BR-2304 Nature-Based Solutions Undergraduate Intern

Overview

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 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.

Our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect; where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines 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 – Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence

WWF’s diversity-focused internship program, BRIDGE, aims to recruit professionals early in their careers who bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental and conservation sector and are well positioned to develop into the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to conservation and environmental careers, provide professional development opportunities, reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates, and develop a pipeline for future WWF hires from underrepresented populations.

Position Summary

WWF, one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, seeks a Nature-Based Solutions Undergraduate Intern for the Free-Flowing Rivers Initiative (FFRI). The purpose of the FFRI is to protect the last remaining free-flowing rivers for the enduring benefit of people, wildlife, and nature. The Nature-Based Solutions Undergraduate Intern will work with the Freshwater team and WWF offices to identify the potential for restoration or management projects focused on Nature-Based Solutions for freshwater-related climate adaptation and resilience in specific regions (e.g., constructed wetlands to absorb stormwater and reduce flooding).

Responsibilities

Internship Description:

The intern will conduct a compilation of the latest literature and guidance on freshwater-related climate adaptation and resilience interventions specific to rivers and wetlands. The intern will package the results of their review into a final product and have the opportunity to present their findings.

Potential research topics may include:

• Collecting case studies of successful nature-based solutions in river ecosystems globally.
• Researching nature-based solutions within the FFRI priority regions.
• Documenting funders (e.g., government, foundations, trusts, etc.) that have supported. Nature-Based Solutions.
• Other topics related to rivers and nature-based solutions.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date.

• Pursuing an Associate’s or Bachelor’s program.

• Interest in conservation planning, water resources, stakeholder engagement, community development, inclusive decision-making, international development and policy.

• Excellent research skills.

• Attention to detail.

• Organized and self-motivated.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Comfort working both independently and as part of a team.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.

• 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.

Learning Outcomes

• Understanding of how conservation projects are funded.

• Gaining knowledge and expertise on how rivers can be effective nature-based solutions.

• Working with colleagues from a various set of skills, backgrounds, and locations.

• Coordinating, facilitating, and organizing meetings across different time zones.

• Consolidating information through research findings and interviews to propose nature-based solutions.

WWF interns will be provided 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 CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.

Location:

US-DC-Washington or US-Remote: WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Wyoming.

Compensation:

Paid - $17 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)

Internship Dates:

Internship will run from June 5, 2023 to August 11, 2023

How to Apply:

Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers Page**,  Requisition# BR-2304**. In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship.

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.

* Please note that intern must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.

WWF is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace and requires all US-based staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19. WWF will consider requests for accommodation from the vaccine requirement based on disability, medical contraindication, sincerely held religious belief, or any other category protected by federal, state, or local law.

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.