Overview
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 – with one million members in the United States and five million supporters globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.
At WWF, we are working to create an organization where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combine 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 is WWF’s summer internship program. Launched in 2021, it is a paid internship opportunity aimed at a pool of talented undergraduate and graduate students who could bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental sector. In particular, WWF aims to employ interns who have not previously had a breadth of professional experience and have not previously considered conservation as a career pathway.
Position Summary
The Basin Planning Intern will work with country offices across the WWF network to improve understanding of river basin priorities and develop or document conservation plans for eight Freshwater Team priority river basins. These plans will include a description of river basin challenges, current and planned programs, climate resilience priorities, available hydrological models and assessments (related to ‘Science Based Targets for Nature readiness’), etc. Additional projects could include further research into network freshwater priorities and programs, systems analysis in 1-2 select basins to explore potential for collective action between private, public and civil society stakeholders, and development of corporate partnership assets.
Responsibilities
Internship Description
- Interview and partner with WWF country offices to gather basin priorities and conservation plan information.
- Conduct additional research on assessments, available hydrological models and stakeholders in priority basins.
- Identify private sector actors that operate or source from priority basins.
- Potentially conduct systems analysis in 1-2 basins on their readiness for collective action and develop corporate partnership assets.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in Environmental Science, Water Resource Management, Corporate Sustainability, Sociology, Social Sciences, Business, International Relations, Communications. 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 16, 2025).
- Knowledge of conservation and water issues.
- Quantitative skills related to metrics and models.
- Knowledge of integrated watershed management, stakeholder collaboration models and/or systems thinking tools.
- Knowledge of corporate sustainability.
- Experience conducting informational interviews or database development
- Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
- Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
- Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
- Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
- Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:
- Knowledge of financing models (e.g. pooled or basket financing models)
- Understanding of water stewardship and collective action models
- Study of NGOs and the non-profit sector
- Understanding of public-private partnerships
Learning Outcomes
- Improved expertise on water issues and interventions
- Experience in landscape/basin planning
- Improved knowledge of basin/landscape assessments and models
- Experience in stakeholder mapping and analysis
- Practical experience in collaborating with different teams and offices (from working with country offices in the WWF network)
WWF interns will be offered 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 staff and leadership team.
Location:
This position is flexible on location. The intern may complete the internship either in Washington DC or other states, with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.
Compensation:
Paid - $20.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)
Internship Dates:
Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe:
- Your relevant skills and interest for this position
- Your connection to nature and the environment
- What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation?
- How you could contribute to the field of conservation.
If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.
Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.
