BRIDGE Great Plains Policy and Economics Undergraduate Intern

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, established 60 years ago. It operates in nearly 100 countries and has a vast network of nearly one million supporters in the United States and five million globally. WWF's mission is to help people and nature thrive, and it aims to create sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes by leveraging the diverse views, experiences, and backgrounds of its team members. The organization is unified by core values of Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration, which guide its work and interactions with partners, communities, and stakeholders.

Job Overview:
The BRIDGE Great Plains Policy and Economics Undergraduate Intern position at WWF is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in gaining professional experience in the environmental sector. The intern will work closely with the director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Senior Director of Great Plains Policy and the Great Plains Team to support the overarching goals of the Great Plains strategy, which include sustaining and expanding intact grasslands, enhancing the ecological function of prairie ecosystems, and restoring keystone and endangered wildlife. The intern will engage in research that strengthens economic arguments for policies that promote grassland conservation, sustainable grazing, and wildlife restoration. This role is crucial for advancing WWF's policy priorities and achieving the 2030 targets set for the Great Plains Program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will conduct extensive research to support the Great Plains Program's policy objectives. Key responsibilities include: 1) Researching the economic benefits of policies that promote wildlife-friendly fencing, including identifying existing priorities in state wildlife action plans and assessing technical needs for improving fencing outcomes for wildlife. 2) Documenting cost savings from reduced fence replacement and animal casualties. 3) Analyzing the economic benefits of keeping grasslands intact and restoring marginal cropland to grass, including potential savings from avoided crop insurance subsidies. 4) Collaborating with the Great Plains team to develop strategy documents and policy recommendations. 5) Engaging with strategic coalitions, partner organizations, and government agencies to advocate for policy outcomes aligned with the Great Plains 2030 strategy.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be actively enrolled in an associate’s or bachelor’s program in Environmental & Natural Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics, Law & Land Use Policy, or Ecological Economics. Students from other disciplines are also encouraged to apply. Applicants should demonstrate alignment with WWF’s core values, showcasing courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, time management abilities, and economic analysis skills are essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, is required.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Environmental & Natural Resource Economics, Agricultural Economics, Law & Land Use Policy, or Ecological Economics. Students must be actively enrolled and should not have received their degree by the internship start date of June 1, 2026.

Experience:
The internship is aimed at students who may not have extensive professional experience but are eager to learn and contribute to the field of conservation. While prior experience in research or policy analysis is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The focus is on providing an opportunity for students to gain practical experience and develop their skills in a supportive environment.

Languages:
While there are no specific language requirements mentioned, proficiency in English is mandatory for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required for this position.

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

• Interns will have access to professional development opportunities, including online courses, mentoring, and networking with WWF staff. The position is flexible in terms of location, allowing interns 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 are not eligible for employment visa sponsorship.