Intern - AI and Climate Change

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a leading conservation organization that has been operational for 60 years. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries and has a vast network of more than 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 environment where various perspectives and backgrounds contribute to its mission. The organization is unified by core values of Courage, Respect, Integrity, and Collaboration.

Job Overview:
The internship program, known as BRIDGE, was launched in 2021 and is designed to provide paid internship opportunities for talented undergraduate and graduate students. The focus is on attracting individuals who may not have extensive professional experience or have not previously considered a career in conservation. The specific project for this internship involves applying artificial intelligence (AI) to understand the impacts of climate change on mangroves, as part of a collaborative project with WWF Mexico. The intern will work with the Global Science team to enhance the understanding of nature-based solutions through AI, contributing to the development of a model for data collection and analysis that supports climate-smart ecosystem conservation on a global scale. Responsibilities include developing a data lakehouse using Google Cloud and assisting in the creation of AI pipelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The intern will be responsible for refining and expanding an existing data lakehouse for environmental data, applying AI techniques to analyze the impacts of climate change on mangroves, and documenting the work completed. This role will involve hands-on experience with data management and AI applications, providing valuable insights into the intersection of technology and environmental conservation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must be pursuing a graduate program in data science, computer science, or information sciences. Students from environmental sciences or other fields are encouraged to apply if they can demonstrate expertise in computer programming and data management. Applicants must be actively enrolled students and should not have received their degree by the internship start date of June 16, 202

• Proficiency in Python programming is required, along with experience using Google Cloud. Candidates should align with WWF's core values of Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration, demonstrating the ability to communicate effectively, build trust, and promote cooperative practices.

Educational Background:
The position requires candidates to be enrolled in a graduate program related to data science, computer science, or information sciences. However, students from other disciplines may apply if they can showcase relevant skills in programming and data management. The educational background should reflect a strong foundation in technical skills necessary for the internship.

Experience:
While prior professional experience is not mandatory, candidates should have a solid understanding of data management and programming. The internship is particularly aimed at students who may not have had extensive work experience in the field of conservation or technology, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to break into the environmental sector.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Spanish speaking skills are preferred but not required, which could enhance the candidate's ability to engage with diverse teams and projects.

Additional Notes:
This is a paid internship position, offering compensation of $22.50 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 Washington DC or other states, with some exceptions. Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. and this position does not offer employment visa sponsorship. Candidates are required to submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant skills, connection to nature, obstacles faced in entering the field of environmental conservation, and potential contributions to the field. A letter of recommendation will also be required if selected.