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Computer Programmer Volunteer Jobs in Reston, VA

Volunteer Specialist

Washington, DC · On-site

$24.03 - $26.44/hr

Knowledge of computer systems, including internet and Microsoft Office required. * Commitment to ... Experience with youth development programming and management preferred. * Familiarity with best ...

Volunteer Specialist

Washington, DC · Hybrid

$24.03 - $26.44/hr

Knowledge of computer systems, including internet and Microsoft Office required. * Commitment to ... Experience with youth development programming and management preferred. * Familiarity with best ...

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Showing results 1-20

Computer Programmer Volunteer information

See Reston, VA salary details

$34.3K

$67.6K

$99.4K

How much do computer programmer volunteer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for computer programmer volunteer in Reston, VA is $67,596.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $83,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a computer programmer volunteer?

Computer Programmer Volunteers are individuals who offer their programming skills and expertise without financial compensation, often to support non-profit organizations, community projects, or social causes. They may work on developing software, websites, apps, or tools that help organizations achieve their missions. These volunteers can collaborate remotely or in person, depending on the needs of the project. Volunteering as a computer programmer is a valuable way to gain experience, build a portfolio, and contribute to meaningful initiatives while helping communities or causes in need.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a computer programmer volunteer?

To thrive as a Computer Programmer Volunteer, you need a strong grasp of programming fundamentals, problem-solving skills, and familiarity with at least one programming language, often supported by self-taught experience or formal coursework. Experience with version control systems like Git, collaborative platforms such as GitHub, and sometimes knowledge of web or database technologies is beneficial. Strong communication, teamwork, and a willingness to learn stand out as essential soft skills in this volunteer setting. These skills are important because they enable you to effectively contribute to projects, collaborate with diverse teams, and adapt to varying technical needs in a volunteer environment.

What are some common challenges faced by computer programmer volunteers, and how can they be addressed?

Computer programmer volunteers often work with limited resources, time constraints, and varying levels of project documentation, which can make onboarding and collaboration challenging. It's common to encounter legacy code or projects that lack clear requirements, so effective communication with project leaders and team members is essential. Staying organized, asking questions early, and leveraging open-source tools for collaboration can help volunteers contribute efficiently and feel more connected to the team. Additionally, setting realistic goals and managing expectations helps ensure both personal satisfaction and project success.

What is the difference between Computer Programmer Volunteer vs Software Developer?

AspectComputer Programmer VolunteerSoftware Developer
CredentialsOften no formal certification, but programming skills requiredTypically requires a degree or certification in computer science or related field
Work EnvironmentVolunteer projects, non-profit organizations, open-source communitiesCorporate, startup, or freelance settings
Employer & IndustryNon-profits, NGOs, open-source projectsTech companies, software firms, startups
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding volunteer programming roles vs paid rolesComparing volunteer vs paid professional software development

The main difference between a Computer Programmer Volunteer and a Software Developer lies in their work environment, credentials, and employment status. Volunteers typically work on non-profit or open-source projects without formal certifications, while software developers often have formal education and work in paid positions within companies. Both roles involve programming skills, but their contexts and commitments differ significantly.

What are the most commonly searched types of Computer Programmer jobs in Reston, VA?

The most popular types of Computer Programmer jobs in Reston, VA are:

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for Computer Programmer Volunteer jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most Computer Programmer Volunteer job openings:

Infographic showing various Computer Programmer Volunteer job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 19% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,596 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Supervisory Computer Engineer (Cybersecurity)

US Department of Commerce

Washington, DC • On-site

$169K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New


U.S. Department Of Commerce rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

119th of 846 rated public administrative organizations


Job description

This vacancy is for a Supervisory Computer Engineer (Cybersecurity) in the Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services (OICTS), Office of the Under Secretary (OUS), Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce.Qualifications:

Basic Requirements:
A. Degree: Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of engineering with at least one program accredited by ABET; or (2) include differential and integral calculus and courses (more advanced than first-year physics and chemistry) in five of the following seven areas of engineering science or physics: (a) statics, dynamics; (b) strength of materials (stress-strain relationships); (c) fluid mechanics, hydraulics; (d) thermodynamics; (e) electrical fields and circuits; (f) nature and properties of materials (relating particle and aggregate structure to properties); and (g) any other comparable area of fundamental engineering science or physics, such as optics, heat transfer, soil mechanics, or electronics.
OR
B. Combination of education and experience -- college-level education, training, and/or technical experience that furnished (1) a thorough knowledge of the physical and mathematical sciences underlying engineering, and (2) a good understanding, both theoretical and practical, of the engineering sciences and techniques and their applications to one of the branches of engineering. The adequacy of such background must be demonstrated by one of the following:

  1. Professional registration or licensure -- Current registration as an Engineer Intern (EI), Engineer in Training (EIT)1 , or licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) by any State, the District of Columbia, Guam, or Puerto Rico. Absent other means of qualifying under this standard, those applicants who achieved such registration by means other than written test (e.g., State grandfather or eminence provisions) are eligible only for positions that are within or closely related to the specialty field of their registration. For example, an applicant who attains registration through a State Board's eminence provision as a manufacturing engineer typically would be rated eligible only for manufacturing engineering positions.
  2. Written Test -- Evidence of having successfully passed the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)2 examination or any other written test required for professional registration by an engineering licensure board in the various States, the District of Columbia, Guam, and Puerto Rico.
  3. Specified academic courses -- Successful completion of at least 60 semester hours of courses in the physical, mathematical, and engineering sciences and that included the courses specified in the basic requirements under paragraph A. The courses must be fully acceptable toward meeting the requirements of an engineering program as described in paragraph A.
  4. Related curriculum -- Successful completion of a curriculum leading to a bachelor's degree in an appropriate scientific field, e.g., engineering technology, physics, chemistry, architecture, computer science, mathematics, hydrology, or geology, may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor's degree in engineering, provided the applicant has had at least 1 year of professional engineering experience acquired under professional engineering supervision and guidance. Ordinarily there should be either an established plan of intensive training to develop professional engineering competence, or several years of prior professional engineering-type experience, e.g., in interdisciplinary positions. (The above examples of related curricula are not all inclusive.)
(NOTE: COPY OF TRANSCRIPTS IS REQUIRED)

AND
In addition to meeting the basic education requirement, candidates must also meet the additional specialized experience requirement.

Qualification requirements in the vacancy announcements are based on the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualification Standards Handbook, which contains federal qualification standards. This handbook is available on the Office of Personnel Management's website located at: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/
Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the next lower grade level in the Federal Service. Specialized experience is experience that has equipped the applicant with the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position. This experience need not have been in the federal government.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations e.g., professional; philanthropic, religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies; knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: To qualify at the GS-15 grade level, you must possess one full year (52 weeks) of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal service. Specialized experience is defined as:

  • Applying professional engineering and cybersecurity principles to evaluate complex technical issues and develop recommendations supporting organizational objectives; and
  • Developing technical analyses, policies, guidance, or recommendations related to information technology, cybersecurity, engineering, telecommunications, or other complex technical programs; and
  • Leading or supervising professional or technical personnel by planning and directing work, establishing priorities, evaluating performance, and providing technical guidance; and
  • Collaborating with senior officials, Federal agencies, industry representatives, or other stakeholders to resolve complex technical issues, develop recommendations, or support organizational objectives.
Education:See Qualifications Above.
NOTE: Special Instructions for Foreign Education: Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You MUST provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation with a course by course listing along with your application. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration.Employment Type: OTHER

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