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 is working to protect critical freshwater ecosystems and strengthen good water governance in shared river basins. As part of these efforts, WWF works in the Rio Grande/Rio Bravo binational basin to restore river flows and build a climate resilient water system that supports thriving communities and ecosystems, by restoring degraded ecosystems, optimizing available water, promoting water resilient farming and developing sound science and policy to inform decision making. The Rio Grande Projects Coordination and GIS Support intern will provide technical support to the Freshwater Rio Grande Team’s current portfolio of conservation and research projects including: 

• Implementation of the Middle Rio Grande Riparian Nature-Based Solutions Prioritization Project supported by the USBR-WaterSmart Program 

• Development of a Rio Grande/Rio Bravo basin-wide water accounting, Story Map and GIS online mapping tool 

• Implementation of the Middle Rio Grande Farmer Survey and assessment of multi-benefit agricultural water conservation strategies 

• Assessment of consumption and production of alfalfa in the US portion of the Rio Grande basin. 

• Application of foundational science to advance and scale basin-wide Corporate Collective Action 

The intern will package the results into a final product and have the opportunity to present their findings. 

Internship Description:  

• Compile, organize and manage databases and geospatial data related to the different components of the water budget, agricultural lands, main crops, riparian vegetation, infrastructure, etc. 

• Develop reference maps and charts for a Story Map. 

• Develop a GIS project and analysis of alfalfa consumption and production. 

• Support coordination of meetings with project partners and stakeholders for the multiple WWF Rio Grande Projects listed in the description. 

• Provide technical input in the development of riparian restoration and agricultural conservation strategies. 

• Support WWF to expand its efforts to engage with the farming community in the Rio Grande in New Mexico. 

Minimum Requirements:  

• Pursuing a graduate program in conservation, water resources, hydrology, environmental sciences, geospatial planning, stakeholder engagement, agricultural and water policy. 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). 

• Excellent research skills. 

• Attention to detail. 

• Organized and self-motivated. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 

• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team. 

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. 

• Proficiency with ArcGIS Pro. 

• 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:  

• Studying in or deep experience working with communities and stakeholders in  the Rio Grande in Colorado, New Mexico or Texas.  

Learning Outcomes 

• Improve analysis, synthesis, and critical thinking 

• Strengthen research and communication skills 

• Increase knowledge in a field of study of interest 

• Explore career alternative 

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: 

US Remote – WWF is able to employ interns in all states with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming. 

Compensation: 

Paid - $22.50 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.