Intern - Great Plains Wildlife and Science

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading conservation organization that has been working for over 60 years to help people and nature thrive. With operations in more than 100 countries, WWF connects cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of its partners in the field. The organization boasts one million members in the United States and five million supporters globally, alongside partnerships with communities, companies, and governments. WWF is committed to creating an inclusive environment that values diverse perspectives and experiences, aiming for sustainable conservation outcomes that benefit both the planet and its inhabitants. The organization is unified by its mission and core values: Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration.

Job Overview:
The internship-position" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">internship position is designed for undergraduate and graduate students who are actively enrolled and have not yet received their degree by the internship start date of June 16, 202

• The intern will collaborate closely with the Great Plains Wildlife and Science teams to compile, synthesize, and present information regarding land and agricultural dynamics on Native Nation lands within the Great Plains ecoregion of North America. This role is part of WWF's BRIDGE summer internship program, which aims to attract talented individuals who can bring fresh perspectives to the environmental sector, particularly those who may not have previously considered a career in conservation. The intern will be responsible for organizing and analyzing data from various sources, including the U.S. Census of Agriculture and WWF’s Plowprint dataset, and will develop materials to communicate findings effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern's primary responsibilities will include securing, organizing, and compiling publicly available data from the U.S. Census of Agriculture, as well as from the Plowprint dataset, which tracks grassland loss. The intern will be tasked with developing accessible materials that summarize this data, which may include reports, infographics, and ESRI StoryMaps that highlight key trends and spatial dynamics. Additionally, the intern will prepare a presentation of their findings to share with WWF and relevant partners, ensuring that the information is communicated clearly and effectively. The role requires strong attention to detail, time management skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team setting.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in fields such as geography/GIS, Native American studies, agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, social sciences, biology, or related disciplines. While these areas of study are preferred, students from other fields are encouraged to apply. Applicants must be actively enrolled students and should not have received their degree by the internship start date. Essential skills include strong interpersonal and communication abilities (both written and oral), proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and familiarity or basic proficiency with GIS software, preferably ESRI products. Candidates should also demonstrate alignment with WWF’s core values, showcasing courage, integrity, respect, and collaboration in their work.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this internship includes being an actively enrolled student in an associate’s or bachelor’s program related to geography/GIS, Native American studies, agriculture, natural resources, environmental science, social sciences, biology, or similar fields. The internship is specifically aimed at students who have not yet graduated, emphasizing the importance of ongoing education and the development of skills relevant to conservation and environmental work.

Experience:
While specific prior experience is not mandatory, candidates with experience working cross-culturally, handling large datasets, or knowledge of Native Nations in the Great Plains will be preferred. The internship is designed to provide valuable experience in compiling and synthesizing publicly available data, as well as developing communication materials and working collaboratively within a team environment.

Languages:
The job description does not specify mandatory languages; however, proficiency in English is implied as essential for communication and documentation purposes. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a paid internship position, offering compensation of $20.50 per hour for full-time work (35 hours per week). The internship will run from June 16, 2025, to August 22, 202

• The position is flexible in terms of location, allowing the intern to work from Bozeman, Montana, or other states, with the exception of Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, and Wyoming. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S., and the position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant skills, interest in the position, connection to nature and the environment, obstacles faced in entering the field of environmental conservation, and how they could contribute to the field. A letter of recommendation will also be required if selected for the role.