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Volunteer Computer Science Opt Jobs in Springfield, IL

... computer science. Calculus coursework appropriate for a physical science major is required as a ... Qualifying experience may include paid or unpaid work, including volunteer service. GS-05:

Volunteer Computer Science Opt information

See Springfield, IL salary details

$8

$18

$33

How much do volunteer computer science opt jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer computer science opt in Springfield, IL is $18.97, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.28 and $20.00 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Volunteer Computer Science professionals, and how can they be addressed?

Volunteer Computer Science professionals often encounter challenges such as adapting to limited resources, collaborating with team members who have varying technical backgrounds, and balancing project timelines with other commitments. To address these, it's important to communicate clearly, set realistic expectations, and leverage open-source tools or platforms. Building strong relationships with other volunteers and seeking mentorship from experienced professionals can also help in navigating these challenges and ensuring project success.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Volunteer in Computer Science, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer in Computer Science, you typically need a foundational understanding of programming languages, problem-solving skills, and knowledge of algorithms or software development. Familiarity with tools such as Git, collaborative platforms like GitHub, and sometimes specific frameworks or coding certifications is often required. Strong communication, teamwork, and adaptability help volunteers effectively support projects and collaborate with diverse teams. These skills are crucial for making meaningful contributions, learning quickly, and ensuring the success of community-driven technology initiatives.

What is the difference between Volunteer Computer Science Opt vs Volunteer Software Developer?

AspectVolunteer Computer Science OptVolunteer Software Developer
Required CredentialsTypically no formal credentials required; some knowledge of computer science beneficialOften requires programming skills; some roles may prefer certifications or coursework
Work EnvironmentNon-profit, educational, or community settings; flexible hoursVaries from non-profit to startup environments; project-based work
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in academic, non-profit, or volunteer projects to gain experienceCommon in tech, non-profit, and startup sectors for software development tasks

Volunteer Computer Science Opt roles focus on gaining experience in computer science concepts without requiring formal credentials, often in educational or community settings. Volunteer Software Developer positions typically involve hands-on programming and may require some coding skills. Both roles serve different purposes but share a common goal of contributing to projects while building skills.

What are Volunteer Computer Science Opts?

Volunteer Computer Science Opts are individuals who contribute their computer science skills on a voluntary basis, often to non-profit organizations, community projects, or open-source initiatives. These volunteers may assist with software development, troubleshooting, web design, or technical support to help organizations achieve their missions without incurring additional costs. The 'Opt' often refers to Optional Practical Training (OPT), a program that allows international students in the U.S. to gain practical experience related to their field of study. Volunteer positions can provide valuable experience, networking opportunities, and a chance to make a meaningful impact while building technical skills.
What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Computer Science Opt jobs in Springfield, IL? For Volunteer Computer Science Opt jobs in Springfield, IL, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Volunteer Computer Science Opt jobs in Springfield, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Volunteer Computer Science Opt jobs in Springfield, IL are:
What cities near Springfield, IL are hiring for Volunteer Computer Science Opt jobs? Cities near Springfield, IL with the most Volunteer Computer Science Opt job openings:
Infographic showing various Volunteer Computer Science Opt job openings in Springfield, IL as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 83% In-person, and 17% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,450 per year, or $19 per hour.

IT SPECIALIST (CUSTSPT) (TITLE 32)

US Department of the Army

Springfield, IL • On-site

$68K/yr

Other

Posted 18 days ago


United States Army rating

6.1

Company rating: 6.1 out of 10

Based on 488 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

45th of 49 rated military and defense


Job description

THIS IS A NATIONAL GUARD TITLE 32 EXCEPTED SERVICE POSITION.

This National Guard position is for a IT SPECIALIST (CUSTSPT) (TITLE 32), Position Description Number D2526P02 and is part of the IL DCSIM, National Guard.

Qualifications:

AREA OF CONSIDERATION: The areas of consideration for this position, Title 32 Excepted Service (32 U.S. Code 709), will be in the following manner and sequence:

  • The FIRST area of consideration for this position will be all excepted permanent and indefinite temporary technicians within the ILNG.
  • The SECOND area of consideration will be all current Federal Employees.
  • The THIRD area of consideration will be all Federal re-employment eligible.
  • The FOURTH area of consideration will be applicants willing to become T32 Dual Status Technicians and gain ILNG membership.
  • The FIFTH area of consideration will U.S. Citizens.

Military Grades: Enlisted, Warrant Officer, Officer - not to exceed rank of LTC.


SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE: GS-11 Level MUST possess specialized experience which includes at least 12-months experience at the lower-level GS-09, education, or training that approaches techniques and requirements appropriate to an assigned computer applications area or computer specialty area in an organization; experience planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment where this entailed coordination with others outside the organizational unit and development of project controls; experience that required adaptations of guidelines or precedents to meet the needs of the assignment; experience preparing documentation on cost/benefit studies where is involved summarizing the material and organizing it in a logical fashion.GS-09 Level MUST possess specialized experience which includes at least 12-months experience at the lower-level GS-07, education, or training receiving, maintaining, and issuing data storage media for computer operations; experience in scheduling the use of computer time for program processing; experience collecting and sequentially staging input media with associated program instructions for processing; experience in at least one programming language; translating detailed logical steps developed by others into language codes that computers accept where this required understanding of procedures and limitations appropriate to use of a programming language; experience interviewing subject-matter personnel to get facts regarding work processes and synthesizing the resulting data into charts showing information flow; experience in analysis of the interrelationship of pertinent components of the system; experience planning the sequence of actions necessary to accomplish the assignment; experience scheduling the sequence of programs to be processed by computers where alternatives had to be weighed with a view to production efficiency. OR Must have an OFFICIAL transcript of a Master's Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management.
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.
Verbiage displayed on your resume or application must contain your own words. You may refer to position descriptions, i.e. the general and specialized experience located within the vacancy announcement, to assist with describing work experiences; however, resumes or applications received in verbatim will not be considered. In your resume you will need to address the general and specialized experience listed below. Please use as much detail as needed, giving dates (months and years) of the experience, position title and how the experience was gained. This information is needed to determine if you are qualified for the position.

Education:

To qualify for the GS-09 level only: MUST have a Master's Degree in computer science, engineering, information science, information systems management, mathematics, operations research, statistics, or technology management (NOTE: All academic degrees and coursework must be from accredited or pre-accredited institutions. An OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPT must be provided to validate the Master's Degree).

Employment Type: OTHER

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Industry

National security, health care and social assistance, national security and international affairs and public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Arlington, VA, US

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