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 Markets Institute Food GHG Emissions Undergraduate Intern.

Climate change is a critical issue for humanity and for wildlife. The global food system is responsible for 21-37% of all emissions. The differences in emissions across different food commodities are striking, as are the differences between commodities produced in different regions or within different production practices; they are often 10x different but sometimes can be 100x. Characterizing these differences and how high levels of emissions can be mitigated is critical to achieving global climate targets.

Under the supervision of the Senior Director for Scope 3 Carbon Measurement and Mitigation, the intern(s) will work to help WWF understand and communicate the diverse sources and possible mitigation options available to produce a few key foods, potentially rice, cashew, dairy, and pork.

Internship Description:

• Research: conduct literature review on greenhouse gas emissions in chosen commodity
• Analysis and synthesis: synthesize and analyze data from the academic and grey literature on dairy greenhouse gas emissions
• Communication: develop a clear brief summarizing the findings of the literature review and synthesis, and assist WWF staff in circulating the brief for informed feedback
• Other tasks as assigned or co-developed by student and supervisor

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in data science, environmental science, agriculture, or mathematics. 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.

• Ability to read technical literature, understand quantitative analysis, use Excel or equivalent spreadsheet.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Familiarity or interest in food systems or climate change

Learning Outcomes

The intern will gain experience in using research methods, analyzing data, and clearly communicating research findings. The student will also gain subject matter experience in climate change and food systems.

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 - $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.