Available Internships

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Assist hardware donors
• Identify, triage, and process incoming hardware
• Teach new volunteers to process incoming hardware

Desired Qualifications

• Self-starter/proactive
• Detail-oriented
• Able to work with a diversity of people
• Able to regularly lift 40 lbs.

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Disburse grants to organizations representing diverse values and beliefs (this requires heavy lifting)
• Follow up on grants

Desired Qualifications

• Work well under stress in an unusual setting, maintaining a positive attitude even in the face of adversity.
• Self-motivation
• Friendly, outgoing personality
• Patient and courteous with the public
• Likes working with people
• Good organizational skills
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Able to work in an informal, friendly environment with a diverse staff
• Ability to work and communicate well in a collectively-run organization
• Ability to work in a consensus decision making process related to staff and policy issues
• Not afraid to ask questions, but able to work on projects almost entirely without supervision
• Able to remain flexible as Free Geek grows and changes

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

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:

• Greet donors and volunteers
• Direct volunteers to the correct stations, and log their hours and schedule them for their next shift when they leave
• Review new Volunteer Applications
• Answer questions about Free Geek in a pleasant and informative manner
• Take incoming phone calls, retrieve messages from voicemail system, and make return calls as necessary
• Create Tech Support work tickets
• Maintain daily and weekly schedules for the Computer Adoption Program and the Computer Build Program
• Coordinate facility tours
• (Eventually) lead facility tours
• Place reminder telephone calls for classes and volunteer shifts
• Keep the class sign-up books up-to-date
• Ensure coffee is available for volunteers
• Perform data entry as needed
• Create and maintain Volunteer Application files
• Process donations and create receipts for donors
• Learn and understand Oregon’s E-Waste Legislation and how it applies to Free Geek
• Keep working environment as tidy and organized as possible

Desired Qualifications

• Pleasant, outgoing presence
• Detail-oriented
• Enjoy working with people
• Understanding of Free Geek and Open Source philosophy
• Good listener

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

Note: System Evaluation at Free Geek 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 system evaluation procedures
• Teach system evaluation to Build Program 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 system evaluation procedures change
• Joining the system evaluation email discussion list as appropriate
• Possibly teach card sorting to new Build Program volunteers

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 listener
• 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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

Responsibilities

• Set up computers and peripherals for each student in the class
• Teach students of varying experience and ability basic computer skills
• Teach students a small amount about 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 monitor

• In addition: The ideal candidate will be able to work well in a fairly distracting environment and communicate concepts and the vocabulary necessary for understanding. The need for patience and kindness cannot be stressed enough!

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

Description: Tech support interns deal with a wide variety of problems and a wide variety of people, from total computer novices to experts. It is a great way to gain experience in problem solving, customer service, and the Linux environment all at the same time. Normally you will be working with one or two other techs. You will be answering phones, dealing with walk-ins, answering emails and making tickets. It is a sometimes quiet, sometimes bustling work environment.

Qualifications

• Like to solve puzzles
• Enjoy talking to all kinds of people
• Sense of humor.
• Patience (lots of it)
• Some familiarity with Linux or Unix, especially with the command line (Debian or Ubuntu experience a definite plus!).
• An aptitude for learning, and a desire to teach
• The ability to document (track) issues and their solutions.
• Effective listening skills

Responsibilities

• Work over the phone, by email or in person with adopters and purchasers of Free Geek computers to solve technical issues.
• Teach basic computer skills where necessary.
• Work with people in other areas of Free Geek to solve particular problems, or to suggest improvements that will prevent problems.
• Replace computers and other equipment when repair is not feasible.
• Stay within support guidelines.
• Use our tracking system to document your work.
• Add to and improve our knowledge base.

In addition:

Free Geek is a wondrous, chaotic and sometimes overwhelming environment. There are plenty of opportunities to gain additional skills and to contribute in other ways for people willing to seek them out. The ideal candidate is someone who can work well under stress and maintain a positive attitude in this environment. This is someone who is not afraid to ask questions, but can act independently, who can remain flexible as Free Geek, and their position, grows and changes.

Benefits:

This position is a great way to learn new skills, to build a resume, make contacts, and to play with a variety of computer hardware at the same time as you are making a real difference for people and our community. Volunteers also get access to the terminals in the classroom and can take classes at Free Geek for free. Active volunteers also get a discount on hardware purchased in the thrift store, and are eligible to become members of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

Back to internship list

Unavailable Internships

This internship is currently unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Triage and test incoming hardware
• Teach advanced testing procedures to new volunteers
• Document advanced testing procedures for new volunteers
• Possibly create and document new tests for odd gizmos

Desired Qualifications

• Some basic hardware knowledge. Candidate should be comfortable changing out parts of her/his home computer.
• Detail-oriented
• Not routine-averse
• Good prioritization skills
• 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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

This internship is currently unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Enter daily transactions entry into bookkeeping software (weekly)
• Enter payroll information entry into books (monthly)
• Enter online transactions into books (monthly)
• Help reconcile checking/savings accounts (monthly)
• Prepare received checks for deposit into safe

Desired Qualifications

• Attention to detail
• Organized
• An indescribable urge to find the missing nickel when transactions are off

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

This internship is currently unavailable.

Back to internship list

This internship is currently unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Walk around to and greet local businesses: tell them about Free Geek and its programs
• Research neighborhood associations, business associations, memberships, and affiliations that Free Geek could join and/or partner with
• Make phone calls to local businesses to inform them about Free Geek and its services
• Possibly lead groups through neighborhoods or to local businesses to advertise Free Geek
• Call businesses which have previously donated hardware to encourage them to donate again

Desired Qualifications

• Outgoing
• Organized
• Familiar with spreadsheets and word processing
• Previous experience with local businesses, non-profits, and/or neighborhood associations 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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

This internship is currently unavailable.

Responsibilities

• For Ubuntu and Debian Linux distributions, keeping Free Geek volunteers’ needs in mind:
  • Perform usability QA
  • Write bug reports
  • If possible, create bug fixes

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with basic troubleshooting
• Experience using and configuring Ubuntu and Debian
• Knowledge of launchpad and other bug reporting systems
• Technical aptitude
• Usability QA experience or desire to learn
• Applicants must go through the build program at least to qc/build
• Applicants must shadow an adoption class or one of our build classes
• 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 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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

This internship is currently unavailable.

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

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
• Ability to multi task
• 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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list

Note: this internship is a good stepping stone for anyone wanting to work their way into a volunteer coordination position at a non-profit.
This internship is currently unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Volunteer in Adoption and Prebuild areas
• Perform calls in response to volunteer surveys, advising volunteers and fielding requests and complaints, thus encouraging them to continue volunteering
• Keep track of calls on spreadsheet software
• Come in on Ali’s schedule for at least for 3 months (check here to see Ali’s schedule)

Desired Qualifications

• Reliable and willing to make a commitment to this opportunity
• Good phone etiquette
• Comfortable with a diversity of people
• Interested in matching skills and desired skills with positions at Free Geek
• Familiar with spreadsheets

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

This internship is currently unavailable.

Back to internship list

This internship is currently unavailable.

Responsibilities

• Learn about Laptop Build by shadowing laptop instructor
• Use the Free Geek wiki to document processes & knowledge (training on wiki editing happily provided)
• Help create a “Beginner’s Guide” of useful information for new Laptop Build volunteers
• Work with Laptop Build Program volunteers and instructors to determine knowledge needs and gaps

Desired Qualifications

• A strong sense of how to organize info
• Keen listener, good active listening skills
• Completion of the Build Program (not mandatory)
• Ability to not be overwhelmed by the current state of disorganized information
• An interest in documenting processes
• Sense of humor
• A desire to help others learn and an openness to different learning styles
• Willingness and ability to maintain issue tracking records
• Willingness to learn how to edit a wiki
• Ability to work independently, self-motivated

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.

Additionally, volunteers are welcome to use the terminals in the classroom any time there’s not a class going on to check their email or do research on the web. Volunteers are eligible to take any Free Geek classes for free. Active volunteers are also eligible for a discount on equipment in the Free Geek Thrift Store. Volunteering at Free Geek also makes you eligible to become a member of First Tech Credit Union.

To apply

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

Back to internship list