networking with TCP/IP using MS Windows (No. 1946924).

TOOLS

• Adobe Dreamweaver, Fireworks, Flash, FrameMaker, Photoshop, Presenter, RoboHelp
• AutoCAD, DOS, HTML, Interleaf (now QuickSilver), InTouch, IsoDraw, 
• Madcap Flare
• Microsoft Excel, FrontPage, PowerPoint, Project, Publisher, SharePoint, Visio, Word, PaintShop Pro
• TechSmith Camtasia, and SnagIt

EXPERIENCE

Edwards Life Sciences, Irvine, CA..................................................... 10/19/2012 to 03/08/13

Technical Writer and Quality Assurance Coordinator

—  Drafted, edited, and formatted moderately complex to complex technical documents related to IT Infrastructure hardware and software.

• Updated Requirements Definition Documents, System Design Documents, as well as IQs, OQs, PQs, and VRs for the SWQA group.
• Researched, analyzed, and translated technical information for technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensured documentation is in compliance with internal standards and external regulations.
• Authored original content from information supplied by others or gathered directly.
• Created and executed an Operational Qualification Procedure for MS Excel 2010.
• Coordinated IT Infrastructure change tickets against validation requirements.
• Maintained an audit trail and version control for all documentation
• Edited technical documentation authored by others.
• Used MS Word, Excel, and Visio.

Freelance Editor, Laguna Niguel, CA.................................................... 1/02/2011 to present

·        Edited two books for commercial distribution:  Letters to My Feathered Friends, Observations, Meditations and Thanksgivings; and The Last of the Prune Pickers, A Pre-Silicon Valley Story; both by Tim Stanley at http://www.2timothypublishing.com.

·        Composited in MS Word, a 1000-page anthology of hymns, Christ In Song, A Treasury of Hymns Through the Ages; for commercial publication.  Available at www.hymntreasuryarchive.com

·        Currently editing APA and MLA papers and reports for graduate and undergraduate students.

·        Using MS Word, Excel, and SnagIt.

Allergan Pharmaceuticals, Irvine, CA.................................................... 08/01/10 to 12/30/10

Technical Writer

·        Created IT Electronic Data Retrieval Management (EDRM) and Security Incident And Event Management (SIEM) policy, procedure, and work instruction documents in support of e-discovery requirements.

·        Created IT Operations and Infrastructure policy, procedure, and work instruction documents.

·        Created process maps, work flow diagrams, organization charts, and cross-functional flow diagrams.

·        Created new document templates for Policy, Procedure, and Work Instruction documents.

·        Used MS Word, Excel, Visio, and SnagIt.

Fluor, Aliso Viejo, CA.............................................................................. 11/01/09 to 12/31/09

Technical Writer

·        Created Disaster Recovery procedures for Citrix and Dell servers, gateways, and storage area networks.

·        Created process maps, work flow diagrams, organization charts, and cross-functional flow diagrams.

·        Created new document templates for IT Disaster Recovery documents.

·        Used MS Word, Excel, Visio, and SnagIt.

Southern California Edison, Brea, CA................................................... 07/15/09 to 10/17/09

Technical Writer

·        Created project plans, processes, and procedures for supply chain management, property condemnation, schedule management, project safety, regulatory compliance, and special documents as required.

·        Created project documentation plan.

·        Created work flow diagrams, functional group organization charts, whole project organization chart, and cross-functional flow diagrams.

·        Created a document template and style guide for corporate policy, plan, process, and procedure documents.

·        Used Word, Excel, Visio, and SnagIt.

Startel, Irvine, CA............................................................................. 02/01/2009 to 05/15/2009

Help Author

·        Created online help and user guide for telephony switching and call management systems. 

·        Recommended and helped plan and coordinate document review and approval processes. 

·        Created MS Word template for new user guide.  Helped design online help and user guides.

·        Worked with subject matter experts, existing documentation, and hands-on operation of applications. 

·        Used Startel Call Management Center, Madcap Flare, Adobe FrameMaker, SnagIt, and MS Word.

Lantronix, Irvine, CA........................................................................ 08/18/2008 to 01/15/2009

Technical Writer

·        Updated user guides, command, integration, and quick start guides for the following remote IT management systems: 

·        ManageLinx (DSC / DSM): Remote Access System for Firewall Protected Equipment

·        MatchPort b/g: Embedded Wireless Device Server

·        MatchPort b/g Pro: WiFi Embedded Device Server and Network Processor Module

·        MatchPort AR: Networking Co-Processor Module

·        EDS8PR/16PR/32PR: Ethernet terminal and multi-port device server—a programmable device networking platform

·        These documents are available online at http://www.lantronix.com/support/downloads.

·        Recommended and helped plan and coordinate document review and approval processes. 

·        Used MS Word, SnagIt, Adobe CS2 Illustrator, and Adobe RoboHelp.

SERVICEPower, Costa Mesa, CA........................................................ 06/18/2008 to 11/2008

Instructional Designer

·        Created user manual, online help, and training for a web-based service technician dispatch system. 

·        Created online software demonstration videos with voice narration.

·        Used Word, RoboHelp, Camtasia, PowerPoint, Presenter, SnagIt, Dreamweaver, and HTML.

Surrex Solutions, El Segundo, CA........................................................... 05/2008 to 06/2008

Instructional Designer

·        Designed a training package template for a property management intranet based on SharePoint 2007. 

·        Used MS Word, Adobe RoboHelp, MS SharePoint, SnagIt, and MS Excel.

Quest Diagnostics, San Clemente, CA  .................................................. 03/2008 to 05/2008

Technical Writer

·        Created requirements and design documents, test plans, test procedures, and test validation records to meet Title 21 CFR 11 regulatory requirements for laboratory management software.

·        Developed style guide, templates, macros, and custom toolbars to expedite development of legacy documents, document design, and documentation consistency. 

·        Helped plan and coordinate workflow, document review, and approval processes. 

·        Received two letters of commendation.

Konica-Minolta, Huntington Beach, CA..................................................... 2/2008 to 03/2008

Technical Writer

·        Updated user guides and quick reference materials, and created online help for two reprographics application packages. 

·        Used MS Word, Adobe FrameMaker, and Adobe RoboHelp.

Smith-Micro, Aliso Viejo, CA..................................................................... 01/2008 to 02/2008

Help Author

·        Created htm and chm help systems for personal and laptop computers. 

·        Used MS Word and Adobe RoboHelp.

Gente Enterprises, Laguna Niguel, CA.................................................... 11/2007 to 12/2007

Proposal Writer

·        Created business proposals and websites for start-up companies seeking venture capitol. 

·        Used MS Word, Adobe Dreamweaver, and Adobe Flash.

Candelis, Irvine, CA..................................................................................... 8/2007 to 11/2007

Technical Writer

·        Created user manuals for medical imaging mass storage software. 

·        Used MS Word.

First American Title, Santa Ana, CA.......................................................... 04/2007 to 8/2007

Technical Writer

·        Created disaster recovery plans and procedures, service level agreements (SLA), operating level agreements (OLA), and other policies, processes, and procedure documents. 

·        Used MS Word, MS Visio, and MS SharePoint.

Com Dev USA, El Segundo, CA................................................................ 02/2007 to 03/2007

Technical Writer

·        Reformatted and rewrote 144 operating, maintenance, policy, and procedure manuals.

·        Planned and coordinated document review and approval processes. 

Wahlco, Santa Ana, CA............................................................................. 12/2006 to 01/2007

Technical Writer

·        Updated operating and maintenance manuals for industrial pollution control equipment.

·        Developed style guides, templates, macros, and custom toolbars to expedite conversion of legacy documents, document design, and documentation consistency. 

·        Used MS Word.

Wonderware, Lake Forest, CA.................................................................. 05/2006 to 11/2006

Technical Writer

·        Reorganized, rewrote, and updated user manuals, programming manuals, and online help for manufacturing simulation, control, networking, and communications hardware and software.

·        Used Adobe FrameMaker, WebWorks Publisher, SnagIt, MS Visio, MS SharePoint, Rational ClearQuest, and Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Toyota Financial Services, Torrance, CA................................................ 10/2004 to 04/2006

Technical Writer, Editor, and Help Author

·        Created user manuals and online help systems for insurance, time reporting, technical support, and financial management systems.

·        Proposed and implemented online help authoring with Adobe RoboHelp and RoboSource Control.

·        Reorganized and updated department website by collecting content, adding and color coding topics, adding project snapshot pages, and adding navigational elements to enhance the Toyota Financial Services intranet website.

·        Created presentations on Structured Writing, Using Styles in MS Word, and Technical Writing.

·        Organized and documented technical writing group workflow practices and procedures.

·        Suggested best practices improvements to disaster recovery documentation.

·        Created MS Word macros and templates to expedite productivity.

·        Suggested improvements to application user interfaces.

·        Crafted corporate level communications.

·        Trained and mentored other writers.

·        Used MS Word, MS Visio, and Adobe RoboHelp.

Disneyland, Anaheim, CA......................................................................... 11/2003 to 10/2004

Instructional Designer, Editor, and Technical Writer

·        Developed, updated, and illustrated maintenance training documents for print and e-learning vehicles.

·        Photographed and illustrated mechanical assemblies and components.

·        Wrote mechanical descriptions of registered attractions and components.

·        Increased team productivity by creating macros and toolbars.

·        Edited the work of other team members.

·        Used instructional systems design (ADDIE) and information mapping methodologies.

·        Used MS Word, MS Visio, MS Vision, and AutoCAD.

Self Employed, Laguna Niguel, CA............................................................ 4/2003 to 11/2003

Web Developer, Technical Writer, and Editor

·        Created ATA-2000 abbreviated component maintenance manuals, advertising brochures, web sites, VPN WiFi access guides, and a company newsletter for various clients.

·        Used AutoCAD, MS Word, and Adobe Dreamweaver.

C&D Aerospace, Huntington Beach, CA.................................................... 10/2000 to 5/2003

Technical Writer, Editor, and Illustrator

·        Wrote and illustrated ATA-2000 component maintenance manuals, service bulletins, parts information letters, service information letters, information bulletins and engineering orders.

·        Used MS Word, Adobe FrameMaker, AutoCAD, MicroStation, and IsoDraw.

Self Employed, Laguna Niguel, CA............................................................ 2/1999 to 10/2000

Web Developer, Technical Writer, and Editor

·        Provided web design and development, technical writing, editing, and publication design services to various companies.

·        Edited and updated an automotive maintenance manual for Nissan.

·        Used Interleaf, MS Word, Adobe Dreamweaver, and HTML.

Fluor Daniel, Aliso Viejo, CA......................................................................... 2/1991 to 2/1999

Principal Designer and Technical Writer

·        Responsibilities and activities included supervision and training, presentations, courseware development, writing procedures, plant layout, planning, estimating, detailed design, construction support, and progress reporting.

·        Used MS WordPerfect, MS Word, PDS, MicroStation, MS Visio, and AutoCAD.

McDonnell Douglas Aerospace, Long Beach, CA...................................... 2/1990 to 2/1991

Technical Writer

·        Created operations, fault isolation, and maintenance manuals, for the central maintenance computer system on the MD-11. Used Interleaf.

Amdahl Computer Company, San Jose CA................................................ 4/1989 to 2/1990

Technical Writer

·        Designed, developed, and illustrated operations, diagnostics, physical planning, and installation manuals for a front-end communications processor.  Used WordPerfect.

Boeing Computer Services, Tyson, VA....................................................... 1/1988 to 4/1989

Training Developer Lead

·        Recruited and supervised training developers to design and produce order desk training for the Federal Telephone System, FTS2000, on contract to Boeing Computer Services.  Used MS Word Star.

GE Fanuc, Charlottesville, VA.................................................................. 10/1987 to 12/1988

Copywriter, Technical Writer and Indexer

·        Wrote a marketing brochure and product description, for GE Fanuc manufacturing software.

·        Designed and developed a user guide and index to 120 CNC programming manuals, for GE Fanuc. 

Tracor Aerospace, Austin, Tx..................................................................... 5/1987 to 10/1987

Technical Writer

·        Documented functional test plans and actual test procedures for the USAF WorldWide Information System Local Area Network (WISLAN), for Tracor Aerospace.  Used Unix, vi, EVE, TROFF, and RUNOFF.

McAuto, Long Beach, CA.............................................................................. 2/1978 to 2/1987

Trainer, Technical Writer, and Trade Show Manager

·        Conceived, created, and implemented marketing campaigns for engineering applications that increased department revenues by 50%.

·        Planned, produced and conducted a series of large and small tradeshows for software applications. Created training materials.

·        Conceived, created, and executed very successful direct mail advertising campaigns. Created marketing collateral materials

·        Trained engineers in the use of several engineering software applications. Arranged seminar and tradeshow venues.

·        Provided technical support for online engineering and CAD applications. Produced, and conducted marketing and training seminars.

·        Wrote user manuals, reference manuals, and quick reference guides for various engineering and CAD applications.

·        Used Wang Word Processor, Interleaf, Unigraphics, GDS/BDS, COMPAID, TriFlex, Pipeline, and Word Perfect.