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Careers at WWF

WWF Internship Opportunities

2010 Internships

The following internships are available at the World Wildlife Fund – United States. They are designed typically for graduate students, although some may be appropriate for advanced undergraduates. Projects can be undertaken over the summer (with extensions, as necessary, into the fall semester).

Most projects could also be extended over the course of one or two semesters as part of a student’s course work or thesis requirements; advance arrangements would be necessary with faculty advisors. Internships are typically unpaid unless otherwise noted, but facilities, library resources, and computers at WWF headquarters are available. Hours are flexible. To qualify for an unpaid internship, the student must provide documentation that they are receiving credit from their university, or that the work they will be performing is consistent with a course requirement.

In general, our interns need solid data management and writing skills, self-motivation, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Specific skills (required or preferred) are listed with each project, along with the primary contact person.

For more information on WWF’s Conservation Science Program, www.worldwildlife.org/science/ ; on the Natural Capital Project, www.naturalcapitalproject.org; on Market Transformation, http://www.worldwildlife.org/what/globalmarkets/; and on the Species program, www.worldwildlife.org/species/

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume/CV to the contact individual listed for each project, with “INTERNSHIP” and the relevant internship number listed in the subject line

Spring Semester

1. Title: Adaptation Learning Platforms (ALPs) Intern

Program: Climate Change Adaptation / Information Resource Center

Description: Adaptation Learning Platforms (ALPs) is a place for researchers, practitioners, and anyone else interested in climate adaptation approaches to come together. It is a place to interact, learn from each other, and advance the global common knowledge about climate change adaptation and preparedness. ALPs is made up of a robust set of features designed specifically to increase communication and the sharing of information between individuals and groups: a library of resources, wiki-based workspaces, discussion forums, and community networking.

The ALPS intern will work with a small team of adaptation professionals to build an adaptation research collection to be used by the ALPs community. You will perform scholarly research and work with existing sets of references to make recommendations on materials to be included in the collection.

The ideal ALPs Intern candidate has a background in information sciences, ecology, climate change, or conservation issues. Graduate-level applicants preferred. This position requires eligibility to work or study in the United States.

Stipend: Small stipend

Duration: Spring Semester

Contact: Dawn Pointer McCleskey (library@wwfus.org)

2. Title: Building a WWF Science Network

Description: Sound science underpins effective conservation. WWF has a wealth of scientific expertise across its offices around the world, ranging from anthropologists to zoologists and encompassing the biological, physical, and social sciences. For these scientists to contribute most to achieving WWF’s mission, they need to communicate, collaborate, and coordinate with each other. A range of services to enable these interactions and facilitate access to the latest scientific information will be provided by a new WWF Science Network, initially built by WWF-US’ Conservation Science Program. We are looking for a motivated intern to help us build the network from the ground up, with an emphasis on developing a web portal where members will access a number of key resources.

Internship responsibilities may include website administration (including adding/editing pages and structuring information across the portal); moderating discussions/forums; coordinating or writing reviews of the scientific literature; synthesizing relevant science news items; interviewing scientists across the global WWF network to produce profiles or collect items of interest; identifying and inviting WWF scientists to participate in network activities; and generally playing a central role in the Science Network team.

A successful candidate with have strong research, writing, and communication skills; experience using literature databases; knowledge of social networking; HTML and database experience; and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Knowledge of a programming language; background in the biological, physical, or social sciences; background in conservation, and international experience preferred. This internship is an excellent opportunity to interact with scientists in WWF-US and around the world; learn about WWF and its projects; get exposure to a wide range of conservation science topics; and play a key role in building a new science community.

Stipend: Funding possible.

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010, though qualified applicants may be considered before then.

Contact: Robin Abell (robin.abell@wwfus.org)

Summer Semester

Conservation

1. Title: Conservation impacts of forest certification

Description: Certification programs are a common conservation strategy, but evidence regarding the impacts of these programs is scattered. To inform conservation policy and practice, this project will review and synthesize the evidence regarding the ecological and socioeconomic impacts of forest certification. The successful candidate will examine published scientific articles, unpublished reports, and other sources of information. Project outputs will include a summary report and a comprehensive bibliography. Results will be published in the peer reviewed scientific literature and shared widely across the conservation community. Requirements: graduate training in social science, ecology, or a related field; familiarity with biodiversity conservation in developing countries. Foreign language and statistical skills preferred. Preference will be given to applicants for whom this research could serve as the foundation for a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. This position requires eligibility to work or study in the United States.

Stipend: yes
To apply: submit cover letter, CV, and writing sample
Due date: April 15
Contact to whom applications should be sent: sharon.pailler@wwfus.org
Include: Conservation impacts of forest certification internship in the subject line of your application.

Communications

1. Title: Internal Communications Intern

Description Manager for Internal Communication seeks an intern to support internal communication activities. As the internal communications intern, you will use your outstanding writing skills and attention to detail to produce content for our weekly employee e-newsletter, intranet homepage and other channels. You will also help create a variety of materials to support leadership communication and keep employees informed of important institutional information and events. Additionally, sharpen your planning and coordination skills while supporting events and projects to engage employees across the organization.

This is a for-credit internship for students enrolled in degree programs for communication, journalism, English or related field. Graduate students preferred. This is a great opportunity to apply your knowledge and creativity to real business communication challenges and gain experience in a large, complex organization.

To be successful, you must have excellent writing skills. You must be proficient in MS Word and Power Point and familiar with HTML and Photoshop also required. Knowledge of Adobe Contribute and InDesign is a plus. Prior experience in a professional office environment also required.

Duration Summer (May-August); Minimum 20 hours/week

Stipend None

Application Resumes accepted through April 15th.

Contact Erica.Woods@wwfus.org

Market Transformation

1. Title: Agriculture Internship

Description: This position is ideal for 1-2 interns. This position is unpaid and is open to undergraduate or graduate students (graduate students are preferred) and students must receive credit from their university.

Background

The goal of WWF-US is to measurably conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global forces to protect the future of nature by 2020. The Agriculture department of the WWF-US supports this goal by engaging companies on agricultural production methods and standards, procurement issues, supply chain structure, etc. This internship opportunity will assist the Agriculture department with this effort.

Internship Description

This internship will report to Jeff Malcolm, Program Officer, Supply Chains, and will work closely with members of the Agriculture department, Business & Industry staff and the WWF-US Markets unit. The intern may also have the opportunity to interact with company representatives. This internship provides an opportunity to improve research skills in a professional setting, gain knowledge about companies and environmental issues, and contribute to WWF’s mission.

The majority of work for this internship(s) will be assisting with analyzing environmental, social and business risks and potential issues within procurement areas for WWF partner companies’ supply chains. This will include researching forecasts of climate change, land use, evapotranspiration rates, etc in selected geographies. The intern(s) may also assist with the collection of data and creating reports based on the data and/or in the creation and planning of a large agricultural conference that WWF is preparing for the late summer.

Research agricultural commodities for analysis undertaken with partner companies;
Assist with the assessment of procurement, water and business risks for crops;
Create reports based on the analyses;
Assist with the planning and execution of a large 3 day agricultural based conference that WWF is organizing for the later summer;
Other assignments as required.

Requirements:

Applicants must be receiving course credit for an undergraduate or graduate degree program.
Full time is preferred; minimum of 20 hours a week for 12 weeks (a longer time period, potentially through the fall is desirable);
Good research skills, attention to detail are obligatory;
Familiarity with agriculture, environment, economics and/or business is helpful;
Skills in Excel, Power Point and Microsoft Word and obligatory; other programs (e.g. GIS) are helpful.

Contact: Please send a resume & cover letter to Jeff Malcolm no later than March 15. Jeff.malcolm@wwfus.org

2. Title: Intern, Business and Markets

The goal of WWF-US is to measurably conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global forces to protect the future of nature by 2020. The Market Research and Development team along with the Business and Industry team support this goal by researching markets and companies that have an impact on markets, priority places and priority species and making recommendations for strategic engagement.

Potential Duties & Responsibilities

Research and expand our knowledge of private and public global companies working in each of the strategic sectors, commodities and markets we have identified;
Develop the supply chain of commodities and products impacting priority places;
Targeted research on selected companies or industries as needed;
Creation of finance sector case studies and learning tools;
Species and Market intersection research;
Support for WWF’s Water Stewardship efforts;
Other assignments as required.

Required Skills and Abilities

Self-starter who can work independently or as a team
Strong research skills are a must
Knowledge of databases and attention to detail are obligatory
Skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point
Interest in WWF’s mission and the role of business in protecting the environment
Fluent in English (spoken and written), knowledge of other languages is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

Financial or Business background
Experience researching companies and commodities
Familiarity with international finance sector
Experience creating documents for external circulation (i.e. case studies)

Stipend: Unpaid - Must receive academic credit.

Duration: Summer 2010

Due Date for Application: April 19th, 2010. Include “Business and Markets Internship” in the subject line.

Contact: Nicole Tanner (nicole.tanner@wwfus.org) and Sheri Willoughby (sheri.willoughby@wwfus.org)

3. Title: Corporate Partnership Intern, Business & Industry

Description: About the Business & Industry Unit: The goal of WWF-US is to measurably conserve 19 of the world’s most important natural places and significantly change global forces to protect the future of nature by 2020. The Business & Industry unit at WWF develops and maintains relationships with businesses to: improve business practices, reduce their environmental footprint, bring sustainable products to market, and through these efforts help WWF achieve its conservation goals.

Internship Description: In 2007, WWF and The Coca-Cola Company formed a global partnership to help address fresh water and climate challenges. The Corporate Partnership Intern will be a contributing member of The Coca-Cola Company Partnership team, assisting with the management of the relationship and communications efforts. Interns will work closely with the partnership team, Business & Industry staff, and The Coca-Cola Company.

Responsibilities may include:

Working with the partnership team to further partnership objectives
Developing partnership communications material for external audiences
Working with programs and media teams to develop story ideas for the media
Conducting industry and media research and news monitoring
Fostering internal communications vehicles for both WWF and The Coca-Cola Company

What You Will Gain:

First-hand experience working on one of the largest NGO-corporate partnerships in the world
Expertise on a major emerging theme in global conservation – fresh water
Knowledge of corporate sustainability initiatives and the increasing role of business in global conservation
Opportunity to interact with members of the business and NGO sectors
Development of professional portfolio pieces

Desired Qualifications:

Strong writing and research skills
Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
Must be self-sufficient and able to work as part of a team
Ability to think creatively and to share ideas

Coursework or experience in public relations, communications, business, economics and/or the environment is a plus.

Special Requirements: Students should be enrolled in a graduate-level degree program (strong undergraduate applicants will be considered).

Duration: Full time (35 hours/week) starting in May/June 2010

Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. Course credit or small stipend may be available.

Due Date for Application: March 31, 2010

Contact: Please send cover letter and resume by email to Kristin Treier (kristin.treier@wwfus.org).

Please see our website for more information: http://www.worldwildlife.org/water/cocacola

4. Title: Global Forest & Trade Network-North America: Communications Internship

Description: The Global Forest & Trade Network (GFTN) is WWF's initiative to eliminate illegal logging and drive improvements in the management of the world's most valuable and threatened forests. By facilitating trade links between companies committed to achieving and supporting responsible forestry, the GFTN creates market conditions that help conserve the world's forests while delivering benefits to the businesses, communities and wildlife that rely on these forests. More than 360 companies in 36 countries participate in the GFTN; the GFTN-North America (GFTN-NA) program engages with U.S. and Canadian companies to progressively increase the proportion of credibly certified forest products within their supply chains. More information on the GFTN-NA is available at http://www.worldwildlife.org/naftn.

A key component of the GFTN-NA’s work involves outreach and engagement with companies to explore collaborative opportunities to protect the world’s remaining natural forests and help companies improve their business practices through responsible purchasing. The GFTN-NA is looking for an intern that can help strengthen the GFTN-NA’s presentation to companies interested in such collaborative efforts. Specific tasks include engaging with GFTN-NA member companies to develop high level case studies/testimonials illustrating the value of responsible purchasing and the GFTN program, identifying reputable sources for the main business and conservation benefits of responsible sourcing, quotes/stats related to the increased "uptake" of responsibly sourced wood and paper products by North American customers, and more.

Requirements
• Applicants must be receiving course credit for an undergraduate or graduate degree program
• 20-35 hours per week for a minimum of 12 weeks
• Excellent oral and written communications skills
• Strong research skills
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong familiarity with Microsoft PowerPoint
• Ability to work well independently and as a team
• Interest in WWF’s mission and role of corporate engagement to advance responsible forestry
• Knowledge of forestry, business helpful

Stipend: This internship is unpaid—students must receive credit from their respective academic institutions.

Contact: Please e-mail resume and cover letter to Jennifer Gerholdt, GFTN-NA Program Officer, no later than April 16th. Jennifer.Gerholdt@wwfus.org

Field Programs

1. Title: Law Student Internship for Northern Great Plains program (located in Bozeman, MT)

Description: Three-month internship available beginning March 2010 for a first year (or later) law student to research the legal issues surrounding recreational shooting closures on public lands in Montana. Specifically, the law intern will conduct research to determine whether the Bureau of Land Management has the authority to close shooting seasonally to specific wildlife species of concern on their lands and whether the closure can be specific to a single species.

Stipend: This is an unpaid internship. Course credit or a stipend may be available from participating universities.

Requirements: Intern must be a currently enrolled first – fourth year law student.

Duration: Summer 2010

Application Due Date: April 2, 2010

Application Materials: Please submit a resume, a completed WWF internship application, and three references to the contact information below.

Point of Contact: Kristy Bly, Program Biologist (kristy.bly@wwfus.org)

2. Title: Intern-Freshwater Agreements Project Intern

Program: Freshwater/International law

Description: The Freshwater Agreements Project is a WWF initiative to strengthen international water law and improve global freshwater governance, through instruments such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Convention)and the Convention on Biological Diversity. The intern will work with the WWF network, other NGOs, UN agencies and government officials to support this initiative, including through the development of position papers, the monitoring of awareness raising and capacity building processes, the assistance to countries in the ratification and implementation of international legal agreements, and the involvement in fundraising.

The ideal candidate is a J.D. graduate, with interest in international environmental/water law and policy. The candidate should also have good knowledge of international law; academic experience in international water law, such as research projects or oral presentations, is recommended, but not required. Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French and/or Spanish is highly desirable.

This position requires eligibility to work or study in the United States.

Salary: hourly rate of $20.00 for 35 hours per week

Duration: 6 months, with a start date anticipated for Apr.5

Contact: Flavia Loures (flavia.loures@wwfus.org) – Interested candidates should submit their curriculum vitae, a writing sample and an academic and professional references

Marketing

1. Title: Creative Services Intern

Description: World Wildlife Fund, the global conservation organization, is looking for a photo/video intern to create news B-Roll packages, digitize and archive footage and photos, and support productions and post productions in other capacities. Requires 1 year practical or professional training in Photoshop and Final Cut Pro. Coursework in documentary filmmaking preferred. An interest in environmental conservation is a plus.

Stipend: Unpaid - For mandatory credit

Duration: Summer

Contact: Christopher O’Leary (christopher.oleary@wwfus.org)

Science

1. Title: Building a WWF Science Network

Stipend: Funding possible.

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010, though qualified applicants may be considered before then.

Contact: Robin Abell (robin.abell@wwfus.org)

2. Title: Protected Area Downgrading, Downsizing and Degazettement

Description: Conservation policy assumes that protected areas are 'forever', but reality suggests otherwise. World Wildlife Fund – US (WWF-US) is systematically investigating patterns, trends, and causes of protected area degazettement, downgrading, and downsizing(PADDD), and their implications for the sustainability of conservation efforts. WWF-US is seeking a currently enrolled graduate student to conduct an internship to investigate spatial, temporal and causal trends in PADDD in Asia, Africa and Latin America and the Caribbean. Outputs may include map and graphs of PADDD patterns and trends, as well as statistical analyses identifying predictors of PADDD.

Internship activities: 1) gather and refine information regarding PADDD cases in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean. 2) assist with development and maintenance of a database of PADDD cases 3) conduct data analysis of PADDD cases using GIS and statistical tools 4) additional tasks will be assigned as needed

Requirements: Current enrollment in a graduate degree program in the social sciences, natural resources management/conservation, or related. Experience in quantitative and statistical analysis and familiarity with GIS and statistical software are essential. Preference will be given to applicants for whom this research could serve as the foundation for a master’s thesis or doctoral dissertation. This position requires eligibility to work or study in the United States.

Stipend: None

Due date for CV and cover letter: March 15^th, 2010

Contact: Sharon Pailler Sharon.pailler@wwfus.org

3. Title: Mapping and valuation of ecosystem services

Description: Intern(s) sought to work on mapping and valuation of ecosystem services using InVEST, an ArcGIS based modeling tool developed by the Natural Capital Project (www.naturalcapitalproject.org). Interns will work on one or more of the following:

Using InVEST to map and value ecosystem services on WWF priority sites in Sumatra, the Colombian Amazon Piedmont, and the Greater Virungas Landscape in East Africa. Specifically, the intern may: gather and format data sets for use with InVEST; help WWF field programs with applying InVEST; and run the InVEST models for a range of ecosystem services under current land use patterns and future scenarios.
Providing feedback on the tool that will contribute to its further development, and helping to improve the documentation.
For interns with advanced ArcGIS skills (geoprocessing and Python scripting), there are opportunities to contribute to module development and improvement.
The intern may also be able to apply InVEST to another study area relevant to his or her ongoing or planned thesis project

This is a great opportunity for self-motivated students to gain experience in spatial analysis and ecosystem services, and to possibly develop an independent research project for their thesis requirements. A minimum of two semesters ArcGIS coursework, or equivalent work experience required. Also helpful: knowledge of Spatial Analyst Tool and Python scripting, and prior experience with ecosystem services. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Graduate students are preferred.

Stipend: Funding Possible

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Nirmal Bhagabati (nirmal.bhagabati@wwfus.org)

4. Title: Ecosystem services – policy and conservation finance

Description: Intern sought to support the Natural Capital Project’s Policy and Finance Program. This program helps governments, multilateral development banks, businesses and others to translate ecosystem service information into action. These actions may changes views about the value of ecosystems, reform institutions, and establish the policies and incentives necessary to sustain ecosystem services. The intern will contribute to work that supports three objectives of the program:

Develop tools that address themes such as scenario development, the distribution of ecosystem services, governance and stakeholder engagement.
Help NatCap’s partner sites to address specific ecosystem service policy and finance issues, such as developing sustainable finance schemes in Indonesia, or measuring policy impact of marine ecosystem service analyses in Canada.
Capture the experiences and lessons learned by those applying NatCap’s tools, in ways that are accessible for future users, for example, by writing up case studies.

Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy, environmental economics, environmental modeling and/or ecology. Requires excellent research, writing and communication skills. Must be able to work efficiently, both in a team and independently. Also requires experience with ecosystem services, environmental policy and conservation finance.

Stipend: Funding possible

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org)

5. Title: The impact of ecosystem service valuation on decision-making

Description: Intern sought to research the relationship between ecosystem service valuation and decision-making. The successful applicant will assist the Natural Capital Project by constructing a database of ecosystem service valuation studies, conducting research on how these studies have been taken up in decision processes, and analyzing the contextual factors that affect when valuation studies have an impact. This is likely to include surveys and/or interviews of those involved in valuation studies, and statistical analysis of results. The research will investigate obstacles and enabling conditions encountered in applying valuation results in real decision contexts, including governance and institutional structures, and communication and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy and environmental economics with strong research and statistical skills. Must be able to be effective independently. Experience with ecosystem services and environmental valuation desirable.

Stipend: Funding possible

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org)

6. Title: Poverty and Biodiversity in the Coral Triangle

Description: Coral Triangle Region represents the center of marine biological diversity on the plant, and one of humanity’s greatest common heritage treasures. There are six countries in the Coral Triangle Region, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste. These countries are home to a remarkable diversity of cultures and ethnic groups highly dependent on marine and coastal resources. These marine and coastal resources play a critical role in ensuring the sustainable development, incomes, livelihood, and food security of the populations living in coastal areas. Our goal is to explore the linkage between biodiversity and poverty in the Coral Triangle (CT) region through spatial and statistical analysis of socioeconomic and biodiversity data, which may present opportunities to work in a manner that would both conserve biodiversity while improving human well-being.

Responsibilities

CSP is looking for an intern to carry out the spatial and statistical analysis of poverty and biodiversity in the Coral Triangle. The successful applicant is expected to carry out the following responsibilities:

Locate and obtain any relevant data for the region including data on socioeconomics, biodiversity, and oceanography.
Organize, compile, and examine all new and existing data
Perform any data cleaning or geoprocessing for analysis
Research, explore, and perform spatial statistics analyses
Communicate with experts on spatial statistics within and outside of WWF
Write a final report on the project and analysis
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements: 1)Graduate student working towards a degree in geography, environmental or social science or related field; 2)Familiarity with sustainable development and biodiversity conservation; 3) Proficiency in ArcGIS 9.x; 4) Understanding and experience with statistics. Knowledge of spatial statistics and related software (ArcGIS 9.x spatial statistics toolbox, GeoDa, R) highly preferred; and 5) Strong writing and communication skills, strong problem solving ability, and ability to work independently;

Stipend: None, must be able to obtain credit for summer work

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Charles Huang (charles.huang@wwfus.org)

7. Title: The Driver Geowiki

Description: Infrastructure has been identified as one of the major drivers of deforestation and conservation threats. The scale and range of infrastructure projects -- including dams, roads, transmission lines and pipelines - presents a serious challenge to the long term conservation and sustainable development of many of the

regions in which WWF currently works. Understanding of development planning is also key to setting scenarios for REDD. The Macroeconomic Program Office and Conservation Science Program will be rolling out a ground-breaking website for users to share, view, edit, and discuss planned development information.

Responsibilities

We are looking for an intern to prepare and populate the website as well as ensure the functioning of the website through administration, updating and liaising with users and other administrators. The successful applicant will be responsible for the following duties:

Preparing and uploading acquired spatial data
Administer and update the site
Moderate forums
Liaise with other site administrators
Coordinate between WWF offices and other NGOs, government agencies, research institutions, and the private sector

Requirements and Qualifications: 1) Enrollment or degree from a postgraduate program in natural resources management, GIS, environmental science, conservation biology or related field; 2) Proficiency in ArcGIS 9.x; 3) Strong communication and writing skills; 4) Knowledge of website and forum administration and moderation; 5) Proficiency in French; 6) Knowledge of programming and database administration highly preferred.

Stipend: Yes

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Charles Huang (charles.huang@wwfus.org)

8. Title: Option values of tropical forests

Description: Option and quasi-option values refer to future benefits that are uncertain and that may be irreversibly lost subject to decisions that must be made in the present. Despite appearing highly relevant to biodiversity conservation (e.g., tropical forests are being cut down now, but we are uncertain of the benefits they may provide in the future, and these benefits will likely be irretrievably lost once deforestation has occurred), there is little in the way of empirical assessment of option values in this area. The intern would conduct a literature/data search for information pertaining to option values and tropical forests. Subject to the information that is uncovered, an empirical assessment of option values for a particular area may be attempted.

Requirements: Degree in environmental economics and/or significant non-market valuation experience. Familiarity with calculus, differential equations, dynamic programming, and statistical simulation methods a plus. Strong preference for candidates that can work independently with minimal supervision.

Stipend: Unpaid

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2008

Contact: Robin Naidoo (robin.naidoo@wwfus.org)

9. Title: Modelling of African buffalo movements in a transfrontier conservation area

Description: In conjunction with a number of government and non-government partners in Namibia, WWF has collected and continues to collect information on the movement of African buffalo in a transfrontier conservation area in the northeast of the country. We have amassed a large data set on the GPS locations of animals, and are seeking an intern to assist in collating and manipulating environmental data such as land cover, fire frequency, and vegetation greenness, and subsequently to develop models of the relationship between these variables and animal movement. This is an advanced level project that requires significant computational and statistical expertise, and that will result in at least one co-authored publication.

Requirements: Degree in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, or similar. Applicant should have excellent quantitative skills and be capable of manipulating large data sets, including remotely sensed data from sensors such as MODIS and LANDSAT, using GIS software and statistical software (preference for users familiar with R). Familiarity with statistical analyses, in particular advanced regression approaches, is required. Strong preference for candidates that can work independently with minimal supervision.

Stipend: Unpaid.

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2008

Contact: Robin Naidoo (robin.naidoo@wwfus.org)

10. Title: Global River Gap Analysis

Description: In advance of the Convention on Biological Diveristy’s Conference of the Parties in October 2010, WWF and partners are undertaking a global river gap assessment to evaluate the extent to which existing protected areas (PAs) encompass the world’s rivers. Considering that rivers are among the most imperiled freshwater systems, it seems imperative to get a solid understanding of the extent to which they are captured within existing PAs and therefore may be receiving some degree of protection. Time permitting; we may look not only at the overlap of rivers with PAs but also at river size and the number of catchments that are entirely covered by PAs. After evaluating the extent of coverage we will apply a biogeographic framework – Freshwater Ecoregions of the World – to provide a preliminary assessment of the biogeographic representativeness of the PAs in addition to a single global value. We are looking for a motivated intern to assist us with GIS analyses and documentation of the results. The intern would be responsible for undertaking GIS analyses, writing case studies on particular PAs or sets of PAs illustrative of the results, and creating maps to display the results. A successful candidate will have strong research, writing, and communication skills; and experience using ArcInfo, undertaking GIS analyses, and creating maps. Interest and experience in freshwater ecology and river conservation preferred.

Stipend: None, must be able to obtain credit for summer work

Due date for CV and cover letter: May 15, 2010

Contact: Michele Thieme (michele.thieme@wwfus.org)

11. Title: Climate Change Vulnerability of flagship species in priority landscapes

Description: Intern sought to conduct vulnerability assessments using standard methodologies for WWF flagship species (including tigers, great apes, turtles) in selected priority landscapes. Research should identify possible shifts in habitat corridors for landscape connectivity or disappearance of vital plant communities for our flagship species. Will be supervised by Climate Change Adaptation specialist.

Requirements include: 1)Graduate student working towards a degree wildlife ecology, environmental or climate science, environmental modeling and/or ecology or related field; 2)Familiarity with wildlife population dynamics and biodiversity conservation; 3) Proficiency in ArcGIS 9.x; 4) Knowledge of spatial statistics and related software (ArcGIS 9.x spatial statistics toolbox, GeoDa, R) highly preferred; and 5) Strong writing and communication skills, strong problem solving ability, and ability to work independently;

Stipend: Stipend possible

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Sybille Klenzendorf (sybille.klenzendorf@wwfus.org)

12. Title: Mapping and valuation of ecosystem services

Description: Intern(s) sought to work on mapping and valuation of ecosystem services using InVEST, an ArcGIS based modeling tool developed by the Natural Capital Project (www.naturalcapitalproject.org). Interns will work on one or more of the following:

Using InVEST to map and value ecosystem services on WWF priority sites in Sumatra, the Colombian Amazon Piedmont, and the Greater Virungas Landscape in East Africa. Specifically, the intern may: gather and format data sets for use with InVEST; help WWF field programs with applying InVEST; and run the InVEST models for a range of ecosystem services under current land use patterns and future scenarios.
Providing feedback on the tool that will contribute to its further development, and helping to improve the documentation.
For interns with advanced ArcGIS skills (geoprocessing and Python scripting), there are opportunities to contribute to module development and improvement.
The intern may also be able to apply InVEST to another study area relevant to his or her ongoing or planned thesis project

Stipend: Unpaid

Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2010

Contact: Nirmal Bhagabati (nirmal.bhagabati@wwfus.org)

Policy

1. Title: Forest Carbon (REDD) Intern

Description: World Wildlife Fund, the world’s leading conservation organization, is looking for an intern to work in the dynamic new field of Forest Carbon and the Reduction of Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD).

REDD is an innovative new financing mechanism which has the potential to revolutionize forest conservation. Forests have a vital role to play in the fight against climate change – they are the largest terrestrial store of carbon and the third largest source of carbon emissions after coal and oil. Deforestation is estimated to be responsible for 15% of current greenhouse gas emissions . In addition, forests have significant economic and ecological value as a provider of ecosystem services, being home to much of the world’s biodiversity and supporting the livelihoods of over 1 billion of the world’s poorest people. The intern will be assigned to work on a variety of qualitative and quantitative research topics related to the deliverables of WWF-US’s new business plan on Forest Carbon. Ad hoc assignments will also be given including some administrative tasks.

Interns must be self-starters who can work independently or as a team. Other requirements include: