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 Freshwater Inclusive Conservation Undergraduate Intern.

WWF seeks an undergraduate intern for the Freshwater Team. The successful candidate will advance Inclusive Conservation (IC) approaches for a number of freshwater strategies and basin programs. Inclusive Conservation is integral for meeting freshwater goals locally and WWF is committed to improving understanding and application of IC principles. In this role, you will: 1) receive training on WWF’s Inclusive Conservation (IC) approach, 2) lead an effort to update an assessment for 3-5 freshwater workstreams, including the Corporate Water Stewardship Strategy, the Rio Grande/Bravo program, and the Connected Rivers of Resilience Strategy and 3) provide recommendations for application of the IC approach more fully.

Internship Description:

Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead Inclusive Conservation review of 3-5 Freshwater Team strategies and/or basin programs;

• Facilitate discussions on gaps and strengths;

• Identify areas for improved application;

• Recommend priorities and pathways for implementation;

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in Environmental Science, Natural Resources and Ecology Management, Sociology, Agriculture, Public Policy, Sociology, Anthropology, or related fields. 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.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• At least one course or experience in analyzing work with a social science lens.

• Some experience in water resource management or freshwater ecology.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of the Corporate Water Stewardship, Connected Rivers of Resilience, Rio Grande/Bravo and other basin programs and how WWF programs lead to impact for people and nature.

• Understanding of the role of Inclusive Conservation approach in designing and implementing conservation programs.

• Program strategic analysis and implementation

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.