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. Their mission is to honor cultural heritage, foster resilience, and build connections between people and the natural world to ensure a healthier future for all. Established with a commitment to environmental stewardship, Chipco Preserve actively engages in various initiatives aimed at uplifting Indigenous voices, supporting veterans, protecting ecosystems, educating the public, and fostering community engagement. The organization operates in multiple regions across the United States, focusing on creating sustainable practices and educational programs that promote conservation literacy and community involvement.

Job Overview:
The position of Volunteer Game Developer involves converting an existing Godot 4.2 game into a browser-based version, which is crucial for enhancing Chipco Preserve's educational outreach. This role is designed to make learning content more accessible to educators, students, and supporters by eliminating the need for software downloads. The volunteer will be responsible for ensuring that the game functions smoothly across various devices and platforms, thereby increasing participation in conservation education. The project aligns with Chipco's broader mission to promote conservation literacy and engagement through interactive experiences that can be easily shared and utilized in educational settings. The successful candidate will play a vital role in building a digital education ecosystem that includes wildlife micro-courses, community storytelling, and interactive online learning tools.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Intake & Environment Setup: Review the provided Godot project folder, install and configure Godot 4.2, and confirm the project runs locally. Output a summary of the project intake notes.
• Web Export Configuration: Enable and configure the Web/HTML5 export settings for Godot 4.2, ensuring compatibility with web export requirements. Output a saved web export preset and notes on any necessary compatibility changes.
• Troubleshooting & Adaptation: Identify and fix common issues that may arise during web builds, such as file access paths and performance constraints. Output updated project settings and a change log.
• Build, Test, and Validate: Produce web build artifacts and test them across various browsers and devices to ensure functionality. Output a tested web build folder and a testing report.
• Deployment Plan + Handoff Package: Provide a clear publishing path for Chipco, including a step-by-step guide for non-developers on how to deploy the game. Deliverables include the browser/web export build, export preset, testing report, and change log.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess a strong understanding of game development, particularly with Godot Engine, and have experience in converting games for web platforms. Familiarity with HTML5 export settings, web compatibility issues, and troubleshooting techniques is essential. The volunteer should also have good communication skills to provide status updates and collaborate effectively with the Chipco team. A proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work independently are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
While specific educational qualifications are not explicitly stated, a background in computer science, game development, or a related field would be beneficial. Knowledge of programming languages relevant to game development and web technologies is also advantageous.

Experience:
Candidates should have prior experience in game development, particularly with the Godot Engine, and a solid understanding of web technologies. Experience in troubleshooting and adapting games for web compatibility is highly desirable. The role is suitable for individuals who are comfortable working independently and have a passion for educational outreach and conservation.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as all communications and documentation will be conducted in English. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required for this position.

Additional Notes:
This is a volunteer position with no fixed daily hours required. The volunteer is expected to respond within 24–48 hours to unblock progress and provide 1-2 brief status updates per week. The schedule includes three weeks of work, focusing on intake, troubleshooting, and deployment. The role is remote, allowing for flexibility in work hours, but faster turnaround times may be needed during the final deployment week.