Post-Build

In-progress page. To come: Tasks in each area and ideal volunteer characteristics for each area. Also to come: How to apply for a post-build area, available schedules.

Expectations for Post-Build Volunteers

• Volunteers in Post-Build areas will help further Free Geek's mission while learning about Laptops, Advanced Testing, Servers, Hardware Grants, and/or Mac Build as long as they respect Free Geek and its policies and procedures.

• Volunteers in Post-Build areas will not be eligible for "first dibs" on gizmos and this attitude is not appropriate for volunteering in a Post-Build area.

• Volunteers in Post-Build areas are not to bring personal items to work on, including laptops and thumb drives.

• Volunteers in Post-Build areas agree to sign up at the Front Desk for a shift, to log their hours on completion of that time and to check in bags and personal items at the front desk while volunteering.

• As with any area of Free Geek, volunteers in Post-Build areas can expect Free Geek to respect their volunteer time as a contribution to making Free Geek an even more awesome place and are encouraged to talk to any staff member if they feel disrespected in any way.

Post-Build Areas

Advanced Testing

• Description: Work independently among others to test computer components for reuse or sales.

• The Ideal Volunteer: is excited about testing computer components; works well among peers; is a problem solver; does not get easily frustrated; is able to teach others; is detail oriented

Build Instructor/Assistant

• Description: Work with the staff Coordinator in order to assist build volunteers. This job requires a weekly commitment with substantial responsibilities and yields a lot of reward.

• The Ideal Volunteer: enjoys the Build Program; has an aptitude for teaching; works well with and enjoys working with other people; demonstrates knowledge of Free Geek build process; has a high technical skill level; consults w/ staff; can make quick decisions; can pay attention to a lot of things at once; is willing to perform side tasks (monitor testing, imaging, cleaning, etc.)

Hardware Grants

• Description: Work with the Hardware Grants supervisor and other volunteers in order review incoming grant applications, communicate with recipients, and eventually disburse their equipment. This job requires a weekly commitment of at least eight hours with substantial responsibilities and yields a lot of reward.

• The Ideal Volunteer: communicates well and is friendly, flexible, patient, and outgoing; is willing to learn and use multiple computer programs; is able to act as a spokesperson for Free Geek.

Laptops

• Description: Work with a small group to QC and rebuild laptops.

• The Ideal Volunteer: is not motivated by the desire to scope out laptops and parts; has the ability or potential to understand technical stuff; needs to be comfortable with Ubuntu software (e.g. using Synaptic Package Manager, Brasero/K3B, etc.); needs to be comfortable navigating command line; very good at navigating BIOS; needs to be able to solve problems on their own (can't need help every step); independent, but able to ask questions; willing to troubleshoot and research problems online; demonstrated aptitude to learn more; a commitment to learning about laptop build and to give back to the program.- semi-long term. ability to work with small parts; follow directions. willingness to do what needs to be done in area(outside of build process) ex. recycling, sorting, etc.

Macland

• Description: Work independently among others to Build and QC Macintosh desktops and laptops. Macland also includes some side recycling and component testing tasks.

• The Ideal Volunteer: has some software knowledge and understanding of command line; is able to work in a less structured program; is able to work independently on complicated projects; is able to work with or assist other volunteers; has good problem solving skills.

Servers

• Description: Evaluate and build server-class equipment for Freegeek's infrastructure, thrift store, and hardware grants. Some recycling pre-processing as well.

• The Ideal Volunteer: has more patience than they know what to do with; enjoys troubleshooting absurdly complicated proprietary memory requirements; looks up motherboard manuals on-line; able to work without written documentation and somewhat ad-hoc verbal instruction; is curious about exotic hardware without being overly attached to it; able and willing to lift extremely heavy equipment

Tech Support

• Description: Assist volunteers, grantees and store costumers with hardware and usability issues with their Free Geek computers.

• The Ideal Volunteer: likes problem solving, ability to communicate effectively with people, able to ask answerable questions, listen to answers, experience with command line, some sort of support background a plus. Linux background necessary. Must be nice to people.

How to apply for a Post-Build Area

Take the Command Line class

• If you haven't already. You can sign up for these at the Front Desk.

Talk to a Build instructor

• They will be able to give you an application for Post-Build. You will need a recommendation from a Build instructor.
• Your application will be reviewed by a Reuse Program Coordinator and they will follow up with you to let you know the next steps to take.

Questions to Consider When You're Thinking About Applying to a Post-Build Area

Things that are necessary

• Do you enjoy the challenges of troubleshooting and working problems out on your own?
• Do you actively use the resources available to you when encountering a new problem (i.e., the wiki, Google, etc)?
• Do you like learning new things, even if they may be challenging at first?

Things that are helpful

• Do you enjoy working with and helping other people?
• Are you able to pass along information to others by teaching (rather than telling)?
• Do you have enough experience with Linux/Ubuntu and command line to feel comfortable using them on a regular basis?

Questions for Build Instructors to Consider When Recommending Some One for a Post-Build Area

Things that are necessary

• Does this person have an aptitude for troubleshooting and problem-solving independently?
  • Do they actively use the resources available to them (such as the wiki and Google)?
• Do they consistently follow our procedures, like the Build Checklists?
• Is this person detail-oriented?
• Do you get the sense that they are committed to the mission of Free Geek?

Things that are helpful

• Do they voluntarily help others around them? Can they communicate in an effective, positive way (and can you think of an example)?
• Does this person have a good amount of technical experience (i.e., Linux/Ubuntu and/or command line)?

If the answer is 'no' to any of the above, please explain on their application why you think this person should still move on to their Post-Build area of choice.