Volunteer Game Developer

Job Posting Organization:
Chipco Preserve is an organization dedicated to the protection of fragile ecosystems, the advancement of sustainable agriculture, and the empowerment of Indigenous and Veteran communities. The organization is committed to honoring cultural heritage, fostering resilience, and building connections between people and the natural world. Chipco Preserve aims to ensure a healthier future for all through its various initiatives and programs. The organization focuses on uplifting Indigenous voices, supporting veterans, protecting and restoring ecosystems, educating and inspiring communities, fostering community engagement, and ensuring organizational sustainability. Through its mission, Chipco Preserve operates with a clear vision of integrating conservation efforts with cultural and community values.

Job Overview:
The position involves designing and developing a computer-based conservation game that serves as an educational tool to promote understanding of wildlife, ecosystems, and Indigenous ecological principles. The game will be utilized in environmental education workshops, community outreach, and public conservation awareness campaigns. The volunteer will be responsible for transforming complex ecological issues into an interactive gaming experience, thereby expanding Chipco's educational footprint and strengthening community engagement. The role requires creativity and technical skills to develop gameplay mechanics, user interface, and educational content integration, ultimately leading to a playable prototype that aligns with Chipco's mission.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The volunteer will undertake several key responsibilities, including:

• Developing core gameplay mechanics that reflect conservation themes, such as ecosystem management and species survival.
• Designing the user interface and visual elements, utilizing original art or open-source assets.
• Building the game using a preferred engine like Unity, Godot, or Python/Pygame.
• Integrating educational content provided by Chipco Preserve, including species facts and ecological principles.
• Creating a playable prototype that showcases the main game loop and user interactions.
• Documenting the game development process with an instruction guide and source files.
• Regularly communicating progress with Chipco staff for feedback and refinement. The volunteer will work independently, set their own schedule, and provide weekly updates on their progress, challenges, and next steps.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of game design principles, experience with game development tools and engines, and a passion for conservation and education. Familiarity with ecological concepts and Indigenous stewardship practices is highly desirable. The volunteer should be able to work independently, demonstrate creativity in game design, and effectively communicate with the Chipco team. Technical skills in programming and graphic design will be essential for the successful development of the game.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in game design, computer science, environmental science, or a related field would be beneficial. The volunteer should have a solid understanding of game mechanics, user experience design, and educational content integration.

Experience:
The position is suitable for individuals with varying levels of experience in game development. Whether a novice or an experienced developer, the volunteer should demonstrate a willingness to learn and adapt throughout the project. Previous experience in developing educational games or working on conservation-related projects would be an advantage but is not mandatory.

Languages:
There are no specific language requirements mentioned for the position. However, proficiency in English is likely necessary for effective communication with the Chipco team and for understanding the educational content being integrated into the game.

Additional Notes:
The volunteer position is remote and allows for flexible working hours, accommodating different time zones. The expected duration of the project is a maximum of 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the game and the availability of the volunteer. Deliverables can be submitted in stages, and there are no fixed meeting times, allowing for a self-directed work environment. Chipco staff will be available for consultation and feedback throughout the project.