GIS Conservation
2012 WWF Social Science Internships 1-14
The following social science internships are available at World Wildlife Fund in Washington, DC. 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. 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.
1. Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) in North America (see other posting for info)
2. Protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) in Africa, Asia, and Latin America & the Caribbean
3. Local Climate Action Assessment Intern
4. Moabi Intern
5. Climate Change & Constituency Building Intern
6. Associated Infrastructure Project Intern
7. Science-Policy Intern – Integrating ecosystem services into decision-making
8. Conservation Science Network internship
9. Fuller Science for Nature internship
10. Water and climate change adaptation intern
11. Linking Human Welfare and Conservation in Coastal East Africa
12. CSP Communications Intern
13. Reef conservation and governance database intern
14. Linking Birding to Birds
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6. Associated Infrastructure Project Intern
Description:
Infrastructure has been identified as a major driver of deforestation and biodiversity loss in many important conservation areas. The scale and range of infrastructure projects – including mines, 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.
We aim to gain a better understanding of infrastructure developed in association with extractive industries, in order to more fully assess the predictable impacts of proposed extractive development. Over the past year, we have developed a working definition for ‘associated infrastructure’ and begun to compile the literature and cases that illustrate the current state of knowledge on the topic. Continuing research will (1) categorize the types of associated infrastructure that develop near mining sites, (2) evaluate the marginal impact of new infrastructure, and (3) identify and assess factors that influence the likelihood of different types of associated infrastructure.
The Associated Infrastructure Intern will continue our current work through enhancing a literature review, development of an analytical framework, and case study analysis. There is also potential for remote sensing and GIS analysis related to the case study sites, as well as some basic statistical analysis of selected variables.
Requirements:
Graduate degree or working towards a graduate degree in environmental management, geography, environmental engineering, international development or other related field; strong skills in research and synthesis; self-motivated and able to work independently; good problem-solving ability; and, a passion for conservation. Proficiency in remote sensing, satellite imagery analysis and classification, and one or more image processing software packages (i.e. ERDAS, ENVI, etc.); and/or, proficiency in use of ArcGIS 9.x or 10 would be a plus.
Stipend: Unpaid. The intern must receive academic credit or a stipend through his/her university for their work.
Due date for CV and cover letter: April 15, 2012
Contact: Charles Huang, charles.huang@wwfus.org