Volunteer support wanted: LoRaWAN / IoT / ChirpStack for water protection project NALA-ai
wilde-natur.org gGmbH
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About the volunteering opportunity
With NALA-ai, we are developing an open, AI-supported water monitoring system for rivers in Lower Saxony. Our pilot project is currently running on the Aue in the district of Cuxhaven - a river that suffers from a lack of oxygen, heat and a lack of flow.
We are combining self-developed water probes, LoRaWAN, weather stations, real-time data and AI technology. The aim is to make critical changes visible at an early stage and establish an intelligent early warning system for bodies of water in the long term.
The project combines environmental protection and nature conservation with open source, citizen science and modern smart water technology.
Together with angling associations, science, water management and local stakeholders, a growing network for data-based water protection is currently being created. Several fishing associations with a total of over 150,000 members are currently testing the system. The project is also being scientifically supported and further developed.
In the long term, we want to build an open, scalable water network in which other initiatives, associations or water bodies can also integrate their own sensors and data.
Our guiding principle:
"We give rivers a voice."
"We give rivers a voice."
Your Tasks
We are currently looking for volunteer support in the technical area of LoRaWAN, IoT and open source infrastructure.
Specifically, it is about, among other things:
- Support in setting up our own LoRaWAN server (ChirpStack)
- Co-development of our open sensor and data infrastructure
- Management and structuring of sensor data
- Support with APIs, data routing and Azure connections
- Standardization of payloads and firmware on the devices
- Support with Linux/Docker servers
- long-term: Establishment of an open citizen science water network
Important:
Nobody has to be able to do everything. We welcome people with an interest in technology, curiosity and a desire for meaningful technology with social and ecological benefits.
Nobody has to be able to do everything. We welcome people with an interest in technology, curiosity and a desire for meaningful technology with social and ecological benefits.
The commitment can be flexible and remote.
What's needed
For this volunteering opportunity, intermediate German skills are required.
It would be helpful to have initial experience or interest in areas such as:
- LoRaWAN
- Linux / Docker
- IoT & sensor technology
- APIs / data routing
- Azure or cloud infrastructure
- Open source projects
What is most important to us, however, is curiosity, initiative and a desire to help shape meaningful technology for environmental and water protection.
Time required
Regularly
Discussed individually
On weekdays, on weekends, at night
the commitment can be flexible and remote. Many tasks can be carried out regardless of location. What is particularly important to us is a long-term interest in open source, environmental technology and collaborative development.
Important notice
The project is currently still in an active development and set-up phase. We work mainly on a voluntary basis and are developing many structures together. Openness, a desire to work together and a love of experimental thinking are therefore more important than perfect prior knowledge
Location
This project is location independent.
wilde-natur.org gGmbH
We are a non-profit organization that gives rivers a voice. With sensor technology, AI and a growing network of people on the ground, we make visible how our waters are doing - and work together to bring them back into balance.