Application Guide

How to Apply for Environmental Scientist (Unpaid & Bootstrapped)

at Fastfrwrd.info

🏢 About Fastfrwrd.info

Fastfrwrd.info is a bootstrapped, mission-driven startup that gamifies climate action, blending science with engaging narratives to inspire real-world change. As an unpaid role, it offers a unique opportunity to shape the scientific foundation of a creative, impact-focused project from the ground up.

About This Role

You will be the scientific backbone of Fastfrwrd's multiverse of games, ensuring that metaphors, scoring systems, and lore are grounded in accurate climate science. Your work directly influences how players understand and act on climate change, making complex topics accessible and motivating through game mechanics.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing a game designer's draft of a new allegory for ocean acidification, then research the latest IPCC data to ensure the metaphors are accurate. Later, you'd balance the points for a tree-planting action against its actual carbon impact, and draft a tooltip explaining the science behind it.

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🎯 Who Fastfrwrd.info Is Looking For

  • Has a degree in environmental science, ecology, or a related field, with a strong grasp of climate systems and sustainability metrics.
  • Can distill complex scientific concepts into clear, engaging metaphors and RPG-style explanations without oversimplifying.
  • Is deeply committed to carbon-neutral work practices, using tools like Ecosia and avoiding AI or products from billionaires.
  • Thrives in a bootstrapped, unpaid environment, driven by passion for climate action rather than financial reward.

📝 Tips for Applying to Fastfrwrd.info

1

Include a specific example of how you've translated a scientific concept into a game or narrative (e.g., a blog post, mod, or tabletop RPG rule).

2

Demonstrate your commitment to carbon neutrality by mentioning your use of Ecosia, a bike commute, or avoidance of certain tech in your application.

3

Tailor your CV to highlight any experience with game design, storytelling, or public science communication, not just academic research.

4

Submit a brief (1-page) proposal for one game mechanic or metaphor you'd improve with scientific backing, showing your understanding of Fastfrwrd's approach.

5

Provide a reference who can vouch for your scientific rigor and your ability to work independently on passion projects.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for using games to drive climate action and your alignment with Fastfrwrd's mission.", "A concrete example of making climate science engaging (e.g., a metaphor you've crafted or a game mechanic you've designed).", "Your commitment to carbon-neutral work practices and how you've integrated them into your daily life.", 'Your ability to work without pay due to belief in the project, and your understanding of bootstrapped constraints.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore the Fastfrwrd website and any existing game demos or descriptions to understand their current metaphors and mechanics.
  • → Read about gamification in climate action, especially case studies like 'Recyclebank' or 'JouleBug'.
  • → Look into the company's stated values on carbon neutrality and their stance on AI and billionaire products.
  • → Check the founder's background or any interviews to grasp the vision and constraints of the bootstrapped model.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Explain how you would balance scientific accuracy with engaging gameplay in a metaphor for carbon sequestration.
2 Describe a time you had to simplify a complex climate concept for a non-expert audience.
3 How would you ensure the points system for real-world actions is both scientifically sound and motivating?
4 What carbon-neutral practices do you follow, and how would you handle a task that requires a tool you avoid?
5 Given this is unpaid, how would you stay motivated and manage your time?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application; the role is highly specific and requires tailored examples of science communication.
  • Avoid mentioning use of AI tools like ChatGPT in your application, as the company explicitly discourages them.
  • Don't apply if you're not genuinely passionate about climate action or if you expect future payment, as the role is explicitly unpaid.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Fastfrwrd.info!

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