Introduction
In the urgent fight against climate change, a resilient and secure global network is not just an operational tool—it is a strategic asset. As fossil fuel interests deploy sophisticated digital tactics, the need for a robust, activist-centric network infrastructure has never been more critical. For aspiring network professionals seeking a career with purpose, finding an entry point that combines cutting-edge technical learning with direct planetary impact is a rare opportunity. The announcement of multiple remote, entry-level IT networks positions at 350.org represents a pivotal call to action. These roles are designed to build, maintain, and secure the very connectivity that empowers a decentralized, global movement spanning over 180 countries.
350.org is seeking technically curious, proactive individuals to join its global Tech Team, with a specific focus on network operations and security. These remote IT networks positions are tailored for those at the dawn of their networking careers, offering immersive, hands-on experience in managing the digital connective tissue of a high-profile, distributed nonprofit. Operating fully remote within 350.org‘s expansive hiring network—with a noted preference for candidates in Asia or Latin America time zones—this role offers the unique chance to contribute to a global mission while anchored in your local context across countries from Indonesia and the Philippines to Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina.
The benefits package is exceptional, designed to support a sustainable, healthy career in tech-for-good from day one. What truly distinguishes this position is its mission-aligned technical scope. You won’t just be configuring routers in a vacuum; you’ll be ensuring VPNs protect organizers in repressive contexts, optimizing connectivity for virtual global strikes, and helping secure network perimeters against politically motivated threats. For those who believe the internet should be a tool for liberation and justice, this is where theory meets practice.
Table of Contents
Background & Job Description
350.org is the foundational global grassroots climate movement, working to end the age of fossil fuels and build a world of community-led renewable energy. Its model is inherently distributed, relying on a secure, agile, and reliable digital network to synchronize campaigns from the Pacific Islands to the halls of European power. The organization’s name refers to 350 parts per million—the safe concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere—a goal that demands flawless digital coordination.
These entry-level network positions are embedded within 350’s dedicated Infrastructure & Security pod. The role purpose is to provide foundational support in maintaining and monitoring the organization’s global network infrastructure, cloud networking resources, and core connectivity services. This role serves as an essential apprenticeship in nonprofit network engineering, where reliability and security are paramount due to the sensitive nature of human rights and environmental advocacy.
An entry-level network specialist’s work is crucial for operational integrity. By assisting with network monitoring, managing core access controls, troubleshooting connectivity issues for remote staff, and participating in security hardening projects, you become a guardian of the organization’s digital commons. This role is the perfect incubator for developing a holistic skill set in modern, cloud-aware networking within a high-stakes, values-driven environment.
Key Responsibilities
Responsibilities are structured to build core networking competencies through practical support and guided project work.
- Network Monitoring & First-Line Support: Monitor network performance and security dashboards (using tools like Auvik, PRTG, or cloud-native monitors). Triage and respond to basic alerts, and serve as a first point of contact for staff experiencing connectivity or VPN-related issues. This builds foundational skills in network observability and user-centric troubleshooting.
- Cloud & SaaS Network Configuration Support: Assist senior engineers in the configuration and maintenance of cloud networking components on platforms like Google Cloud Platform (GCP) and AWS, including VPCs, firewalls, security groups, and load balancers. Support the setup and management of network integrations for core SaaS tools (e.g., ensuring secure SSO connections). This provides early exposure to the modern, software-defined network stack.
- VPN & Remote Access Infrastructure Management: Help administer and troubleshoot the organization’s global VPN infrastructure (e.g., using WireGuard, Tailscale, or OpenVPN). Manage user access, assist with rollout for new staff, and contribute to documentation. This offers hands-on experience with a critical security and connectivity layer for a distributed workforce.
- Network Security & Compliance Assistance: Actively participate in implementing network security policies. This includes helping to manage firewall rules, supporting DNS filtering initiatives, assisting with vulnerability scans on network assets, and contributing to audits of network access controls. This grounds you in cybersecurity fundamentals from day one.
- Documentation & Knowledge Base Development: Create and maintain clear, detailed documentation for network configurations, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and troubleshooting guides. This practice is essential for knowledge sharing in a remote team and reinforces deep learning.
- Collaboration on Network Projects: Contribute to projects such as rolling out a new SD-WAN solution for regional offices, optimizing WAN performance for global video conferencing, or assisting in the migration of on-premise services to the cloud. This provides project-based learning and a view of strategic network evolution.
Multiple Remote IT Networks Entry-Level Positions at 350.org 2026: Build the Digital Backbone of the Global Climate Movement
Qualifications
Education & Certification
- Required Education: A degree in Network Engineering, Computer Science, Information Systems, or a related field is a strong plus, but not an absolute barrier. 350.org prioritizes demonstrable skills, practical aptitude, and a growth mindset. Completion of a rigorous technical bootcamp with a networking focus is highly regarded.
- Foundational Certifications: While not mandatory, entry-level certifications demonstrate commitment and foundational knowledge. Strong examples include:
- CompTIA Network+ (Core networking knowledge)
- Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) (A gold standard)
- Google Associate Cloud Engineer or AWS Cloud Practitioner (for cloud focus)
- Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) from (ISC)²
- Self-Directed Learning: Evidence of personal labs (e.g., using GNS3, Packet Tracer, or home lab setups), coursework on platforms like Coursera or Udemy, or contributions to open-source networking projects is highly valued.
Experience
- Years of Experience: This is a true entry-level position. Candidates with 0-3 years of professional networking experience are encouraged to apply. Relevant academic, internship, volunteer, or homelab experience is crucial.
- Type of Experience Needed:
- Hands-on Networking Practice: Experience setting up and configuring routers, switches, or firewalls in a lab or home environment.
- Basic Cloud Exposure: Familiarity with core cloud concepts (IaaS, virtual networks) via courses or personal projects.
- Fundamental Troubleshooting: Demonstrated ability to use tools like
ping,traceroute,nslookup,ipconfig/ifconfig, and Wireshark for basic diagnostics. - Understanding of Core Protocols: Working knowledge of TCP/IP, DNS, DHCP, HTTP/S, and VPN concepts.
- Technical Competencies:
- Analytical Problem-Solving: A logical, patient, and systematic approach to diagnosing network issues.
- Strong Communication: Ability to document clearly and explain network concepts to non-technical staff in English. Proficiency in a language relevant to 350’s regions (e.g., Spanish, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia, Japanese, French) is a significant competitive advantage.
- Security Mindset: An inherent understanding of the importance of security in network design and operations.
- Adaptability & Collaboration: Comfort working autonomously in a fully remote, culturally diverse, and agile team spread across numerous time zones.
Why Apply for This Position
Securing this entry-level networks role at 350.org is a strategic launch into the high-demand field of cloud and security-aware network engineering. The fully remote, global nature of the work provides unprecedented exposure to the challenges and solutions of supporting a distributed organization, making you a versatile professional from the start. The structured mentorship and professional development are focused; you’ll learn from experts managing a global, hybrid infrastructure under real-world threat models.
The unique learning curve is steep and rewarding. You’ll gain hands-on experience with enterprise-grade firewalls (like Palo Alto or Fortinet), zero-trust network access (ZTNA) models, and cloud-native networking—skills that are transferable and highly sought after in any sector. The networking potential (professional and digital) connects you to a global community of “tech for good” innovators, cybersecurity activists, and open-source developers.
The impact is tangible and immediate. The VPN you help maintain allows an activist in a restrictive region to organize safely. The network performance you optimize enables a flawless global digital mobilization. The organizational culture is built on justice, equity, and distributed leadership, offering a supportive environment where your technical growth is matched by your growth as a advocate for a livable planet.
Application Tips & Insights
350.org evaluates candidates on technical potential, cultural add, and a demonstrated alignment with climate justice.
- Tailor Your Application to Mission and Tech: Your resume should bridge technical skills and mission relevance. For example: “Configured a secure lab VPN to simulate protecting sensitive data transfers, demonstrating an understanding of requirements for activist communications.” Your cover letter must articulate a genuine passion for both networking technology and climate justice—reference how you see resilient networks as key to movement building.
- Highlight Practical, Hands-On Experience: Detail your homelab setup: “Built a segmented home network with VLANs using PFSense/OPNsense and a managed switch to study traffic isolation.” Describe any cloud projects: “Deployed a web server on a GCP Compute Instance, configuring firewall rules and VPC settings.” This proves initiative and practical skill beyond coursework.
- Avoid Common Mistakes: Do not submit a generic IT resume. Avoid overstating expertise; express eagerness to learn. Failing to research 350’s current campaigns and digital security needs is a critical error. Ensure your application reflects an understanding of their distributed model and the political sensitivity of their work.
- Timeline & Process Expectations: The process typically includes an initial screening, a practical technical assessment (e.g., a take-home task involving basic network diagram analysis or troubleshooting scenario), followed by 2-3 interviews with the tech team and potential peers. The entire process is respectful of candidate time and usually spans 4-6 weeks.
- Interview Preparation: Be ready for a mix of technical fundamentals and scenario-based questions. You might be asked to: “Explain what happens when you type
https://350.orginto a browser,” or “How would you troubleshoot a staff member’s inability to connect to the corporate VPN from a coffee shop in Bogotá?” Prepare thoughtful questions about their tech stack, major upcoming projects, and team structure.
Additional Information
- Salary & Localization: Salaries are localized and competitive within the nonprofit sector of the specific hiring country. For an entry-level networks role in 2024/2025, illustrative annual ranges might be:
- Latin America (e.g., Brazil, Argentina, Colombia): $18,000 – $28,000 USD equivalent
- Asia (e.g., Philippines, Indonesia): $14,000 – $22,000 USD equivalent
- Other Regions (e.g., Kenya, South Africa): Region-competitive nonprofit wages.
- Note: Final offers are based on detailed local market benchmarks and cost of living, and will be transparently communicated.
- Benefits Package:350.org offers a comprehensive, globally-conscious benefits package, typically including:
- Fully remote work with a home office setup stipend and co-working allowance.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance (region-specific plans).
- Generous paid time off (often 4-5 weeks vacation, plus sick leave, mental health days, and holidays).
- Contributory pension or retirement plan.
- Professional development fund for certifications (e.g., CCNA, cloud certs), conferences, and training.
- Paid parental leave and sabbatical after a set period.
- Annual bonus or profit-sharing scheme, where applicable.
- Work Arrangement: This is a full-time, permanent remote position. You must be legally authorized to work in one of the listed countries. The preference for Asia/Latin America time zones is to better align with global team coverage, but all qualified candidates from eligible countries are considered.
- Contract Duration: These are regular, ongoing positions with the expectation of long-term growth within the organization, subject to a standard probationary period.
- Application Deadline: Adhere to the deadline on the specific job posting. 350.org often reviews applications on a rolling basis for such specialized roles.
- Equal Opportunity Statement: 350.org is a justice-centered employer. It actively seeks to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team. Women, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, people with disabilities, and members of other historically marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply. The hiring process works to mitigate unconscious bias.
How to Apply
Applications are submitted exclusively via 350.org‘s careers portal.
- Locate the Posting: Search for titles like “Junior Network Specialist,” “IT Infrastructure Associate,” or “Entry-Level Network Engineer.”
- Confirm Eligibility: Ensure you are applying from and have the right to work in one of the listed countries. Note the time zone preference in your application if relevant.
- Prepare Required Documents:
- A tailored Resume/CV highlighting networking projects and skills.
- A compelling Cover Letter connecting your technical journey to climate justice.
- A portfolio or link to a GitHub/GitLab containing lab code, configurations, or documentation is highly beneficial.
- Submit Online Application: Complete the application form on the 350.org recruitment platform, uploading all documents.
- Official Application Channel: Apply only via the link in the official job posting on 350.org/careers.
- Deadline Awareness: Submit well before the deadline. Ensure all materials are polished and error-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. I have a CCNA but no professional experience. How competitive is my application?
Extremely competitive. A CCNA demonstrates a strong, validated foundation in networking concepts that directly applies to this role. It shows dedication and the ability to grasp complex topics. In your application, pair this certification with any practical application—homelab scenarios, virtual simulations, or academic projects—to demonstrate you can apply the theory. Highlight your eagerness to apply this knowledge to a real-world, mission-critical environment.
2. What does a typical “day in the life” look like for this remote entry-level role?
Your day might start by checking network monitoring alerts and the helpdesk queue for connectivity tickets. You could spend the morning assisting a colleague in Japan with VPN configuration, then join a virtual stand-up with the global tech team. The afternoon might involve working on a documented procedure for onboarding new staff to the network, followed by a shadowing session with a senior engineer reviewing firewall rule change requests. It’s a mix of reactive support and proactive project work.
3. How does 350.org handle the technical challenges of supporting staff in countries with internet restrictions or poor connectivity?
This is a core part of the network team’s strategic work. You would learn about and assist with solutions like obfuscated VPN protocols, decentralized mesh networking concepts for local hubs, and partnerships with digital rights organizations to provide secure tools. This provides unique, invaluable experience in anti-censorship networking and digital resilience that few corporate roles can offer.
4. Is there a path from this entry-level networks role into cybersecurity at 350.org?
Yes, a very direct one. Network operations are the frontline of cybersecurity. Excelling in this role provides the foundational knowledge of traffic flows, protocols, and perimeter security that is essential for any cybersecurity analyst or engineer. 350.org’s Security Team works hand-in-glove with Infrastructure. Demonstrating a keen security mindset, taking on related projects, and using the professional development budget for security certifications can naturally lead to a specialization within the organization.
5. What specific tools and technologies will I be exposed to?
You will gain exposure to a modern, hybrid stack likely including: Cloud Networking (GCP VPC, Cloud Interconnect, AWS Transit Gateway), Zero-Trust/ZTNA tools (e.g., Cloudflare Zero Trust, Tailscale), Firewall Management (Palo Alto, pfSense), MDM for network policy on endpoints (Jamf, Intune), Monitoring (Auvik, Datadog, cloud logging), and Infrastructure-as-Code tools (Terraform, Ansible) for network automation. The exact stack is evolving, centered on best-in-class, auditable tools.
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