BR-2612 BRIDGE Blue Corridor Whale Conservation Undergraduate Intern

About the position WWF seeks a BRIDGE Blue Corridor Whale Conservation Undergraduate Intern . The Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC) spans thousands of square kilometers from Alaska to the Antarctic Peninsula, and links key habitats where many whale species feed, socialize, and raise their young. Along this migratory “ super highway ,” whales face increasing threats from shipping, unethical tourism, overfishing that reduces their food supply, entanglement and bycatch in fishing gear, and pollution that degrades their habitat. In response, WWF is working closely with local governments, communities, and scientists to reduce the impacts of anthropogenic activities on large migratory whales. Limited and dispersed scientific studies have been conducted across the Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC) on whale movements, population status, threats, and habitat areas for reproducing and feeding. These incomplete and disjunct studies provide limited information about important conservation areas and strategies. The WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife teams seek a n intern to conduct a threats analysis for priority whale species in the EPBC and to compile and summarize scientific studies regarding whale migration and behavior patterns. Their findings will directly inform the emerging regional EPBC governance framework, design of a well managed and inclusive network of conserved areas, and development of improved shipping, fishing, and tourism practices to tackle the key drivers of whale mortality.

Responsibilities

• The intern will be co-supervised by the WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife Teams, and will support WWF’s Eastern Pacific Blue Corridor (EPBC) transformational initiative by conducting a comprehensive desktop study and developing a synthesis report on the threats to whales and whale migration patterns in the Northern Hemisphere, focusing on four priority species: blue, humpback, southern right, and gray whales.
• The intern will compile and summarize scientific literature on population status and trends, important habitats, and migration routes, with special attention to knowledge gaps in north–south movement.
• They will also develop a threats analysis for each of these four species, synthesizing information on shipping and fisheries interactions, tourism impacts, habitat degradation, and other identified threats.
• The intern will also have the opportunity to interview technical staff from the WWF-US Oceans and Wildlife teams and WWF country offices to gather insights and knowledge to inform their analysis and final report.
• Finally, if feasible , the intern will conduct a GIS mapping exercise to map major shipping routes, whale migration routes, and protected areas to identify hotspots where WWF could focus our future interventions on shipping, protected areas, and fisheries.
• The resulting synthesis will provide a strong scientific foundation to help WWF identify our regional conservation priorities and guide our efforts under the EPBC transformational initiative to establish well-connected, integrated, coordinated, and inclusive good governance across the eastern Pacific for whales and people.

Requirements

• Pursuing an a ssociate’s or b achelor’s program in marine science, conservation biology, environmental policy, geography/GIS, or a closely related field . 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 1, 202 6 ).
• 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.
• Demonstrated experience conducting systematic/structured literature reviews and writing evidence-based syntheses .
• Excellent scientific writing and synthesis skills and ability to produce a clear, structured report for both technical and non-technical audiences .
• Organized, self-directed, and able to meet milestones; 4. strong attention to detail and documentation.

Nice-to-haves

• Subject expertise in one or more of the following areas is preferred, but not : Spanish language proficiency for scientific literature reviews and interviews with WWF country office staff Expertise in GIS (ArcGIS or other software )

Benefits

• 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.