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 

WWF’s Compass community provides network-coordinated, cutting-edge data and analytics that enable effective conservation decision making, policy, advocacy and monitoring for WWF, Practices and partners. Compass holds an annual summit in which geospatial and data experts from the Network contribute content that highlights their work from the past year. The intern will collaborate with members of the Global Science team to collate this information, develop and deliver a write up that summarizes WWF’s geospatial work. The intern will also provide general support for Compass needed to develop and maintain a vibrant community of practice that contributes effectively to the mission of the organization. 

Internship Description: 

• Review the submissions from the 2024 Compass annual summit 

• Develop a write up of the geospatial projects and products 

• Explore format options with Global Science to determine what has potential for maximum impact 

• Contact summit contributors to verify content, obtain updated graphics, confirm any data restrictions and review of summaries 

• Develop an engagement plan for the community 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in geography, computer science, environmental or social sciences, or 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). 

• Basic knowledge of GIS, preferably Esri ArcGIS. 

• Ability to create clear, well-designed maps for reports and presentations. 

• Understanding of basic conservation principles and major current issues. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present technical information clearly to non-experts. 

• 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:  

• Experience in handling and organizing datasets, especially spatial data 

• Knowledge of database systems 

Learning Outcomes 

• ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Online 

• Geospatial data management 

• Communication skills 

• Community networking 

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.