Plastic & Material Science Intern

Founded in 1961, WWF works to help people and nature thrive. As a global conservation organization, WWF operates in more than 100 countries, partnering with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. Grounded in science and driven by collaboration, WWF works to help nature by conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. Nearly 1 million people in the United States and more than 5 million globally are WWF members.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF), one of the world's leading conservation organizations, seeks aPlastic & Material Science Intern with demonstrated skills in technical writing, research and analysis, project management, and stakeholder engagement. The intern will work closely with members of WWF's Private Sector Engagement department on the Plastic & Material Science team, specifically on projects related to biobased and biodegradable materials, alternative materials, and responsible feedstock sourcing.

WWF believes we need to reimagine how we source, design, reuse, and dispose of the plastic materials communities most depend on. We need holistic systems change that includes reduction, reuse, substitution of materials, recycling, and better waste management. To do this, we need to use less plastic, make the plastic that we do use better, and ensure that it gets used more than once-creating circularity. WWF's approach to tackling global plastic pollution unites a global network of industry leaders, policymakers, and the public to transform our systems so the plastics we discard can become plastics we use again. The intern will support WWF's Bioplastic Feedstock Alliance efforts, where we are advancing thought leadership on responsibly sourced biobased plastic, so companies are equipped with the best science and sourcing practices as they shift to sustainable inputs for their new plastic needs.

This internship provides an opportunity to engage with business stakeholders, improve research, analysis, and project coordination skills in a professional setting, gain knowledge about supply chains and sourcing, corporate sustainability, public policy, and environmental issues, and contribute to WWF's mission. The work will involve research, technical writing, and project management in support of programs that address plastic pollution.

Responsibilities

• Support technical writing and content development for sustainability initiatives within the Plastic & Material Science team.

• Conduct research and analysis on environmental performance, supply chain risks, and emerging trends related to materials and packaging.

• Analyze alternative materials, product applications, and policy measures relevant to sustainable materials and plastics.

• Contribute to project management and administrative coordination across team initiatives and partnerships.

• Support stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration with internal and external partners.

• Develop written materials and engagement assets by synthesizing technical information and aligning findings with WWF's broader conservation mission.

• Assist in planning and executing multi-stakeholder events, including coordination with external partners such as companies, NGOs, and WWF network offices.

Learning Outcomes

• Develop project management and coordination skills through sustainability-focused initiatives and multi-stakeholder event planning.

• Strengthen research and analytical abilities by assessing environmental performance and supply chain risks of recovered and biobased materials.

• Enhance technical communication by producing reports, presentations, blogs, and other corporate engagement materials.

• Gain exposure to corporate sustainability strategies and stakeholder engagement with companies, NGOs, and WWF offices.

• Build foundational knowledge of environmental policy, circular economy, and commodity sourcing risks.

• Experience professional collaboration in a mission-driven organization aligned with WWF's core values of courage, respect, integrity, and collaboration.

Minimum Requirements:

• Current student or recent graduate in a relevant field such as corporate sustainability, natural resources, material science, environmental science, or sustainable development are preferred; highly qualified undergraduate students may be considered. Those studying outside these areas are still highly encouraged to apply.

• Ability to work full-time (35 hours per week) for 6 months is required.

• Strong attention to detail, time management, and ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team setting.

• Excellent research, analytical, and professional communication skills, both written and verbal.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Excel, PowerPoint, Word) and willingness to learn new platforms.

• Preferred experience in managing research projects, engaging external collaborators, and familiarity with environmental impacts and corporate sustainability.

• Preferred knowledge of topics related to circular systems, biobased plastic, alternative materials, agriculture, forestry, and climate.

• Fluency in English is required.

• 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.

• 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.

US Remote - WWF employs in all states with the exception of: Hawaii, Kentucky, Nevada, Oklahoma.

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 willbe required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire.

WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF) promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals regardless of age, race, color, sex, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.