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 Education for Nature Undergraduate Intern.

At WWF, we recognize that investing in local leaders is key for achieving long-term biodiversity conservation. Through the Russell E. Train Education for Nature Program (EFN), we have provided and fellowships to local leaders and institutions in Africa, Asia and Latin America for over 30 years, enhancing knowledge, expertise and skills needed to effectively address biodiversity challenges. To date, WWF has supported more than 3,700 individuals and 600 institutions across 60 countries, with our alumni achieving remarkable milestones, including discovering new species, collaborating with local communities to establish conservation areas, and launching pioneering initiatives.

We are looking for a highly motivated intern to collaborate with the EFN team in updating alumni data and providing general support needed to connect a vibrant community of global conservation leaders. The intern will also contribute to the development of engaging content that amplifies alumni stories, and assist in essential research on the current landscape of conservation fellowships and grants.

Internship Description:

• Alumni data management: Assist in tracking and updating alumni information (including publications, progress, success, and lessons learned) to support internal and external reporting and communication on the impact of EFN alumni and current grant recipients’ conservation and leadership outcomes.

• Content development: Supporting content development to showcase and amplify Education for Nature alumni stories for diverse audiences.

• Landscape analysis: Contribute to research on conservation leadership fellowships and grants.

This position sits within WWF’s Global Science and works directly with the Education for Nature team. This internship is a unique opportunity to engage with our global community of conservation leaders while playing a key role in elevating WWF’s capacity development efforts for conservation.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in environmental sciences, communications, or data science, or international development studies. 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.

• Knowledge in database software or tools (e.g., Excel, Acess or data visualization ) to track and organize alumni information.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content and reports and communicate ideas to diverse audiences.

• Ability to conduct research and synthesize data to inform various sources.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Understanding of basic conservation principles and major current issues.

• Experience with data entry and research methodologies to organize and synthesize information.

Learning Outcomes

• Gain hands-on experience in organizing and updating alumni information to enhance data management skills while facilitating effective networking, communication and program development that advance WWF’s conservation efforts.

• Enhance skills in crafting engaging content, including written and visual, to effectively communicate alumni stories.

• Build relationships with diverse collaborators, including EFN alumni and grant recipients, thereby strengthening networking skills and expanding professional connections.

• Develop a deeper understanding of current conservation challenges, and the critical role local leaders play in addressing these issues.

• Enhance the ability to analyse and synthesize information from diverse sources, applying this knowledge to real-world conservation challenges, and ultimately strengthening research and analytical capabilities.

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-DC-Washington

**This is a hybrid position that requires the intern to be in the WWF Washington, DC Headquarters Office a minimum of 2 days per week.**

Compensation:

Paid - $21 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.