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 nearly 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – nearly one million supporters in the United States and five million 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 seeks a BRIDGE Wildlife Detection Technology Operationalization Graduate Intern.

This internship is designed to accelerate the transition of WWF’s remote air vacuum sampling system for dog detection teams from successful trials into operational use in WWF priority places. The intern will join WWF’s Wildlife Crime and Trade team and work closely with technical staff in the United States, field partners in Africa, and leading canine experts at Working Dogs for Conservation.

The intern will produce concrete assets including: 1) an SOP for seaport workflow mapping to clarify how the technology fits into existing enforcement operations, 2) documentation of detection dog training best practices to support consistency and reliability across teams, and 3) a defined outline and content map of a DIY sniffer dog starter kit that identifies the components needed for effective, low-cost adoption by new enforcement teams. These outputs will lower barriers to adoption, accelerate uptake by local partners, and position WWF’s vacuum sampling technology for long-term use at priority ports.

Internship Description:

The intern will support the transition of WWF’s remote air sampling system from pilot phase to operational readiness through structured research, documentation, and synthesis. The intern will review existing trial reports, technical manuals, and partner materials, and conduct structured interviews to understand how the technology functions within real-world workflows.

Based on this input, the intern will draft visual process maps and step-by-step documentation showing how vacuum sampling can be integrated into existing seaport inspection procedures. In collaboration with detection dog experts, the intern will document current training methodologies, including contamination safeguards and common handler challenges, translating practitioner knowledge into draft written protocols for review.

The intern will also research open-source and do-it-yourself enforcement technologies to identify best practices for scalable adoption. This research will inform the development of a structured starter kit outline and training content map detailing necessary equipment, training components, quality control measures, and troubleshooting guidance. Throughout the internship, the intern will refine materials based on partner feedback and contribute to discussions on the operational integration and scalability of the technology.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate program in International Development, Systems / Industrial Engineering, Public Policy, Supply Chain / Logistics. 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 1, 2026).

• 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.

• Demonstrated experience conducting structured research and synthesizing complex information into clear written outputs; excellent written and visual communication skills including experience drafting reports, process maps, and/or guidance documents; experience working independently while managing multiple deadlines and incorporating feedback.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:

• Experience developing training materials for applied or field-based settings.

• Experience supporting the introduction of new technologies into existing institutions or operational systems.

Learning Outcomes

• Wildlife crime enforcement systems and port inspection operations

• Open-source and scalable enforcement technology models.

• Workflow mapping and standard operating procedure development.

• Technical documentation and training material development.

• Synthesizing diverse inputs into guidance.

• Written communication and technical writing.

• Translating complex topics for non-technical audiences.

• Cross-sector collaboration and stakeholder engagement.

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, Wyoming.

Compensation:

Paid - $23 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 1 to August 7, 2026

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

• 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.

This job will be posted and open for applications until Monday, March 16 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.

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.