Jim Hines is not your average computer guy.  In addition to his “day job” as a Field Services Technician, he is a published novelist and a former counselor.  Jim started with computers in 1999 after he found it difficult to land a job with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Master’s Degree in English.  He started earning computer certifications and came to the state a few years later.  Though he’s no longer a full-time counselor, he jokes that the background “comes in handy” when dealing with frustrated clients!

Having been with the state for almost four years, Jim moved to DIT from MDOT.  He currently spends most of his time in the Capital Commons Center, but occasionally takes field calls.  Typically, he uses Remedy to handle several cases each day.  He works with co-workers Claude Harris and Linda Rhines to ensure that the needs of all CCC clients are met.

Jim says the best part about his job is the people.  The state employees at CCC are a fun, friendly bunch which makes for a nice work day.  The most challenging part of working as a field tech, says Jim, is keeping up with ever-changing bugs and spyware.  Spyware is currently a big problem, because every time one intrusion is killed off, another pops up.  Often times, fixing spyware problems requires a manual cleanup, which is a timely process.

Outside of work, Jim does several interesting things.  He is an author, having published two novels – Goldfish Dreams and the recently released Goblinquest.  The newer book has been released in hardcover and has earned great reviews.  Jim will be holding a book signing on January 13^th at Schuler Books in Okemos.  Both run from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.  Jim does a lot of work with his writing, practicing his craft every day.  He also writes occasional columns for The State News.

In addition to his work as an author, Jim does outreach work for Michigan State University’s Safe Place.  His position deals with ways to stop sexual violence.  Most of his work is with men.  Jim explained that much of the information on sexual violence prevention is aimed at women, stressing the ways to protect oneself.  Jim’s work concentrates more on working with young men to develop proactive prevention methods.

Despite his many roles – as a technician, a counselor and an author – Jim also finds time for his family.  He has a four-year-old daughter at home and is excited about a new son who is due in March.