Jan Robertson

I am a retired corporate writer with a background in government writing and journalism. I have degrees in Creative Writing and Journalism, and Cellular, Molecular, Microbial Biology. I would like to return to the workforce for a few more years.

My experience includes writing for internal and external audiences, including newsletters, informational bulletins, technical manuals, web content and supporting legislation communication as well as working with English language learners. I have a B.A in Journalism and Creative Writing, and a B.Sc. in Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology.

My most recent position was as technical writer/editor for Alberta Labour and Immigration’s Occupational Health and Safety, Prevention Services Branch. In this position, I wrote and edited public-facing materials including bulletins, an online newsletter, webinars and best practices manuals. I was also the go-to writing advisor for the branch and, in that capacity, I delivered effective-writing workshops to staff and developed the OHS External Publications Style Guide.

Before working with OHS, I was Writer/Acting Senior Writer with Alberta Health in the Health Insurance Programs Branch. I wrote response documents for Action Requests, including briefing notes, e-mails and letters for the Minister, Deputy Minister and Assistant Deputy Minister. I also responded to public inquiries through Alberta Connects and the Alberta Health e-mail. Because of my familiarity with web content writing, I was the lead in our web content development for the Alberta.ca website. In addition, I wrote medical bulletins and supported the unit in communications with physicians and other healthcare providers.

Prior to joining the Alberta Public Service, I was a reporter and freelance writer. I worked in the community of Brooks for the Brooks Bulletin, covering City council, the school board, agriculture and lifestyle stories. I also wrote freelance for the Nanaimo News Bulletin and established the Oceanside beat for an online news source called Westcoaster.ca, creating connections with local politicians, police and other newsmakers. While in Nanaimo, I created the publication Stone Soup News, a newssheet that supported the good work done by local non-profits: sharing stories about the amazing people who make stuff happen.

During a three-month volunteer opportunity, I worked with English language learners in Vietnam, helping college instructors develop speaking activities for students. During that time, I learned how challenging working in a foreign language can be and some of the challenges learners face.

Bachelor of Arts, Creative Writing and Journalism.

Bachelor of Science, Cellular, Molecular and Microbial Biology.