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 Fisheries Conflict Graduate Intern.

The Oceans Futures Intern will work with the Oceans Futures team to analyze a global fisheries conflict database and develop a data-driven case study of fisheries conflicts in a seascape. The work will include the following two work streams. First, they will work with the team to review fisheries conflict data, following a standardized protocol. This will include producing basic descriptive statistics of the results. Second, they will produce a written analysis of the conflicts in the context of the coded data, while expanding the report to include qualitative analysis and recommendations. The intern may also collaborate with the team on climate or conflict data analysis and assessment of blue food security risks around the globe.

Internship Description:

• Contribute to finalizing and publishing a groundbreaking global analysis of over a decade of fisheries conflict events.

• Conduct basic statistical analysis of fisheries data (including climate, stock, and/or conflict data).

• Write a case study report.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate program in environmental science, international relations, statistics, or computer science. 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:

• Computer science and/or predictive modeling

• Statistics or mathematical modeling

• Fisheries

• Scientific writing

Learning Outcomes

• Proficiency in event data applications and using quantitative data sets to make strong inference about ocean conservation outcomes.

• Experience presenting quantitative data in graphical format.

• Deep understanding of the role of peace and security issues in marine fisheries and the way geopolitics may influence ocean conservation.

• Experience with science communication and turning technical data into interesting and relatable stories to drive awareness and interest in the topic.

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.