An Area Captain is a decision-maker and caretaker of an area.

As a decision-maker, they (as a group if more than one) decide how to allocate their budget, what tools/equipment/items are allowed in the area, and who is certified to use them. They can set policies for use of their area. They are the first-line decision-makers for an area, only overruled by a majority board vote.

As a caretaker, they keep an eye on the area to ensure it’s generally kept up, identify things that need to be fixed/sharpened/maintained, and if they don’t do it themselves they ask for assistance/funding to get it done. They either train or train other trainers to certify members using the tools. They consider the long-term budgetary needs as they review purchase requests. They respond to questions in their Slack channel and to the area’s email address. Whether online or in person, they are a visible presence for the area.

The amount of work varies by area, but in general an Area Captain should expect to contribute at least a few hours a week as an average. (There’s an ebb and flow. It’s OK to have lighter weeks as there are usually heavier weeks.)

• The decision-maker about tools, equipment, area policies, etc.
• Monitor supplies, ensure that replacements are purchased when needed
• Monitor tools and equipment, ensuring that repairs are made reasonably quickly and membership is informed about off-line tools (on Slack)
• Manage the area funds and request additional funds as needed
• Train on tools, and/or help organize the area’s tool trainers
• Keep an eye out for dangerous/unskillful behaviors, and intervene politely
• Respond to emails directed to the area and keep an eye on the area's Slack channel

• Conduct trainings: # of tool/area check-offs and other trainings held, target: 1/month
• Tool/equipment repair and maintenance: # of hours of this, target: 4 hrs/month
• Budget management: # of hours of planning, collecting payments and bookkeeping, treasurer interactions, purchasing items, etc., target: 1 hr/month
• Communications and presence: be an obvious resource for users of the area. Slack messages, emails, physical presence in the area, target: At least 1 slack post in your area channel every other week.
• Target: Set up “office hours” in your area at least monthly.
• Target: Spend time in your area every week. (At least 1 hr/week)
• Also…
  • These targets easily stack. While spending an hour a week in the area, one could also maintain tools, do budgeting, and/or communicate.
  • The word “target” is deliberate, vs “required”. People have vacations, life gets in the way, etc. These are guidelines to set expectations, and if one isn't able to meet them for a few months, it's worth considering if that's a trend or an anomaly.
  • Any of the target duties may be fulfilled by delegating them to other members, including training and purchasing supplies for the area.