David Cramer - Résumé

Professional Objective

Not currently seeking a job change.

Skills

Numbers in parentheses indicate approximate level of competence for that skill. All rankings are out of a possible 10, with one being novice (able to converse intelligently about the subject) and ten indicating full competence.

Languages, Tools, and Technologies: XML and related technologies: DTDs, XSL (XSLT/XSL-FO) (9), Shell scripting (7), JavaScript (6), Perl (4), Java (3), SQL (3), Ant (9).

Operating Systems: Unix (Solaris, Linux, Macintosh OS X) (7), Windows (7), Macintosh pre-OS X (5).

Writing Specialties: Database technologies and tools (SQL, Oracle, Database schemas, ERwin, Crystal Reports), Documenting server installation procedures, API Documentation and related tools (Javadoc, Doxygen), Internationalization/localization.

Technical Writing Tools and Technologies: DocBook/DocBook Open Repository tools (9), DITA, Adobe Illustrator (4), Visio, XMetaL Author and XMetal Developer (9), RoboHELP (5), Microsoft HTML Help Workshop (7), FrameMaker (6), Microsoft Word (6), Javadoc (8), Doxygen (8), Emacs (8), CVS/Subversion (7), Wise Installation System.

Human Languages: French (4), German (2), Latin.

Employment History

Senior Technical Writer
Motive/BroadJump
August 2000-Present

Plan and lead the documentation component of software releases, including the coordination of local and offshore writers.

Write and maintain over multiple releases server documentation for system administrators, application administrators, database administrators, professional services, and customer care. Documents include installation and configuration guides, database schema reference guides and posters, and release notes. Edit UI strings for clarity and consistency.

Maintain and enhance DocBook/XML-based tool chain, including XSLTs, build system, extensive editor customizations, and documentation.

Highlights:

Implemented and maintain an internationalized, DocBook/XML-based tool chain. The tool chain produces PDFs and HTML formats (HTML Help, Eclipse help, HTML) output from a single XML source and supports use of common and shared content. Target languages included Japanese, German, Italian, Spanish, and French.
Automated the generation of database schema references by programmatically converting XML exported from the database to DocBook/XML. Included support for merging in changes to the schema programmatically. Created ancillary tools to automate other related tasks and identify inconsistencies in the code on which the documentation is based. Automated other references using a similar approach, saving hundreds of man hours and improving accuracy.
Designed and produced database schema posters by using the reverse engineering capabilities of AllFusion ERwin Data Modeler and converting the result to Postscript.
Created Eclipse Infocenter to provide all of the documentation for each release in a searchable, browsable HTML format with integration into our bug tracking system. Created an internal Wiki to facilitate collaboration and information capture within our group. Served as system administrator for server (Linux) used to host content for the technical publications group.
Wrote overviews, edited code comments, and maintained API documentation tools for Java and C++ components.
Received Appreciation Award and Peer Excellence Award for work on API documentation.
Received Peer Excellence Award, October 19, 2001. "Your dedication and knowledge helped make the move to XML possible. We deeply appreciate your technical problem solving and teamwork!"
Received spot award, May 28, 2004 for setting up searchable online Infocenter of all documentation for each release.
Received Cornerstone award, April 2005 for automating manual documentation processes.

Courseware Developer/Instructor
The University of Texas at Austin

Developed and taught foreign language courses, large lecture courses, and distance learning courses. Designed and maintained Web sites for courses. Designed teaching materials for courses. Supervised teaching assistants.

E.O. Box Graduate Teaching Award, Spring 1996

Courseware Developer/Instructor
University of North Texas

Designed and taught Technical Writing courses, prepared and delivered all lectures. Responsible for all aspects of the course.

Publications and Talks

"Building Your Skills and Portfolio by Documenting Open Source Software". November 2006.
A presentation I co-presented as part of the STC Region 5 Conference.
"How to avoid learning XML". March 2003.
A presentation given as part of the monthly STC chapter meeting.
"The Wrath of Aeneas: Iliad 13.455-67 and 20.75-352". Syllecta Classica. Vol. 11 (2000).

Professional Organizations and Open Source Projects

DocBook Open Repository
The open source project that maintains the DocBook XSL stylesheets.
Central Texas DITA Users Group
Local group to support and promote the use of DITA and related technologies.
Advisory Committee for Austin Community College's Business and Technical Communications program

Education

XSL-FO Hands-on training, October 2001
Cranesoftwrights
Ph.D. in Classics
The University of Texas at Austin
M.A. in Latin Literature (minor in Greek Literature)
The University of Texas at Austin
B.A. in English Literature
University of North Texas (Denton, Texas)
Overall GPA: 3.9 out of 4.0.
Graduated magna cum laude.

Miscellaneous

This résumé was single-sourced using the DTD and a customized version of the XSL stylesheets from xmlresume. This résumé is available in HTML, PDF, RTF, and text formats.

Note: This version of the résumé has certain information filtered out so that it can be posted online. Contact me for the full version with complete contact information and references.

Last modified 2007-08-04.