Responsibilities

• Triage and test incoming hardware
• Follow documentation for testing procedures of various gizmos
• Share in ensuring the functionality of the area: maintain organization of work area, cleaning up after oneself after the end of each shift, help with recycling and correct routing of gizmos
• Teach Advanced Testing procedures to new volunteers as needed
• Research and document the strange and the unknown (often!)
• Document advanced testing procedures for new volunteers
• Potential to create and document new tests for odd gizmos

Desired Qualifications

• Computer hardware knowledge and experience troubleshooting. Candidate should be comfortable changing out parts of her/his home computer.
• A desire to learn and try new things
• Able to follow directions
• Detail-oriented
• Not routine-averse
• Good prioritization skills
• Comfortable using Google
• Understanding of current electronics market a plus

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Attend and participate in Distro Committee meetings,
• Collaborate with Free Geek Staff and other Distro Interns via e-mail lists and RT,
• Keeping Free Geek volunteers’ needs in mind:
  • Perform usability QA
  • Identify current bugs in Ubuntu 10.04, and determine existence in other versions/distros
  • Write bug reports and, if possible, create bug fixes
  • Develop specifications for hardware and software in candidate distribution
  • Test candidate distribution across various kinds of hardware
  • Draft updated documentation for use in Free Geek’s Tech Support, Build, and Education programs
  • Gather and research list of known issues

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with basic troubleshooting
• Experience using and configuring Linux
• Familiarity with bug tracking and ticketing systems
• Technical aptitude
• Usability QA experience or the desire to learn
• Understanding of how inexperienced users interact with computers

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects with minimal supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community. Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union. Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Work alongside Free Geek staff to oversee Receiving Area activities
• Train and supervise volunteers in the Receiving and Basic Testing areas
• Greet donors and handle incoming hardware donations
• Follow Oregon E-Cycles procedures for tallying incoming hardware
• Develop a thorough understanding of Free Geek’s hardware needs and recycling policies
• Distribute hardware throughout the building as needed
• Communicate effectively and maintain professional rapport with Free Geek staff, volunteers, and donors
• Understand and help improve Receiving policies and organization
• Maintain orderliness and cleanliness in Receiving area

Desired Qualifications

• Able to work well with a large and diverse group of volunteers
• Customer service skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Interest in Free Geek’s reuse and recycling missions
• Able to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Able to lift 40-50 pounds and stand for long periods

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union. Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

Tasks will include some or all of the following:

• Maintain a welcoming environment at the front desk
• Train to answer questions about Free Geek pleasantly and knowledgeably
• Accurately schedule volunteers for shifts, record hours, enter volunteer applications into the database, and process donations
• Retrieve voice mail messages, answer and return calls, deliver messages effectively
• Make class reminder calls to attendees before day of class
• Manage all front desk documents and maintain surplus copies
• Advise volunteers in scheduling shifts
• Maintain complete tour guide schedule
• Check office supplies weekly and place item requests
• Alphabetize and file volunteer applications daily

Desired Qualifications

• Good phone skills
• Experience with appropriate email etiquette
• Pleasant, outgoing and approachable persona
• Enjoy and work well with people
• Organized and detail oriented
• Work calmly amidst ongoing chaos
• Understand Free Geek and Open Source philosophy
• Self-motivated and self-managing with minimal supervision
• Prioritize needs of visitors and volunteers
• Able to learn new skills, programs, and information
• Fluency in Spanish is a big plus, but not required

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Learn printer testing, repair, and disassembly
• Teach this knowledge to new volunteers on a regular basis
• Communicate with production staff in order to adapt to Free Geek’s changing needs and improve processes in the Printer area
• Possibly research printer pricing and testing methods
• For the right candidate, branch out into Prebuild, Build, and Advanced Testing areas

Desired Qualifications

• Personable
• Detail-oriented
• Desire to share relevant knowledge with others
• Curious about printers, and not afraid to ask questions
• Hardware knowledge a plus
• Not afraid to get his/her hands dirty.

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Learn recycling process for volunteers
• Teach process to new volunteers
• Staff tool check-out station
• If appropriate, perform and teach some advanced recycling tasks
• If appropriate, perform specialized recycling tasks
• If appropriate, perform simple warehouse management, including pallet-jacking materials

Desired Qualifications

• Proactive
• Quick learner
• Pleasant presence
• Detail-oriented
• Prioritization skills
• Not afraid of getting dirty
• Interest in learning about e-waste recycling practices
• An interest in teaching people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience using hand tools a plus
• Ability to speak Spanish a plus

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Job Title: Spanish Build Bilingual Intern
Hours Weekly: At least 4 hours/week

Days Per Week: At least 1 day/week, Tuesdays, Saturdays
Length of Internship: Minimum 3 months
Training: Orientation and Training Provided
Free Geek Supervisor: Meredith

Responsibilities

• Learn Free Geek’s system evaluation procedures
• Learn and teach Free Geek’s Hardware Identification in Spanish & English
• Teach system evaluation to Build Program volunteers in Spanish & English
• Answer volunteer’s questions regarding system evaluation and hardware identification, and consistently monitor their progress
• Keep system evaluation area tidy
• Implement data security procedures as needed
• Remain flexible and knowledgeable as system evaluation and hardware identification procedures and content change
• Join the system evaluation and Spanish Build email discussion list as appropriate

Desired Qualifications

• Speak intermediate/advanced Spanish & English
• Be able to read/write Spanish/English
• Willing and able to translate between Spanish & English in speech and in writing
• Show up to all scheduled shifts or provide timely notification to Free Geek if unable to show up
• While some knowledge of computer hardware is desired, a commitment to teaching, process, and the comfort of our volunteers is more important than hardware knowledge.
• Understanding of Free Geek and Open Source philosophy
• Aptitude for learning detailed, complex tasks and protocols
• Awareness of data security issues
• Good listener
• Comfortable making decision as part of a group

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Note: Prebuild includes the first two steps of Free Geek’s Build Program: Hardware Identification and System Evaluation. Hardware ID is a one-time class designed to familiarize volunteers with the main working parts of a computer. System Evaluation involves determining if a computer system should be reused or recycled and the removal of components so they can be inventoried and tested.

Responsibilities

• Learn Free Geek’s Prebuild procedures
• Teach Hardware ID to small groups of volunteers
• Teach system evaluation volunteers
• Be available for questions from volunteers regarding system evaluation, and consistently check up on their progress
• Keep system evaluation area tidy
• Implement data security procedures as needed
• Update your own knowledge and teachings as Prebuild procedures change
• Joining the system evaluation email discussion list as appropriate

Desired Qualifications

• While some knowledge of computer hardware is desired, a commitment to teaching, process, and the comfort of our volunteers is more important than hardware knowledge
• Understanding of Free Geek and Open Source philosophy
• Aptitude for learning detailed, complex tasks and protocols
• Awareness of data security issues
• Good communication skills
• Comfortable with making decisions as part of a group

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Teach students of varying experience and ability basic computer skills
• Gather computers and peripherals for each student in the class
• Teach students a small amount about history of GNU/Linux and Free Software
• Answer questions asked during class
• Inform students about their options for tech support
• Work with Build Program volunteers and instructors to solve tech support issues before the computers go out
• Clear out the classroom after classes
• Complete a small amount of paperwork (equipment checkout)

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic computer use
• A high level of patience
• An interest in teaching people from a range of backgrounds
• A desire to work with people
• Willingness to learn about GNU/Linux
• Ability to lift a CRT monitor (up to 30 pounds)

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Learn the operating environment of the FreekBox (Ubuntu GNU/Linux stable releases)
• Answer questions over the phone, by email, and in person on a wide variety of software and hardware issues
• Troubleshoot and resolve software, hardware, networking and system issues
• Perform hardware and software maintenance and upgrades
• Teach computer skills to technical support recipients, allowing for differences in personality and skill level of recipients
• Work with Build Program volunteers and instructors to solve tech support issues
• Perform computer swapping procedure when necessary
• Document what you do
• Determine whether Freekbox owners’ technical issues may be solved by phone/email or must be solved in person
• Follow technical support procedures
• Adhere to standard procedure for issue tracking etc
• Backup and transfer data from a variety of hardware and operating systems
• Understand the sensitivities of handling user data

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic command line for Linux
• Experience with at least one Linux text editor (nano, vi, or vim, but not emacs)
• A high level of patience
• An interest in teaching
• Sense of humor
• An interest and aptitude in problem solving and trouble shooting
• An aptitude for learning new computer software
• A desire to work with people
• Willingness and ability to maintain issue tracking records

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Merchandise (tidy, label, restock) items for sale in the store
• Possibly cashier in the store
• Eventually, greet customers, help them decide appropriate items to purchase, teach a small amount about software and hardware
• For longer-term interns who want to: systems improvement, volunteer coordination, oddball testing

Desired Qualifications

• Neat and well-groomed
• Organized
• Outgoing personality
• Ability to stand for long periods
• Experience as camp counselor or in customer service a plus
• Technical aptitude a plus
• Problem solver a plus

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

Tasks will include some or all of the following:

• Set up computers and peripherals for each student in the class
• Teach students of varying experience and ability basic computer skills
• Give students an orientation to the Ubuntu GNOME desktop GUI
• Teach students the basics on how to use Ubuntu for basic tasks such as websurfing and word processing
• Answer questions asked during class
• Inform students about their options for tech support
• Encourage students to take other available monthly classes
• Clear out the classroom after classes

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of basic computer use
• A high level of patience
• An interest in teaching people from a range of backgrounds
• Enjoy and work well with people
• Knowledge about GNU/Linux
• Ability to lift a monitor
• Understand Free Geek and Open Source philosophy
• Self-motivated and self-managing with minimal supervision
• Fluency in Spanish is a big plus, but not required

In addition:

The ideal candidate will be able to work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in a relatively chaotic setting. The candidate will not be afraid to ask questions, but will be able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision. The candidate will be able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable job skills, make a difference for people and the environment, and make connections in the community.

Active volunteers are eligible to receive a 20% discount on items in the Free Geek Thrift Store and to become a member of the First Tech Credit Union . Free Geek also offers free computer classes to volunteers. In addition, interns can choose to receive a free computer after volunteering 24 hours in our internship program.

To apply

Please fill out our interest form, and we’ll get back to you soon.

Back to internship list