BR-2509 WILDLABS Graduate Intern

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 more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – more than 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  

WILDLABS is the world’s largest conservation technology community, bringing together over 11,000 members in 120+ countries to advance innovation for conservation impact. WWF is a founding member of this alliance of several of the world’s largest conservation organizations. Five years after the launch of WWF’s 2020 research reporting on the State of Conservation Technology, WWF is seeking a graduate intern to support a trends report capturing the evolution of the field and key opportunities as of 2025. The original research was the first of its kind, and was featured in leading outlets such as the New York Times, Mongabay, and DW News (live TV), so there is an opportunity for meaningful follow-up. This intern should have skills in social sciences, data analysis and visualization, and ideally, familiarity with conservation technologies. This position would significantly advance WILDLABS’ capacity to analyze and share the unique longitudinal data we have gathered over the past five years, which is critical for establishing an up-to-date evidence base for conservation tech innovation, capacity building, and scaling at WWF and beyond.  

Responsibilities

Internship Description:  

• Analyze qualitative and quantitative survey data collected over the past five years on the adoption and impact of conservation technologies.  

• Develop a comprehensive "State of Conservation Technology" five-year trends report, summarizing barriers, opportunities, and advancements in the field.  

• Conduct supplemental research to contextualize findings within the broader landscape of conservation innovation and technology scaling.  

• Create engaging data visualizations to effectively communicate trends and insights.  

• Draft high-quality written content for the report, suitable for publication and outreach purposes.  

• Collaborate with WILDLABS team members to align findings with organizational objectives and key conservation priorities.  

• Assist in preparing and disseminating press materials and presentations to share findings through media outlets, conferences, and stakeholder networks 

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:   

• Pursuing a graduate program in conservation biology, social science, data science, natural resource management, or a 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 16, 2025).  

• Strong experience with data analysis, including proficiency in software such as R, Python, and Excel.  

• Familiarity with social science research, including qualitative and quantitative analysis and interpretation.  

• Excellent writing and communication skills, particularly in scientific or technical reporting.  

• Demonstrated interest or background in conservation technology.  

• 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:   

• Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or ggplot2.  

• Familiarity with global conservation challenges and mutilateral environmental agreements (e.g., the Convention on Biological Diversity’s Global Biodiversity Framework).  

• Web development skills: 

• Basic proficiency in JavaScript and familiarity with charting libraries such as Chart.js, Plotly.js, or D3.js. 

• Understanding of the Drupal ecosystem, including content types, Views, and module configuration. 

• Experience working with relational databases  

Learning Outcomes  

• Gain hands-on experience in analyzing and reporting on longitudinal human dimensions data in the conservation technology sector.  

• Develop expertise in creating and sharing data-driven reports and visualizations tailored to diverse audiences, including technical and non-technical stakeholders.  

• Build skills in mixed-methods research design, implementation, and critical thinking.  

• Deepen understanding of conservation technology trends, barriers to scaling, and opportunities for innovation.  

• Strengthen professional communication and collaboration skills by working with a global conservation team.  

• Learn how to contextualize research findings within global conservation policy and practice, including producing high-impact reports to inform strategies of leading actors the sector.  

• Expand professional networks by engaging with WILDLABS’ global community of conservation technology practitioners, researchers, and innovators. 

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, Rhode Island, Wyoming. The intern must be able to work during Eastern Time hours, from 9 AM – 5 PM. 

Compensation:  

Paid - $22.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)  

Internship Dates:  

Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025  

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  

• What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation? 

• 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.  

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.