Daniel F. Dickinson | B. Computing | CompTIA A+ • ce

Contact

dfdpublic@d-f-d.ca | danielfdickinson.ca

Resume

Professional Objective

Realizing a passion for life and tech for the common good.

Skills Highlights

  • DevOps/Sysadmin: Windows, Linux, Networking, Troubleshooting, Provisioning
  • Software Development: C, Shell Scripting, Node.js, Git, GitHub, Python
  • Cloud Computing: OpenStack, Terraform, Ansible, Infrastructure as Code
  • Virtualization: Qemu/KVM, Libvirt, Docker, Packer (some Hyper-V, Xen, Vagrant)
  • Embedded Linux: OpenWrt, Cross-Compiling, Busybox, ARM, MIPS
  • Frontend Web: HTML5, CSS3, JavaScript, Hugo, Web Content Writing

Employment History

IT Manager1 / Integration Analyst • Ambient Activity

2024 - Present

  • Managed IT infrastructure for the organization.
  • Assisted organization staff and management with with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues.
  • Prepared computers for embedding in products during production.
  • Integrated work of developers, engineers, and management into the final products.
  • Sourced parts for technology builds.
  • Oversaw technology aspects of organization’s products.
  • Assisted customers with troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with the products.
  • Shared product management responsibilities with coworkers.

Skills: Systems Integration · Systems Administration · IT Support · Troubleshooting · Windows · Product management

Owner • Wild Tech ‘Garden’

2023 - Present

  • Developed a Power Platform based solution for the digitization of records and data extraction and analysis for a local non-profit.
  • Determined requirements for project and implemented a prototype.
  • Improved the solution to capitalize on existing efforts already in use by staff.

Skills: Power Platform (including Power BI) · IT Support · Customer Service · Requirements Analysis · Windows

Developer, Blogger & Website Operator • Daniel Dickinson

2018 - 2024

Skills: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) · HTML5 · Software Troubleshooting · Hardware Troubleshooting · Linux · Open Source Software · Infrastructure as code (IaC) · Cloud Computing · Virtualization · Ansible · DevOps · Debugging · Shell Scripting · Web Design · Git · GitHub · Web Content Writing · Terraform · OpenStack · Provisioning · PowerPoint · Impress

Software Developer & DevOps • Turnberry Solutions

2015 - 2016

  • Automated provisioning, and deployment of OpenStack and AWS instances using Packer, Puppet, and Terraform.
  • Automated configuration roll-out using Puppet and a Git/Puppet master in-house integrated system combined with an RPM repository, including detailed documentation.
  • Developed various software in Python and Go, including software to find the type of devices connected to a telecommunications system.

Skills: Networking · Linux · Open Source Software · Embedded Linux · Infrastructure as code (IaC) · Virtualization · C · Software Development · DevOps · Debugging · Shell Scripting · Git · Windows · CentOS · Terraform · OpenStack · Puppet · Packer · Provisioning

Software Developer & DevOps • Yoh (Day & Zimmermann)

2014 - 2015

  • See Turnberry Solutions (same client, different intermediary).

Firmware Developer • PowerCloud Systems

2011 - 2014

  • Participated in the design and realization of a breakthrough cloud-based home networking solution in a fast-paced start-up environment, including developing, testing, troubleshooting, and bug-fixing using improvement on the techniques developed for an earlier cloud-based AP solution.
  • Supplied technical help and advice related to the products to the QA team and the executive team.

Skills: Busybox · Cross Compilers · Networking · Linux · Open Source Software · Embedded Linux · Embedded Systems · Cloud Computing · C · Troubleshooting · Debugging · Shell Scripting · Git · OpenWRT

Software Consultant • SMB Phone Inc

2010 - 2010

  • Offered design advice on a hardware CPE VoIP device and designed prototype firmware.

Skills: Networking · Open Source Software · Embedded Linux · Embedded Systems · Cloud Computing · Software Development · Requirements Analysis · Debugging · Shell Scripting · Voice over IP (VoIP) · Git · OpenWrt

Firmware and Software Developer •  
Vertical Communications

2009 - 2010

 

  • Created a web front-end for the FreeSWITCH softswitch based on OpenWrt (Lua).
  • Created a prototype web-based provisioning system for a VoIP device using Perl and designed a RESTful version.

Skills: Busybox · Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) · Networking · Linux · Debian · Open Source Software · Embedded Linux · Embedded Systems · Cloud Computing · Debugging · Shell Scripting · Voice over IP (VoIP) · Web Design · Git · Lua · Provisioning · OpenWrt

Intern • Vertical Communications

2009 - 2009

  • Enabled existing hardware VoIP device to use OpenWrt in preparation for enabling VoIP services through FreeSWITCH softswitch.

Skills: Networking · Linux · Debian · Open Source Software · Embedded Linux · Embedded Systems · Cloud Computing · Software Development · Debugging · Shell Scripting · Voice over IP (VoIP) · Web Design · Git · Lua · Provisioning · OpenWrt

Programmer Analyst / Technician • C & I Technologies

1998 - 2002

  • Designed and developed database projects in Borland C++ Builder, as well as websites, Java applets, and documentation.
  • Designed, developed, and deployed a custom Java applet for graphical design and requesting sales quotes for module dock systems through to order-entry and matching with payments.

Skills: Cascading Style Sheets (CSS) · Software Troubleshooting · Hardware Troubleshooting · IT Support · Linux · Debian · Open Source Software · C · Software Development · Requirements Analysis · Troubleshooting · Debugging · Business Analysis · Shell Scripting · Web Design · Windows

Undergraduate Teaching assistant • University of Guelph

1998 - 1998

  • Taught lab sections and graded projects for two different semesters.
  • Advised students on course material.

Accounts Payable Clerk • Autocom Manufacturing

1997 - 1997

  • Performed invoice and purchase order receiving.
  • Matched invoices and purchase orders.
  • Entered data into an AS/400-based accounting system.
  • Consulted with other employees about incomplete or delayed information reporting.

Production Support • Crate Designs (Heirloom Canada)

1995 - 1996

  • Moved to a perpetual inventory system using MISys and ACCPAC.
  • Maintained inventory records (item lists and inventory).
  • Produced production scheduling reports.

Data Entry and Processing Assistant •  
Dr. David L.G. Noakes, University of Guelph

1995 - 1995

 

  • Entered data for a private library of research papers on Ichthyology.
  • Entered and processed data for a paper by a research assistant of Dr. Noakes.

Accounting Clerk • Prior Resource Group (various clients)

1994 - 1994

  • Coordinated four employees for preparation of incoming cheques/cash.
  • Performed A/R duties and filing.
  • Performed A/P data-entry.

Typesetter (Digital) • Ontarian

1993 - 1993

  • Performed entry and layout of ads (text-only ads) using Adobe PageMaker for Mac.

Youth Literacy Assistant •  
Wellington County Literacy Council

1992 - 1992

 

  • Promoted youth literacy including creating advertisements and administering a youth writing contest.

Community Contributions

Volunteer • Wye Marsh Wildlife Centre

2023 - Present

  • Greeted visitors and processed admissions for occasional special events

Board Member • Midland Public Library

2023 - Present

  • Trained for roles and responsibilities of the position of board member for an accredited Ontario Public Library through opportunities from the Ontario Library Service and the Midland Public Library board member portal.
  • Reviewed, queried, and commented on financial reports as a member of the Finance Committee.
  • Reviewed, queried, and commented on policies of the library as a Policy Committee member.
  • Provided support and comments for fundraising efforts of the library as a Fundraising Committee member.

Tutor / Retail Clerk / IT Analyst •  
Gateway Centre for Learning

2018 - Present

 

  • Provided tutoring in English, academics, and technology including planning and preparing material.
  • Provided customer assistance and sales for Gateway’s Bookmark Used Books.
  • Provided ongoing support for digital transformation project created during a paid contract.

Volunteer Maker • Midland Public Library

2017 - Present

  • Created and presented talks on various talks on various computing topics for adults.
  • Taught basic electronics, coding, and robotics, quite enthusiastically, to a group of children eight to twelve years old as part of team of volunteers for a “Bot & Bytes” workshop series.
  • Participated in and offered advice to MPL as a member of the Makerspace Advisory Group.

Open-Source Developer • Various Online/Offline Projects

2004 - 2024

  • Collaborated with international teams on projects including OpenWrt, various Hugo themes, and more.
  • Added projects to which I created, or have contributed, at https://gitlab.com/danielfdickinson and https://github.com/danielfdickinson.
  • Contributed directly and indirectly to Linux kernel (search for “Dickinson” in the source).
  • Created a custom Debian-derived distribution for use on old computers.
  • Assisted Bruce-Grey Linux Users Group in refurbishing old computers for United Way clients (STARS project).
  • Currently on hold due to limited time.

Member, Midland Accessibility Advisory Committee •  
Town of Midland

2018 - 2022

 

  • Reviewed site plans for accessibility issues.
  • Reviewed other town matters for accessibility related concerns under the AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act).

Website Designer • United Way, Guelph

2001 - 2001

President of Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror  
Club • Central Student Association, University of Guelph

1997 - 1999

 

  • Performed executive duties for the SFFH including promotion, activities, membership matters, and administrative duties.

Education

  • Cross-skilling in Microsoft’s Power Platform

    Present

  • CompTIA A+ • ce Certification (view online)

    2023

  • Smart Serve® • Ontario Government Online Certification2

    2020

  • 3D Printer and Laser Cutter Certifications • MPL MakerPlace

    2019

  • Tutor Training • Gateway Centre for Learning

    2018

  • WHMIS • Online certification

    2016

  • Soft Skills Solutions® • HERO Centre

    2016

  • Volunteer Training • CMHA, Hanover

    2005

  • Bachelor / Baccalaureate in Computing • University of Guelph

    2003

  • OSSD (OAC) • ADHS

    1992

Awards

  • Dean’s Honours List • University of Guelph

    1997

  • J.A. Howsen Brocklebank Grade Thirteen Award (First)3 • ADHS

    1992

  • J.A. Howsen Brocklebank Award4 • ADHS

    1992

  • Special School Letter • ADHS

    1992

  • School Letter • ADHS

    1991

Daniel F. Dickinson’s Resume - Oct 2024

Endnotes

  1. This title likely needs to be revisited as I do not manage people, but the technology, so this is probably not the correct designation according the to NOC (Canadian National Occupational Classification). ↩︎

  2. Expired due to Cannabis Act (and have not recertified) ↩︎

  3. Highest in school on best seven O.A.C credits ↩︎

  4. For male who contributed most to high school life ↩︎