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 Blue Corridor Whale Conservation Undergraduate Intern.

The Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC) spans thousands of square kilometers from Alaska to the Antarctic Peninsula, and links key habitats where many whale species feed, socialize, and raise their young. Along this migratory “super highway,” whales face increasing threats from shipping, unethical tourism, overfishing that reduces their food supply, entanglement and bycatch in fishing gear, and pollution that degrades their habitat. In response, WWF is working closely with local governments, communities, and scientists to reduce the impacts of anthropogenic activities on large migratory whales.

Limited and dispersed scientific studies have been conducted across the Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC) on whale movements, population status, threats, and habitat areas for reproducing and feeding. These incomplete and disjunct studies provide limited information about important conservation areas and strategies. The WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife teams seek an intern to conduct a threats analysis for priority whale species in the EPBC and to compile and summarize scientific studies regarding whale migration and behavior patterns. Their findings will directly inform the emerging regional EPBC governance framework, design of a well managed and inclusive network of conserved areas, and development of improved shipping, fishing, and tourism practices to tackle the key drivers of whale mortality.

Internship Description:

The intern will be co-supervised by the WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife Teams, and will support WWF’s Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC) transformational initiative by conducting a comprehensive desktop study and developing a synthesis report on the threats to whales and whale migration patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, focusing on four priority species: blue, humpback, southern right, and gray whales. The intern will compile and summarize scientific literature on population status and trends, important habitats, and migration routes, with special attention to knowledge gaps in north–south movement. They will also develop a threats analysis for each of these four species, synthesizing information on shipping and fisheries interactions, tourism impacts, habitat degradation, and other identified threats.

The intern will also have the opportunity to interview technical staff from the WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife teams and WWF country offices to gather insights and knowledge to inform their analysis and final report. Finally, if feasible, the intern will conduct a GIS mapping exercise to map major shipping routes, whale migration routes, and protected areas to identify hotspots where WWF could focus our future interventions on shipping, protected areas, and fisheries. The resulting synthesis will provide a strong scientific foundation to help WWF identify our regional conservation priorities and guide our efforts under the EPBC transformational initiative to establish well-connected, integrated, coordinated, and inclusive good governance across the eastern Pacific for whales and people.

Minimum Requirements:

• Pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s program in marine science, conservation biology, environmental policy, geography/GIS, or a closely related field. 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 experience conducting systematic/structured literature reviews and writing evidence-based syntheses.

• Excellent scientific writing and synthesis skills and ability to produce a clear, structured report for both technical and non-technical audiences.

• Organized, self-directed, and able to meet milestones; 4. strong attention to detail and documentation.

Preferred Qualifications:

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

• Spanish language proficiency for scientific literature reviews and interviews with WWF country office staff

• Expertise in GIS (ArcGIS or other software)

Learning Outcomes

• Whale ecology: Deepen knowledge and understanding of whale ecology, conservation, and major threats to whales in the eastern Pacific Ocean.

• Research and synthesis: Strengthen research skills through conducting structured literature reviews, evaluating scientific evidence, and translating complex findings into clear, actionable insights.

• Communication & Writing: Strengthen ability to craft clear scientific writing, impactful maps and figures, and polished presentations for non-technical audiences.

• Project & Knowledge Management: Learn how to manage a multi-component research project from scoping through final deliverables, incorporating feedback from diverse sources.

• Spatial Analysis & Mapping: Gain experience using GIS tools (ArcGIS or QGIS) to compile datasets, map migration corridors and shipping routes, and identify hotspots for conservation action.

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.