www.worldwildlife.org/science
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 are available at WWF headquarters in Washington, DC. 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.
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.
Title: Social Science Capacity-building
Description: Understanding the social dimensions of conservation is essential for its success. However, in the conservation world, social science capacity remains limited. The social science team at WWF is working towards building social science capacity to improve WWF's conservation efforts. The successful applicant will assist the social science team by conducting background research on one or more of the following topics: the role of social science in conservation, humanitarian-environmental partnerships, socio-ecological dynamics in Coastal East Africa, or other upcoming initiatives. The successful applicant will also provide assistance to the social science team in program backstopping and technical support. Requirements: Applicants should have a bachelors degree in the social sciences, strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, and a proven interest in people-conservation issues.
Stipend: none
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009; Include: "Social Science Capacity-building Internship" in the subject line.
Contact: Sharon Pailler (sharon.pailler@wwfus.org<
mailto:sharon.pailler@wwfus.org>)
Title: Scenario development for ecosystem service assessments
Description: Intern sought to assist in preparing guidance on developing scenarios for ecosystem service analyses. The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) has developed a software tool called InVEST (Integrated Valuation of Ecosystem Services and Tradeoffs). InVEST can show how ecosystem services and biodiversity are affected under different land use scenarios. The successful applicant will assist NatCap with identification of best practice developing land use scenarios that are credible, legitimate and salient to policy. Specifically, the successful applicant may: conduct a literature review of scenario development methodologies; research and write up case studies of scenario development in NatCap's existing demonstration sites; develop a typology of scenario methodologies; undertake a comparative analysis to assess the conditions under which different methodologies are appropriate and effective; build a database of existing scenario literature and guidance materials; develop communication materials as needed. Requirements: 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 and independently. Experience with ecosystem services and scenario development would be a plus.
Stipend: Unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009
Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org
Title: Ecosystem service modeling and policy change
Description: Intern sought to research the relationship between scientific ecosystem service analyses and uptake in policy and decisions. The Natural Capital Project (NatCap) is developing and applying tools to map and quantify ecosystem services under different land use scenarios. The successful applicant will assist NatCap to understand the contexts and conditions under which this type of scientific information on ecosystem services effectively leads to policy change. Specifically, the successful applicant may: conduct a literature review of ecosystem service studies aimed at changing policies at a range of scales and contexts; research the factors facilitating strong science-policy links in ecosystem services analyses; prepare a set of strategic recommendation for the Natural Capital Project on the basis of these findings.
Requirements: Seeking an interdisciplinary background in environmental policy, environmental economics and/or ecology. Requires excellent research and writing skills, and the ability to think strategically. Must be able to work efficiently and independently. Experience with ecosystem services and the science-policy interface would be a plus.
Stipend: Unpaid
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2009
Contact: Emily McKenzie (emily.mckenzie@wwfus.org
Title: Protected area emergence and evolution
Description: Protected areas are the cornerstone of conservation policies, but scholars lack convincing explanations for the patterns and trends in PA emergence and evolution. This project will analyze PA patterns and trends, in order to identify the factors that drive PA emergence and evolution. The project may include both marine and terrestrial PAs; geographic focus will depend upon data availability and WWF program priorities. Project outputs will include maps and graphs of PA patterns and trends, as well as statistical analyses identifying predictors of PA emergence and evolution. Results will be published in the peer reviewed scientific literature and shared widely across the conservation community. Requirements: degree in social science or a related field; basic GIS or statistical skills; familiarity with biodiversity conservation in developing countries. Foreign language skills preferred.
Stipend: unpaid
Due date for cover letter, CV, and writing sample: April 1, Include: "PA emergence & evolution internship" in the subject line.
Contact: michael.mascia@wwfus.org
Title: TRAFFIC Trade Internship
Description: Wildlife trade is a multi-billion dollar global business. Understanding the flow of this trade is key in terms of being able to effectively stem illegal trade as well as illustrate the benefits of sustainable, regulated trade. High profile wildlife trade enforcement cases are important in terms of being able to garner public support and funding for activities and programs to stop illegal trade. Using available enforcement cases, seizures and trade data, this intern will develop a database of seizures from WWF US priority places and create mapping tools to show trade flows. The database and mapping tools will then be used to develop case studies to be used as part of TRAFFIC's marketing and communications materials. Interns must have excellent analytical skills, be resourceful and creative in their work. Interns must work well independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with mapping software is desired and we are looking for an intern who is interested in making the link between research/data collection, synthesis and public dissemination of this research. Research (internet, institutional and literature) capabilities and a desire to learn about wildlife trade essential.
Stipend: This is an unpaid position.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 1, 2009 Include: "TRAFFIC Trade Internship" in the subject line.
Contact: Jill Hepp at (jill.hepp@wwfus.org
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