Jay received his Bachelors of Science Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Arkansas in 1993. Following graduation, Jay was employed by the Texas Department of Transportation from 1993 to 2000. His duties included highway inspection and design. During his employment with the State of Texas, Jay became a licensed Engineer. In May of 2000, he became the City Engineer for Jacksonville, Arkansas. Jay is currently a licensed Professional Engineer and a Certified Floodplain Manager in the State of Arkansas. He was the Chairman of the Arkansas Floodplain Managers Association in 2005 and the President of American Public Works Association, Arkansas Chapter 2011. His duties for the City of Jacksonville include Engineering, Building Official, and Floodplain Manager