Details

Vicki Brown

Preferences

I believe in using the best tool for the job. I work primarily with Unix (BSD, Linux, Solaris, etc) and Mac OS X. Although I can use Windows, I will be far more productive using Mac OS X.

Note that many of the sections below list preferences or constraints. My preferences are just that - they describe what I would prefer out of a set of choices. If a given preference causes you a real problem — if you think it's a deal breaker — let's talk about it. There's usually room for negotiation.

On the other hand, constraints or limitations are just that. As an example, I do not travel. If the job involves a travel requirement, please let me know up front.

Primary Role - Internal Documentation and Content Management

My primary interest area is internal communication and content management. Examples include intranet web content, internal tools, employee training materials, and internal documentation of all forms (e.g. software overviews, how-tos, presentations, etc.)

I prefer to be primarily engaged in duties that consist of one or more of the following:

• Application of systems analysis techniques and procedures, including consulting with users, to determine hardware, software or system functional applications.

• Design, development, documentation, analysis, creation, testing or modification of computer systems or programs, including prototypes, based on and related to user or system design specifications.

• Documentation, testing, creation or modification of computer programs related to the design of software or hardware for computers operating systems.

Not coincidentally, the above descriptions are part of the necessary criteria for overtime exempt qualification under California Labor Code, Section 515.5.

Also not coincidentally, I prefer not to be engaged in writing material, (e.g. product descriptions, documentation, promotional material, setup and installation instructions, and other similar written information) either for print or for onscreen media or to provide content intended to be read by customers, subscribers, or visitors to computer-related media (e.g. the WWW or CD-ROM). To do so would disqualify me under CA Labor Code section 515.5.

Instead, I prefer to work directly with and for my clients, where these clients are software engineers and other employees within the organization.

Working Style

I am highly skilled and proficient in the theoretical and practical application of highly specialized information to computer systems analysis, software engineering, and documentation. I most enjoy work that is intellectual or creative and that requires the exercise of discretion and independent judgment.

I have learned how to take a "flexible" approach to changing product requirements and priorities. I'm well versed in "multi-tasking". I have a proven ability to work independently with minimal direction or supervision either onsite and from my home office.

Milestones & Status reports

My preferred working style is to set milestones for the project and to provide frequent status reports no less often than twice a month. These allow the client and myself to continually update and track my progress on a project.

Company Size

I have worked for both large and small companies, usually independently or as part of a small team. I do not have a preference for large vs. small. My preference is to work with a competent, intelligent, quality-oriented team.

Suggestions

I consider it part of my job to make suggestions and recommendations when I see something that doesn't seem, to me, to be working as well as it could. You may find this to be a bit odd at first. I try to put my recommendations in a positive light. If possible, I don't just point out problems; I try to propose solutions.

I don't, however, feel that it is a requirement that the world accept every suggestion I make or that every bug report I file be addressed or solved and certainly not in the way I recommend. I understand that Input is Not Voting. As I've told several clients for whom I have done work: "My job is to make suggestions. Your job is to consider those suggestions and act on them, or not, as you choose."

Priorities

How will you win me to your team? You'll do better if you offer me smart co-workers and a quality-oriented process rather than if you tell me about beer bashes and basketball courts! Take a look at my list of priorities.

I also prefer to match as many of the checkpoints below as possible:

• A Unix environment (Solaris, BSD, Linux...).

• Macintosh friendly; I use Mac OS X by choice as my desktop environment. I am grudgingly willing to use Windows for very short-term (or high-pay) contracts.

• Ideally I will be working on some number of the following
  • internal documentation
  • process creation/improvement
  • web content creation
  • Web site management
  • Internet/Intranet applications
  • data analysis
  • internal tools

• No more than 20% administrative (sysadmin, meetings, etc).

• Time flexibility - my preference will be for jobs that don't insist on my presence on site all day, every day, or for rigidly required hours. (See below, Location.)

Type of Employment

Contract (W2 or 1099)

I'm available for contract work -- full-time or part-time, short term or longer term. No project is too small to be considered.

FTE Salaried

I am willing to consider salaried positions. As an employee, I am nevertheless apt to consider myself to be working in a client-services relationship.

Location

San Francisco Bay Area

My preferred location includes San Francisco's Financial and SOMA districts, the Peninsula, and north-western parts of Santa Clara county along the 280 corridor.. I will also consider locations on the eastern side of the South Bay if they are readily accessible via public transit.

Or Telecommute...

I will be most interested in situations which permit me to telecommute from my office in San Bruno as much as possible, coming in to the client site for meetings and status updates. I have a proven record of being able to work productively offsite from my well-equipped office.

After nearly two decades of daily commutes, office politics, cubicles, and dealing with too many distractions instead of real work, I realized that I am more relaxed and far more productive working from my private office. My clients benefit from that as much as I do.

... to Anywhere

I am happy to consider 100% telecommute contracts for jobs located beyond the SF Bay Area (but see the next point: Travel).

Travel - 0%

I do not travel. This is not negotiable.

I am not interested in any positions that involve any travel outside the San Francisco Bay Area (beyond what can be accomplished by car, round trip, in one day).

Rates - negotiable

Contract rates may vary based on project type, length, and location. Quoted rates will take into account the length and difficulty of the commute. A surcharge may apply if I must use Windows instead of Mac OS X.

In any case, I will always ask a minimum hourly rate on all non-salaried, hourly positions, to ensure exemption from California overtime regulations:

In 2006, the minimum hourly exempt wage is $47.81. This value is based on the Consumer Price Index and may be adjusted annually by the CA Division of Labor Statistics and Research. See California Labor Code, Section 515.5 (esp paragraph a.(3)), for details.

Billing

I am willing to accept either salaried positions or hourly compensation. However, for your benefit and protection, as well as my own, I prefer not to make fixed-rate bids.