WWF Overview

For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – more than one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.

Our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect; where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible — bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives on it.

Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration.

BRIDGE – Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence

WWF’s diversity-focused internship program, BRIDGE, aims to recruit professionals early in their careers who bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental and conservation sector and are well positioned to develop into the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to conservation and environmental careers, provide professional development opportunities, reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates, and develop a pipeline for future WWF hires from underrepresented populations.

Position Summary

WWF is seeking an intern to support research and external communications through the production of scientific publications as part of a dynamic team of experts. The intern will support in analyzing and compiling site-based research assignments in Thailand and Bhutan. The workload will include analyzing existing data on rangers and the services they provide as well as the use of the Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART) for effective management of PCAs. The intern will work closely with Director PCA Management and Governance, the WWF SMART lead, and country focal points in Thailand and Bhutan. The position promises to expose the intern to the conservation departments of WWF Bhutan and WWF Thailand and the assignment offers the opportunity to learn, in-depth, about conservation in these two countries. The position will also provide experience of working with an international team with a global focus.

• Familiarization with essential conservation tools such as Spatial Monitoring And Reporting Tool (SMART) and protected area management. This includes basic understanding of the use of SMART, interpretation of SMART reports and analysis of SMART data.
• Extensive literature review of relevant topics (e.g. rangers, PCA management, SMART)
• Analyzing datasets from camera traps to ranger monitoring data
• Formulating hypotheses in conjunction and discussion with conservation teams in priority countries. This will include online webinars and discussion to understand the research needs on the ground and how those can be addressed.
• Lead the development of manuscript production in collaboration with the team, WWF offices and government partners
• Develop supporting material to disseminate the manuscript in simple language to wider conservation community. This may include website stories, newsletter articles etc.
• Intern may be performing other duties as assigned by the line manager (e.g. World Ranger Day preparations)

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in conservation, environmental management or a related field. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 17, 2024).
• Demonstrable research skills
• Experience with statistical software (e.g. R) and analyses
• Demonstrable ability to write publishable material in English
• Creative and innovative thinker
• Strong analytical, written, verbal, and presentation skills

• Resourceful, engaged, and communicative
• Good interpersonal skills
• Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values:
  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

Preferred Qualifications:

• The ideal candidate will be highly organized, eager, and have prior experience in research development
• Experience choosing and using different statistic methods
• Experience with conservation issues, particularly pertaining to PCA management
• Experience in delivering surveys and research using both qualitative and quantitative analysis

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding the basics of the world’s most widely used protected area management tool (SMART)
• Deeper understanding of the realities of adaptive management and PCA management in Asia
• Learning how to operate in an international environment and working with a diverse range of individuals
• Exposure to the conservation challenges facing Asia
• Understanding of the importance of, and challenges facing, the world’s rangers

WWF interns will be provided a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes:

• Development discussions with their manager;
• Up to two online courses through Cornell University’s eCornell program;
• Speed mentoring with different WWF teams;
• Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff;
• Session on resume and interviewing best practices.

Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.

Location:

US Remote – WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.

Compensation:

Paid – $17 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 17, 2024 to August 23, 2024

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page, Requisition #BR-2423

In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship.

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.

*Please note that interns must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.