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.

Join the Data and AI team at WWF and contribute to a team at the forefront of conservation technology. Our team is dedicated to leveraging the power of data and artificial intelligence to address the planet's most pressing conservation challenges. We leverage a sophisticated Azure environment, providing the foundation for developing and deploying targeted data and AI solutions. These solutions support critical use cases across WWF, enabling data-driven decision-making and amplifying our conservation impact. As an intern, you will be immersed in a collaborative and innovative environment, working alongside experts in data science, engineering, and conservation. This is a unique opportunity to apply your technical skills to real-world problems and contribute to a global movement for a sustainable future.

Internship Description:

As a BRIDGE Data and AI Engineering Graduate Intern, you will be an active member of our team, contributing to impactful projects that have a direct influence on our conservation efforts worldwide. Your primary responsibilities will include researching the latest advancements in AI products and technologies, and applying this knowledge to build custom machine learning and Generative AI solutions. You will have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of data, including both structured and unstructured datasets, to address specific conservation use cases. This could involve anything from analyzing satellite imagery to track deforestation to developing natural language processing models to understand community-based conservation reports. You will be involved in the entire project lifecycle, from conceptualization and architecture design, to development implementation and impact assessment. This internship provides a unique platform to develop your technical skills, gain hands-on experience in the rapidly evolving field of AI, and make a tangible difference in the fight to protect our planet.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate program in Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Data Science or similar. 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.

• Familiarity with cloud computing concepts.

• Coding proficiency in Python or R.

• Coding proficiency in SQL.

• Proficiency with Machine Learning algorithms and the ability to identify and apply the optimal algorithm to solve a given problem.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this internship, the intern will have gained valuable hands-on experience and developed a diverse set of skills, including:

• Real-World AI Implementation: Direct experience in designing, building, and deploying AI and machine learning solutions to address tangible, real-world conservation challenges.

• End-to-End Solution Development: Proficiency in conceptualizing and implementing end-to-end data solutions using the Microsoft Azure suite, including Azure Fabric for data warehousing and PowerBI for data visualization and reporting.

• Generative AI Expertise: In-depth knowledge and practical application of Large Language Models (LLMs) such as Llama, GPT, Gemini, and Claude, including the development of Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) and Agentic AI systems.

• Vector Database Management: Hands-on experience with vector databases for managing and querying unstructured data, a critical component of modern AI applications.

• Project Management: Foundational project management skills, including project planning, execution, and stakeholder communication in an agile environment.

• Professional Communication: Enhanced ability to articulate and present complex technical concepts and project outcomes to both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Interpersonal & Collaboration Skills: Experience working effectively within a dynamic, cross-functional team, contributing to a shared mission and fostering a collaborative work environment.

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.