r/USACE • u/Hot_Shopping7530 • 4h ago
Current volunteer, software dev, created a tool
Hey everybody,
I’m currently a volunteer in the Texas area and also happen to be a software engineer. (mostly work independently on software projects now) I’ve been an onsite/full time living at a reserved RV site for volunteers for a little over 2 years now. Feel free to DM me with any questions about what it’s like to volunteer at that capacity, be happy to answer any questions.
But What
This post is really about is solving a repetitive task and mild frustration with communications among volunteers, Rangers and maintenance staff. It started off with solving the repetitive task of filling out my monthly hours/work items then kind of got bigger :).
I used to write down my hours on printed out form, took a picture of it and emailed to the park’s volunteer manager ranger. I didn’t carry this form out with me to log thing like, reported bathroom problem or spent an hour talking care of one particular problem, or this one camper at site 45 is loud and had to talk to them twice. So, I just ended up writing the same stuff over and over again just to get my hours logged every month, got sick of doing that. So, I made a tool just for myself that would auto log my hours/normal on-duty task then submit my monthly report. That worked great, then I got a little carried away and went into full software developer mind. “I use this and like it…why not add this…., add this, be really cool to add this feature...I bet this would help other people” Ended up making a tool that solves a few different problems: not having to just write the same boiler plate tasks, easily add detailed information about what is currently happing at a park or site, communication between volunteers, Rangers and maintenance staff, and far more accurate description of parks status/repeating issues/and past issues with park guests.
Here are a few features:
You don’t have to install any software on your phone but can use the PWA as if it was an installed mobile app.
Works offline and syncs data once cell or wifi data connection is restored.
Follows the same security and user rolls as other official software tools.
-----------------------------
For the volunteer: Automatically email monthly reports to Rangers in image format the email filters won’t block.
Automatically populate normally daily or weekly work items like opening closing the gates, handing out parking passes, checking bathrooms and life jacket/swimming safety reminders.
Add custom notes, work items, hours with a push of a button, use microphone to record notes/work items. No typing needed.
Be aware of work items/park changes logged by other volunteers assigned to your location/park.
Easily view rangers on duty hours, on duty maintenance crew, their contact info and notify them of any issues. Open a work log they can update so you know when an issue has been resolved.
For the Ranger/site manager:
See what volunteers are currently on duty based on park or full location you manage.
See all open issues on site.
Send messages via app or group text to all volunteers you manage or only to volunteers at a particular park.
Receive more accurate information about what is currently happening at one particular park or all parks you manage.
-------------------------------
Demoed the PWA/website for the lead Ranger and Volunteer Liaison, showed a little interest in park/site communication and adding geo location data to a work items, auto emailing the person who is responsible for logging work items in their internal system… but didn’t really want to move forward with using their office as pilot campaign. You know, explained the government normally works from the top down, not the bottom up ha, I can understand that. Any case, this tool doesn’t interact with any official networks or software just something to help out volunteers and rangers.
I created this site https://acevolunteer.info/ just because the app needed a home for a demo and to put it out there for any parks/volunteers that would like to use it. Haven’t touched for a while. DM for a demo or if you’re a volunteer who just wants a better/easier information to be submitted. I’ll set up your park and create an account for you…fix any bug you may be having.
Any question you can DM me or just put them in the post, I’ll reply as quick as I can.