BRIDGE Blue Corridor Whale Conservation Undergraduate Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, established 60 years ago. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in nearly 100 countries and has a vast network of nearly one million supporters in the United States and five million globally. The organization collaborates with communities, companies, and governments to achieve sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes. WWF is committed to diversity and inclusion, aiming to create an organization that reflects the richness of unique views, experiences, and backgrounds, unified by core values of Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration.

Job Overview:
The BRIDGE Blue Corridor Whale Conservation Undergraduate Intern position is part of WWF's internship" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">summer internship program, which was launched in 202

• This paid internship is designed for talented undergraduate and graduate students who may not have extensive professional experience and who are considering a career in conservation. The intern will focus on the Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC), a critical migratory route for various whale species that faces numerous threats from human activities. The intern's primary responsibilities will include conducting a threats analysis for priority whale species, compiling and summarizing scientific studies on whale migration and behavior, and contributing to the development of a governance framework for whale conservation in the EPBC. The intern will work closely with WWF’s Oceans and Wildlife teams and will have the opportunity to engage with technical staff to gather insights for their analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be co-supervised by the WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife Teams and will support the EPBC initiative by conducting a comprehensive desktop study. Key responsibilities include developing a synthesis report on threats to whales and their migration patterns, focusing on four priority species: blue, humpback, southern right, and gray whales. The intern will compile and summarize scientific literature on population status, important habitats, and migration routes, paying special attention to knowledge gaps. They will also conduct a threats analysis, synthesizing information on shipping, fisheries interactions, tourism impacts, and habitat degradation. Additionally, the intern may conduct GIS mapping to identify major shipping routes, whale migration routes, and protected areas, ultimately providing a scientific foundation for WWF's conservation priorities in the region.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in marine science, conservation biology, environmental policy, geography/GIS, or a closely related field. They must be actively enrolled students and not have received their degree by the internship start date of June 1, 202

• Candidates should align with WWF’s core values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, demonstrating the ability to speak up, build trust, embrace diverse perspectives, and promote cooperative practices. Experience in conducting systematic literature reviews and writing evidence-based syntheses is essential, along with excellent scientific writing skills and the ability to produce clear reports for both technical and non-technical audiences. Strong organizational skills, self-direction, and attention to detail are also required.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as marine science, conservation biology, environmental policy, geography/GIS, or related disciplines. While candidates from other fields are encouraged to apply, they must be actively enrolled students at the time of the internship.

Experience:
The internship is aimed at undergraduate and graduate students who may not have extensive professional experience. However, candidates should demonstrate experience in conducting systematic literature reviews and synthesizing scientific information. The ability to manage a multi-component research project and meet deadlines is also important.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is preferred for conducting scientific literature reviews and interviews with WWF country office staff, but it is not mandatory. Strong communication skills in English are essential for the role.

Additional Notes:
This is a paid internship position offering $21 per hour for full-time work (35 hours per week). The internship will run from June 1 to August 7, 202

• The position is flexible in terms of location, allowing the intern to work from Washington DC or other states, excluding Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, and Wyoming. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Candidates must submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant skills, interest in the position, connection to nature, and potential contributions to conservation. A letter of recommendation will be required if selected for the role. The application deadline is Monday, March 16, 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time.