Position Description: Volunteer AI-Enabled Web Application Developer Position Title

Volunteer AI-Enabled Web Application Developer

Organisation

Darling Downs Environment Council

Reports To

Coordinator / Campaign Lead / Project Working Group Lead

Location

Remote / Toowoomba-based (flexible)

Time Commitment

Flexible (recommended 5–10 hours per week or project-based contribution)

Position Overview

This volunteer role focuses on designing and developing practical, AI-enabled web tools that strengthen environmental advocacy, community engagement, and grassroots organising across the Darling Downs region.

The developer will work closely with campaign teams (e.g. Protect Trees Toowoomba, Greening Toowoomba) to build lightweight, scalable applications that improve outreach, data collection, volunteer coordination, and decision-making.

This is a hands-on, impact-driven role suited to someone who wants to apply technical skills to real-world environmental and community challenges.

Key Responsibilities

1. Application Development Design and build web-based tools to support campaigns and projects Develop user-friendly interfaces for volunteers, organisers, and community members Create simple, scalable systems rather than over-engineered solutions Maintain and improve existing tools where applicable
2. AI Integration for Community Impact Integrate AI tools to support: Doorknocking and community engagement tracking Automated data summarisation and reporting Content generation (e.g. drafts for newsletters, social media) Mapping and planning tools Develop lightweight AI-assisted workflows rather than complex models
3. Campaign Support Tools Build or contribute to tools such as: Doorknocking apps (run sheets, interaction logging, mapping integration) Volunteer coordination platforms Petition or supporter tracking systems Environmental data dashboards (e.g. tree canopy, clearing reports)
4. Collaboration & Co-Design Work with non-technical volunteers to understand needs Translate campaign goals into functional digital tools Iterate quickly based on feedback from real-world use Support capacity-building within the organisation
5. Data & Ethics Ensure responsible handling of community data Apply privacy-first and ethical AI principles Avoid unnecessary data collection and complexity Key Skills & Experience Technical Skills (desirable, not all required) Front-end: React, Vue, or similar frameworks Back-end: Node.js, Python, or similar Experience building web apps or tools (formal or informal) API integration (including AI services) Basic database design (e.g. Firebase, PostgreSQL, Airtable) Familiarity with mapping tools (e.g. Google Maps APIs) is highly relevant AI & Automation Experience using or integrating AI tools (e.g. LLM APIs) Prompt engineering and workflow design Interest in practical, applied AI rather than research Soft Skills Ability to work with non-technical community members Strong problem-solving and initiative Pragmatic approach (build what’s useful, not what’s perfect) Commitment to environmental and community outcomes What You’ll Gain Real-world experience building AI-enabled tools for social impact Opportunity to shape innovative grassroots organising methods Portfolio-worthy projects with tangible community outcomes Collaboration with experienced organisers and advocates Insight into regional environmental policy and advocacy Example Projects AI-assisted doorknocking and community engagement app Tree canopy mapping and reporting dashboard Volunteer coordination and communication tools Campaign analytics and insights platform Success Indicators Tools are actively used by volunteers and campaign teams Reduction in manual admin and improved efficiency Increased quality and usability of campaign data Positive feedback from non-technical users Delivery of simple, effective, maintainable solutions