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Climate Ecosystems Science Graduate Intern

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
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BR-2441 Climate Ecosystems Science Graduate Intern

 

Overview

WWF Overview  

For 60 years, WWF has worked to help people and nature thrive. As one of the world’s leading conservation organizations, WWF works in more than 100 countries, connecting cutting-edge conservation science with the collective power of our partners in the field – more than one million supporters in the United States and five million globally, as well as partnerships with communities, companies, and governments.  

 

Our vision for diversity, equity and inclusion at WWF is an organization as diverse as the world we protect; where the richness of all our unique views, experiences, and backgrounds combines to create the most sustainable and inclusive conservation outcomes possible — bringing the greatest benefit to the planet and every person who lives on it.  

 

Across the many cultures and individuals that represent WWF, we are unified by one mission, one brand, and one common set of values: Courage, Respect, Integrity and Collaboration. 

 

BRIDGE – Building Relationships, Inclusivity, Diversity, Growth, and Excellence 

WWF’s diversity-focused internship program, BRIDGE, aims to recruit professionals early in their careers who bring fresh thinking and innovation to the environmental and conservation sector and are well positioned to develop into the next generation of leaders. Our mission is to increase exposure of students from underrepresented populations to conservation and environmental careers, provide professional development opportunities, reduce the barriers to attracting a diverse pool of internship candidates, and develop a pipeline for future WWF hires from underrepresented populations. 

 

Position Summary 

The Climate team in the Global Science department is on the lookout for a driven intern with a background and interest in ecological climatology (role of ecosystems in the climate system) and climate impact monitoring and measurement. As a part of our team, you'll lead the charge in 1) creating a comprehensive climate guidebook that provides the latest statistics and facts on climate and ecosystems based on the most recent scientific literature; and assist 2) in creating a tools database that collates existing internal and external tools on climate impact monitoring, including on carbon measurement and accounting and climate risk assessments, and provides guidance on their use.  

 

The guidebook and tools database will serve as go-to resources within WWF Network on climate science facts and climate impact monitoring tools. This internship presents a unique opportunity for you to engage with the Global Science team, including the Global Lead Climate Scientist and Ecosystem Carbon Specialists, and significantly contribute to translating and communicating climate-related science for practitioners and decision-makers within the WWF network and beyond. 

Responsibilities

Guidebook: 

  • Research and gather data on annual carbon reservoirs and fluxes by ecosystem types and geographies, carbon residence and turnover times, sectoral emissions and removals, mitigation, and adaptation potentials, and impacts of climate change on ecosystems at 1.5C, 2C, 3C and 4C from credible sources including IPCC reports, scientific journals, reports, databases, and government publications.
  • Develop and write a Climate & Ecosystems Science Guidebook, and present information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner.
  • Conduct a review & revision process, engaging with subject matter experts in WWF to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the guidebook's content.
  • Assist in the creation of supplementary materials such as charts, graphs, and infographics to enhance the catalog’s effectiveness.

 

Tools database and resource guide: 

  • Help in compiling relevant, internal, and external tools on climate monitoring (carbon data, maps, calculation and accounting, climate hazards, climate vulnerability, climate resilience) and create a central database.
  • Together with the team, assess and review compiled tools and develop a guide to navigating the database and how to use the tools.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirements:  

  • Pursuing a graduate degree in environmental science, climate science, geography, ecology, or other relevant fields. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 17, 2024).
  • Strong research, writing and communication skills with the ability to critically evaluate and analyze scientific literature, convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, and present findings in a clear and concise manner.
  • High attention to detail and ability to ensure data accuracy and integrity through thorough validation and verification processes.
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.

Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: 

  • COURAGE – We demonstrate courage through our actions, we work for change where it’s needed, and we inspire people and institutions to tackle the greatest threats to nature and the future of the planet, which is our home.
  • INTEGRITY – We live the principles we call on others to meet. We act with integrity, accountability and transparency, and we rely on facts and science to guide us and to ensure that we learn and evolve.
  • RESPECT – We honor the voices and knowledge of people and communities that we serve, and we work to secure their rights to a sustainable future.
  • COLLABORATION – We deliver impact at the scale of the challenges we face through the power of collective action and innovation.

 

Preferred Qualifications:  

  • Passion for addressing climate change and its impact on ecosystems.
  • Problem-solving abilities: Aptitude for identifying and resolving data-related issues, along with a proactive approach to troubleshooting and problem-solving.
  • Collaborative team player: Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment, communicate effectively with team members, and contribute ideas to improve data processes and workflows.

 

Learning Outcomes 

  • Enhanced research skills: You will gain proficiency in researching and gathering data from diverse sources, including scientific journals, reports, databases, and governmental publications, honing the ability to critically evaluate and analyze scientific literature.
  • Familiarity with Climate databases and Climate impact monitoring tools: Gain familiarity with climate databases and climate monitoring tools, and the complexity involved in calculating carbon numbers by ecosystems, providing insight into the intricacies of data management and analysis in the field of climate science.
  • Understanding of Climate Change Impacts: Deepen understanding of climate change impacts on ecosystems, including carbon reservoirs, residence and turnover times, and the relevance of timeframes in climate models, contributing to a broader comprehension of climate science and its implications.
  • Familiarity with Data Visualization Tools: Acquire familiarity with data visualization tools and techniques, gaining proficiency in their use to enhance the effectiveness of communication and presentation of climate-related information.
  • Collaboration and Teamwork: Cultivate skills in collaborating with subject matter experts and working both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment, contributing effectively to the development of a comprehensive guidebook.
  • Communication and Presentation Skills: It will give them a chance to improve their ability to organize and present complex information in a clear, concise, and visually appealing manner, including the creation of supplementary materials such as charts, graphs, and infographics to enhance communication effectiveness.

 

WWF interns will be provided a set of professional development opportunities, aimed at increasing their exposure to conservation and sustainability careers. This includes: 

  • Development discussions with their manager;
  • Up to two online courses through Cornell University’s eCornell program;
  • Speed mentoring with different WWF teams;
  • Opportunity to present their work to intern peers and WWF staff;
  • Session on resume and interviewing best practices.

 

Interns will also have access to an array of networking opportunities. This includes meetings with WWF’s CEO, the senior management team, Employee Resource Groups, and representatives from other departments.  

 

Location: 

US-DC-Washington OR US Remote – WWF employs interns in all states with the exception of: Alabama, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming. 

 

Compensation: 

Paid - $21 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week) 

 

Internship Dates: 

Internship will run from June 17, 2024, to August 23, 2024 

 

In your cover letter, please describe your relevant skills and experience for this position and include a discussion of 1) how you have demonstrated a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and 2) what you hope to gain from the internship.  

  

If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.   

   

*Please note that interns must have U.S. work authorization that does not require sponsorship of a visa.  

    

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.