Resume: Jonathan (Jon) Harper

photo of me

Experienced IT professional and business writer seeking an entry-level, full-time technical writer role.
Excels at explaining concepts, translating technical language, and writing to the audience.
Actively seeks new solutions and new technologies to learn.
Broad technical skill base:
- Page layout/desktop publishing (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat, Markdown, CSS),
- Graphic design (Adobe Photoshop & Illustrator, GIMP),
- Content versioning (git, SharePoint),
- Software development (C++, Python),
- Documentation (Doxygen, mkdocs),
- Rapid prototyping & CAD (FDM 3D printing, Fusion 360),
- Point-of-sale technical support,
- Networking & desktop system administration.

Portfolio of Work

GitHub Profile: jon-harper

Notable Documentation Projects:

OmniBox: 3D printer electronics case; documentation includes written, illustrated, and video assembly instructions.
E34M1: modified toolhead for ZeroG 3D printers; also provides multimedia assembly instructions.
SUAFT: activated carbon & HEPA filter for enclosed printers; documentation is simple and concise.

Sample Contributions:

Career Development (December 2021 - May 2023)

Pivoted career focus to technical writing; prepared a cross-discipline portfolio of public work.
Fully documented OmniBox through five (5) major releases and one (1) minor release:
- Assembly guide contains both written/illustrated and video instructions.
- OmniBox documentation praised by users for quality and thoroughness.
Developed and documented E34M1:
- Early adopters acted as stakeholders and set project goals.
- Tracked and documented all user contributions.

Top Shelf Solutions (2002 - 2021)

Assistant Operations Manager (2012-2016)

Designed templates within client branding guidelines.
Proofread & edited internal & external materials for style, content, and branding comformity.
Closely followed client technologies and current IT trends.
Composed and edited SVP & C-level executive biographies, presentations, and other meeting materials.
Provided quality control for printed matter and assisted in preparation and shipping.

IT Manager (2003-2021)

Oversaw the lifecycle of a small (5-8 seat) business network over nearly 20 years.
Assisted with client IT needs:
- Migrated client (The Harvard Group) to Office 365 and SharePoint in 2011-2012.
- Transitioned phone and video conferencing IT services to lower overhead and add new capabilities.
- Documented each transition process, including installation and how-to guides.
- Provided phone and email support to remote users and investigated network and software issues.
Provided Operations suport as-needed for a small business.

Starbucks Coffee (2005 - 2012, 2016 - 2021)

Barista & Shift Supervisor

In addition to the duties of a Barista:

In 2006, headed a maintenance & cleanliness team for a new Store Manager.
- Labeled and organized all back-of-house inventory.
- Ensured all equipment regularly calibrated and cleaned; instructed others in care.
From 2005-2010, managed weekly store bulk order and overall inventory under two (2) store managers:
- Used spreadsheets to track 3- and 6-week rolling averages.
- Lowered controllable costs and excess inventory; cut order placement time by half.
- Nearly eliminated controllable product shortages.
In 2007-2008, assisted Watters & 121 store opening:
- Trained new staff in mid-to-late 2017.
- Ordered and ensured arrival of base supplies and inventory for store opening.
- Planned and implemented both front- and back-of-house storage layout.
Served as a trainer from 2006 on, training over two dozen new hires.

Souper! Salad!/Grandy's (2005 - 2010)

Contracted by San Antonio-based IT department as a first-call technician for DFW area:

Cut response time significantly and saved overnight trips by department staff.
Able to take calls normally handled by corporate staff due to familiarity with legacy Radiant Systems platform.
Assisted in migrating multiple sites from dialup to DSL; later assisted in migration to EVDO-based wireless service.
After Grandy's acquisition in 2008, assisted in transitioning several restaurants to Radiant Systems and wireless internet service.

Souper! Salad! (2003 - 2005)

Assistant Manager (2004 - 2005) / Shift Supervisor (2004) / Waiter (2003 - 2004)

In addition to normal management and wait staff duties:

Acted as lead trainer for training pilot program and prepared Executive Summary for Board presentation.
Assisted in cutting food costs by 5% of gross sales while responsible for daily inventory orders.
Consolidated multiple sales and ordering tracking spreadsheets for District Manager.
Tasked with designing a consolidated maintenance spreadsheet for Dallas and Fort Worth districts.
Derivative spreadsheets were later rolled out company-wide.

The University of Texas at Dallas (2000 - 2002)