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

The intern would work closely with the Northern Great Plains CONNECT and Science Teams, the Buffalo Nations Grasslands Alliance, and regional partners to complete a literature review and identify and prioritize a set of potential ecological corridors in Native Nations in the Northern Great Plains.

Envisioned deliverables from the internship includes a report that synthesizes key, peer-reviewed ecological connectivity literature and details:

• a list of primary drivers and threats to ecological connectivity within the Northern Great Plains;
• examination of identified drivers and threats as they relate to ecological corridors in Native Nations in the NGP, based on priority species Tribal partners identify, and in line with BNGA’s “pathways of connectivity” project; and
• a description of steps WWF, BNGA, and key partners can take in the next five years to maintain/enhance/restore ecological corridors within ten years

Additional deliverables include:

• a PowerPoint presentation to the Wildlife Team;
• draft content for BNGA’s website;

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program in a related field (e.g., conservation, natural resources management, ecology, wildlife biology). 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).
• Introductive knowledge or familiarity with GIS mapping and analysis
• Ability to work productively both independently and as part of a team in a high paced, dynamic environment.
• Attention to detail and organizational and time management skills a must.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, as well as strong interpersonal skills and experience working cross-culturally.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.
• 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:

• Coursework completed in ecology, biology, ecological connectivity and/or corridor ecology

Learning Outcomes

This work will help prepare the intern to work in conservation, natural resources management, and other fields that face rapid change and planning in the face of uncertainty.

• Synthesize information.
• Identify information gaps and research questions.
• Work through uncertainty and manage challenges that arise.
• Make recommendations.
• Present findings to conservation and natural resource management experts.
• Contribute to strengthened partnerships with Native nations
• Career-enhancing and motivating experience for an early career conservationist.

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-2422

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.