Back End Software Developer

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REF Origin Story:

Raw Earth Foundation was born from a deep-rooted dedication to service and a love for all things wild. In 2016, while our founder Raven Petca was volunteering on an organic farm in Ecuador, she witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of climate change on the Amazon. The eye-opening experience strengthened her determination to take action toward environmental challenges, and there she promised to do everything she could to help. In 2023, after nearly seven years of research and reflection, she founded Raw Earth Foundation.Today, the organization is dedicated to restoring ecosystems, protecting biodiversity, and creating sustainable green spaces, fulfilling the promise she made.

What we are doing Now:

The early stages of Raw Earth Foundation have been centered around establishing fundraising platforms to support our mission and programs. These efforts have created a strong foundation for the future growth of our initiatives. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our team, strengthen our programs, and enhance our online presence. In addition, we are eager to acquire and develop facilities that will further support our programs.

What a "day in the life" of a Raw Earth Foundation Back-End Software Developer will look like:

The Back-End Developer will help architect and build the infrastructure that powers Raw Earth Foundation’s digital platform-an innovative tool that tracks ecosystem restoration efforts and connects communities through environmental action. In this volunteer role, you'll be responsible for designing scalable systems, integrating data sources, and collaborating with a cross-functional team to deliver a seamless and impactful user experience. Your work will directly support environmental restoration through technology.

Key Responsibilities:

System Architecture:
Design and implement scalable, secure, and efficient back-end systems to support application features and data needs.

API Development:
Build and maintain robust APIs that connect the front-end interface to databases and other back-end services.

Database Management:
Set up, manage, and optimize databases (e.g., PostgreSQL, MongoDB) to store environmental impact data, user information, and activity logs.

Integration:
Collaborate with third-party services and tools to integrate features such as mapping, email notifications, and user analytics.

Code Quality:
Write clean, maintainable, and well-documented code that aligns with industry best practices.

Collaboration:
Work closely with front-end developers, project managers, and other volunteers to ensure alignment on technical requirements and project timelines.

Testing & Optimization:
Conduct testing, debug issues, and optimize performance and scalability as the platform grows.

Innovation:
Contribute creative solutions that enhance platform reliability, user experience, and data integrity.

Qualifications & Experience Necessary for the Role:

• Based in the United States

• Available to respond to emails/messaging/inquiries within 24 hours

• Experience in back-end development using languages such as Node.js, N8B, Azure, Python, Ruby, or Java

• Familiarity with database technologies such as PostgreSQL, MongoDB, or MySQL

• Experience building and maintaining RESTful APIs or GraphQL

• Understanding of authentication, security best practices, and cloud deployment (AWS, Firebase, etc.)

• Familiarity with Git/GitHub and collaborative coding workflows

• Ability to work independently and as part of a distributed team

• Passion for environmental sustainability and Raw Earth Foundation’s mission

• Commitment to contributing at least 5-10 hours per week on a flexible schedule

• Willingness to learn new tools and collaborate across disciplines

• Strong sense of community and ownership

• Ability to embody and uphold our four cornerstone values-compassion, unity, inclusiveness, and accountability

Our process/next steps:

Once you complete and submit your initial application:

• Your credentials will be reviewed by our hiring staff.

• Based on our needs and qualifications, an HR team member will contact you to schedule an interview if you are selected to move forward by Senior Leadership.

• Within 7 business days of the interview, we will provide you a status on your application or an offer for the position.

• Upon acceptance of an offer, we require the signing of our Volunteer Agreement/NDA.

• A formal onboarding session will then be scheduled with Human Resources to walk you through our tools, platforms, standard communication, workflow procedures, and the like. You will then be provided a project and/or task list to get started on within 48 to 72 hours.

Volunteer Perks

We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with an all-volunteer, unpaid staff. Therefore, this role will offer a variety of non-monetary benefits, such as credit documentation and/or public recognition. These benefits are awarded based on volunteers ability to complete tasks on time and complete the minimum amount of volunteer hours required of their role. In order to receive any non-monetary benefit, volunteers will need to complete a minimum of forty hours in their first year with our team.

Our list of non-monetary benefits are as follows:

• Resume reference

• Feature on website or social media

• Linkedin experience and/or endorsement

• REF Annual recognition award and/or a PVSA

• Discounted REF merchandise