Position Summary
This project applies AI to understand climate change impacts on mangroves as part of an innovative, ongoing project with WWF Mexico. The intern will help the Global Science team expand our understanding of nature-based solutions through artificial intelligence (AI) and support our efforts to create a model for data collection and analysis that can inform climate-smart ecosystem conservation worldwide. The work will include developing a data lakehouse using Google Cloud and assisting in developing AI pipelines.
Responsibilities
Internship Description:
- Refining and expanding an existing data lakehouse for environmental data
- Applying AI techniques to understanding climate change impacts of mangroves
- Writing up documentation for any work completed
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Pursuing a graduate program in data science, computer science, or information sciences, Students in environmental sciences and others studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply as long as there is evidence of computer programming and data management expertise. Must be an actively enrolled student and not received degree at time of internship start date (June 16, 2025).
- Python programming language.
- Experience with Google Cloud.
- Identifies and aligns with WWF’s core values: Courage, Integrity, Respect, and Collaboration.
- Demonstrates courage by speaking up even when it is difficult, or unpopular.
- Builds trust with colleagues by acting with integrity, owning mistakes, and holding oneself accountable.
- Welcomes other points of view and ideas, recognizing and embracing different and contrary perspectives with kindness, curiosity, and encouragement.
- Makes conscious efforts to promote cooperative practices, behaviors, and ways of working across many groups and individuals.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not required:
- Spanish speaking skills
- Experience with data lakehouses
- Experience with Google cloud functions, big query, dataplex and Looker
Learning Outcomes
- Increased experience with data management
- Increased experience with data lakehouses
WWF interns will be offered 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 staff and leadership team.
Location:
This position is flexible on location. The intern may complete the internship either in Washington DC or other states, with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Wyoming.
Compensation:
Paid - $22.50 per hour (full-time, 35 hours per week)
Internship Dates:
Internship will run from June 16, 2025 to August 22, 2025
How to Apply:
Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page. In your cover letter, please describe:
- Your relevant skills and interest for this position
- Your connection to nature and the environment
- What obstacles have you experienced trying to break into the field of environmental conservation?
- How you could contribute to the field of conservation.
If selected for the role, you will need to provide 1 letter of recommendation as part of the WWF application process.
Please note: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.