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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 22, 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 is a volunteer computer science opt?

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 the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer computer science opt?

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 are some common challenges faced by volunteer computer science opts, 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 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 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $39,450 per year, or $19 per hour.

Chief Information Officer - IDOL (SPSA Opt. 1)

Socket.dev

Springfield, IL • On-site

$130.18 - $140.94/hr

Other

Retirement

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Requisition ID: 57865

Opening Date: 07/30/2026

Closing Date: 08/13/2026

Agency: Department of Innovation and Technology

Class Title: SENIOR PUBLIC SERVICE ADMIN (40070)

Skill Option: General Administration/Business Marketing/Labor/Personnel

Bilingual Option: None

Salary: Anticipated Starting Salary: $10,849-$11,745/monthly ($130,182-$140,941/Annually)

Job Type: Salaried

Category: Full Time

County: Sangamon

Number of Vacancies: 1

Bargaining Unit Code: None

Merit Comp Code: Exempt under Section 4d of the Personnel Code, Gubernatorial (Management Bill)

Why Work for Illinois?

Working with the State of Illinois is a testament to the values of compassion, equity, and dedication that define our state. Whether you’re helping to improve schools, protect our natural resources, or support families in need, you’re part of something bigger—and something that touches the lives of every person who calls Illinois home. No matter what state career you’re looking for, we offer jobs that fit your life and your schedule—and flexible jobs that provide the gold standard of benefits. Our employees can take advantage of various avenues to advance their careers and realize their dreams. Our top-tier benefits and great retirement packages can help you build a rewarding career and lasting future with the State of Illinois.

Essential Functions
  • Subject to management approval, serves as the Chief Information Officer (CIO) for the Department of Innovation and Technology (DoIT) supporting the Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL), acting as principal policy formulating administrator for the management process for IDOL Information Technology (IT) services statewide.
  • Develops technology vision, leadership, and strategic direction to align technology solutions and initiatives with the overall goals of the IDOL and compliance with DoIT Enterprise standards.
  • Establishes goals, develops strategies, and monitors performance to ensure operational effectiveness of DoIT/IDOL.
  • Serves as Agency spokesperson and Director’s primary advisor, representing the DoIT Secretary and GCIO through direct personal contact before Executive Agencies, boards, and commissions, including a variety of Federal and State agencies as well as local units of government.
  • Serves as full-line supervisor.
  • Develops, prepares, and submits an annual operating budget.
  • Keeps abreast of current and advancing Information Technology by reviewing and evaluating current literature reflecting advancements in Information Technology.
  • Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Requires a bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems, Information Technology, Computer Science, or directly related field.
  • Requires prior experience equivalent to four (4) years of progressively responsible management experience in a large information technology organization in a public or business organization.
  • Requires four (4) years of professional experience in policymaking, strategic planning, and IT solutioning for large scale computer systems and platforms.
  • Requires three (3) years of professional experience supervising a team of Information Technology professionals in a large and highly complex public or private IT organization.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Five (5) years of professional experience leading and managing a state-of-the-art large scale IT operation.
  • Five (5) years of professional experience developing, implementing, and interpreting departmental IT policies, standards, and procedures aligned with enterprise governance frameworks.
  • Five (5) years of professional experience in effective enterprise-related planning and decision-making.
  • Five (5) years of professional experience analyzing administrative programs, assessing administrative and operational challenges, and developing and implementing effective solutions.
  • Five (5) years of professional experience managing complex IT portfolios, including project prioritization, business case development, and benefits realization tracking.
  • Five (5) years of experience estimating and budgeting for future needs and costs of personnel, equipment, supplies, and services.
  • Five (5) years of professional experience cultivating and leading a service-oriented, customer-focused culture within IT teams, emphasizing collaboration, accountability, and continuous service improvement.
  • Ability to gain and maintain cooperative working relationships.
  • Demonstrated verbal and written communication skills.
  • Master’s degree in management information systems, computer systems, or related field.
Conditions of Employment

All applicants must be able to meet the following Conditions of Employment with or without reasonable accommodation, to be considered for this position. The State of Illinois complies with federal and state disability laws and will make reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities.

  • Requires the ability to verify identity.
  • Requires employment authorization to accept permanent full-time position with State of Illinois.
  • Requires the ability to pass a position specific, agency required background check and requires self-disclosure of criminal history.
  • Requires the ability to travel in performance of duties.
  • Requires the ability to work overtime including scheduled, unscheduled, short notice, evening, weekends, and holidays.
  • Requires the ability to serve in an on-call capacity.
  • Requires the ability to lift and carry objects or equipment weighing up to 10 pounds. This is considered light work as defined by the U.S. Department of Labor (20 CFR 404.1567(b)). Light work involves lifting no more than 20 pounds at a time with frequent lifting or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 pounds.
  • Requires adherence to the revolving door restrictions outlined in 5 ILCS 430/5-45. Consequently, employees should be aware that in the event of receiving a non-State employment offer during state employment or within one year immediately following the termination of State employment, they are required to inform the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies (OEIG) of the Illinois Governor before accepting such non-State employment. Failure to notify the OEIG may result in the imposition of a fine.
  • Requires compliance with the provisions outlined in section 4A-101 of the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act, necessitating the occupant of this position to file of a Statement of Economic Interest. Pursuant to the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act (5 ILCS 420/4A et seq.), specific state officials and employees are required to annually submit Statements of Economic Interest to the Office of the Secretary of State, which will be accessible to the public for examination and copying. Employees subject to this requirement must also file a Supplemental Statement of Economic Interest with the Executive Ethics Commission, as specified in Executive Order 15-09. Failure to submit these statements in a timely manner may result in fines and penalties.
Revolving Door

Revolving Door: Certain provisions of the revolving door restrictions contained in 5 ILCS 430/5-45 apply to this position. As a result, the employee should be aware that if offered non-State employment during State employment or within one year immediately after ending State employment, the employee shall, prior to accepting any such non-State employment offer, notify the Office of the Executive Inspector General for the Agencies of the Illinois Governor ("OEIG") or may be subject to a fine.

Statement of Economic Interests

This position is subject to Statement of Economic Interests filing as required by the Illinois Governmental Ethics Act.

Work Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30am-5:00pm

Headquarter Location: 524 S 2nd St, Springfield, Illinois, 62701

Work County: Sangamon

Agency Contact: Brittany Vespa
Brittany.Vespa2@Illinois.gov

The Department of Innovation & Technology (DolT) is the state's IT agency delivering an enterprise approach to statewide technology, innovation and telecommunication services, as well as policy and standards development, lifecycle investment planning, and cybersecurity services. With over 1,500 employees, DolT delivers IT services and innovative solutions to customer agencies to improve services provided to Illinois residents, DolT offers employees the opportunity to advance their careers, develop new skills and reach their potential, both personally and professionally. DoIT is committed to promoting and preserving a workplace culture that embraces diversity and inclusion. We welcome and value employees with different backgrounds, life experiences and talents. It is the collective sum of our individual differences that provides a broad perspective, leading to greater innovation and achievement. In recruiting for our team, we recognize the unique contributions of each applicant regardless of culture, ethnicity, race, national origin, sex, gender identity and expression, age, religion, disability, and sexual orientation.

For more information regarding State of Illinois Benefits follow this link: https://www2.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Pages/default.aspx

Communication

The main form of communication will be through email. Please check your “junk mail”, “spam”, or “other” folder for communication(s) regarding any submitted application(s). You may receive emails from the following addresses:

  • donotreply@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
  • systems@SIL-P1.ns2cloud.com
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