Infrastructure and Environment Specialist (Volunteer)

Submit your application here for consideration. See details below.

About InReach

We are InReach, a trans-led tech nonprofit building the world’s first open-source, verified LGBTQ+ resource platform. InReach is available on web (desktop and mobile), iOS, and Android. Our vision is to ensure every trans and queer person has on-demand access to the safe, affirming resources they need to thrive. Over 420,000 people have used InReach to access verified LGBTQ+ resources nationwide.

About the Role

As an Infrastructure & Environment Specialist Volunteer, you are not just supporting our engineering work—you are solving a foundational systems challenge that directly impacts who can contribute to InReach’s mission. This advanced, project-based internship is designed for experienced developers who can work independently to design and implement infrastructure improvements with lasting impact.

Your primary focus will be eliminating the high barrier to entry created by complex local development environments. By leading the creation of robust developer documentation and implementing a zero-setup Cloud Development Environment (CDE), you will make it significantly easier for future contributors to engage with InReach’s open-source platform.

The Challenge

As InReach’s codebase and contributor community grow, fragile local setup processes create friction, onboarding delays, and instability. This role addresses that challenge by establishing a standardized, browser-accessible development environment that is reliable, well-documented, and easy to maintain.

This position is outcomes-driven and structured around two core phases that will take place during the first quarter of 2026:

Phase 1: Developer Documentation

• Audit the current local development setup and identify failure points
• Create clear, comprehensive, and resilient developer documentation
• Produce a “bulletproof” setup guide that anticipates common errors and edge cases
• Document assumptions, dependencies, and ongoing maintenance considerations

Phase 2: Cloud Development Environment (CDE)

• Design and implement a zero-setup CDE using Docker, Docker Compose, and CDE standards (e.g., devcontainer.json)
• Enable browser-based development via GitHub Codespaces or equivalent tools
• Ensure the environment is stable, reproducible, and aligned with InReach’s workflows
• Create supporting documentation for long-term use and maintenance

• Have advanced, hands-on experience with Docker, Docker Compose, and containerized development workflows
• Are familiar with Cloud Development Environments such as GitHub Codespaces
• Are able to work autonomously without requiring close mentorship
• Are comfortable owning a technical project from design through implementation
• Are motivated by mission-driven, open-source work with real-world impact

At InReach, interns are teammates. We invest in your growth because the work you do has a direct, measurable impact on LGBTQ+ people seeking safety and support. During your time with us, you’ll gain:

Mission-Driven Experience: Direct involvement in LGBTQ+ rights, tech for good, and humanitarian response work.

Skill-Building & Mentorship: Ongoing support from staff, optional 1:1 coaching sessions, and feedback designed to help you grow.

Career Exposure: Insight into nonprofit operations, service provider networks, and platform-building inside a tech nonprofit.