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 Industrial Decarbonization Graduate Intern.

The Intern will support programs focused on advancing industrial decarbonization through renewable thermal energy and clean heat technologies. The intern will work within WWF’s Corporate Climate Engagement team, supporting WWF’s role co-convening the Renewable Thermal Collaborative (RTC) and contributing to initiatives connected to the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance (IHPA), which the RTC helped establish. This role supports programs that help industrial facilities and global supply chains transition from fossil fuel-based process heat to cleaner, more efficient solutions.

The intern will contribute to two related program areas. The first supports the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance, which works to expand the adoption of industrial heat pumps by strengthening enabling polices and market readiness to drive project deployment. The second supports RTC global supply chain initiatives that help suppliers build knowledge and readiness to adopt renewable thermal technologies, with a focus on international manufacturing supply chains, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region.

Internship Description:

The intern will support planning, coordination, and delivery of two programs focused on reducing industrial emissions through clean heat technologies. In support of the Industrial Heat Pump Alliance, the intern will assist with organizing learning bootcamps, buyer–supplier connection events, and state-level roundtables. Responsibilities may include stakeholder communication and coordination, preparing meeting materials, tracking engagement and follow-up actions, and assisting with reporting and knowledge management.

The intern will also support renewable thermal supply chain programs that help manufacturers and suppliers adopt clean heat technologies, particularly within international supply chains. Activities may include assisting with webinars and training coordination, supporting participant onboarding and tracking, conducting background research on clean heat technologies and market trends, organizing supplier engagement activities, and supporting development of presentations, program resources, and communications materials.

Across both initiatives, the intern will collaborate with WWF staff and external partners to support program implementation and stakeholder engagement. This internship provides hands-on experience supporting climate and energy initiatives and offers insight into how collaborative, multi-stakeholder programs accelerate industrial decarbonization.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing a graduate program in Sustainability or Business with sustainability or supply chain focus; Public Policy with a focus on energy or environmental policy; Engineering with a focus on energy or manufacturing; Environmental Science or 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.

• Demonstrated interest in climate, energy, sustainability, or industrial decarbonization through coursework, research, or extracurricular activities.

• Strong organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to summarize information clearly for different audiences.

• Ability to work collaboratively in team settings and engage professionally with diverse stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Familiarity with industrial decarbonization, renewable thermal energy, clean heat technologies, or corporate/supply chain sustainability through coursework, research, or prior internship experience.

• Experience supporting event planning, stakeholder engagement, training programs, or multi-partner initiatives, including coordinating meetings, workshops, or virtual events.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of industrial decarbonization strategies, including renewable thermal and clean heat technologies such as industrial heat pumps.
• Experience supporting multi-stakeholder climate and energy initiatives involving industry, NGOs, policymakers, and solution providers.
• Knowledge of how training programs, market engagement, and public–private partnerships help scale climate solutions.
• Project coordination and event planning skills, including supporting workshops, webinars, and stakeholder convenings.
• Experience conducting research and synthesizing technical or policy information into clear, audience-appropriate materials.
• Exposure to corporate and supply chain sustainability strategies, including global manufacturing and supplier engagement approaches.
• Professional experience supporting program delivery, stakeholder communications, and knowledge-sharing efforts.

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 one 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.