Are recent graduates passionate about conservation and eager to make a meaningful impact in environmental sustainability? WWF South Africa is thrilled to announce their Graduate Internships for 2024/2025. This program presents a unique opportunity for new graduates to gain hands-on experience and contribute to the organization’s mission of protecting the planet’s most vulnerable species and ecosystems.

    Interns will join a dynamic team, engage in cutting-edge projects, learn from leading experts, and develop valuable career skills. This is a chance to be part of a global movement dedicated to creating a sustainable future.

    WWF South Africa Graduate Internships

    1. Agricultural Scientist

    Organization: Living Lands, Joubertina
    Role: Support ecological restoration and regenerative agriculture projects.
    Key Tasks:

    • Data collection and site assessments
    • Desktop research
    • Report writing
    • GIS mapping

    2.Climate Change Scientist

    South African National Parks, Cape Town
    Role: Assist with climate change research and management in national parks.
    Key Tasks:

    • Support vulnerability assessments
    • Climate change monitoring
    • Literature reviews
    • Administrative support

    WILDTRUST, Pietermaritzburg
    Role: Assess threats to wetlands and engage with communities.
    Key Tasks:

    • Soil carbon assessment
    • Training material development
    • Citizen science activities
    • Logistical support

    WWF South Africa, Cape Town
    Role: Assist in climate and energy stakeholder engagement.
    Key Tasks:

    • Research
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Administrative tasks

    3. Conservation Scientist

    South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town
    Role: Coordinate data compilation for genetic indicators and national reporting.
    Key Tasks:

    • Genetic diversity analysis
    • Species assessments
    • Conservation monitoring
    • Reporting

    TRAFFIC, Pretoria
    Role: Support wildlife trade projects with a focus on timber.
    Key Tasks:

    • Research
    • Scientific writing
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Administrative support

    4. Ecologist

    South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda
    Role: Assist with aquatic biodiversity research and experiments.
    Key Tasks:

    • Fieldwork and laboratory experiments
    • Freshwater fish biological assessments
    • Statistical analysis
    • Physiology experiments

    5. Environmental Journalist

    Sustainable Energy Africa, Cape Town
    Role: Generate and manage project content and communications.
    Key Tasks:

    • Writing, editing, and proofreading
    • Website and social media management
    • Event coordination
    • Report preparation

    6. Environmental Lawyer

    South African National Parks, Cape Town
    Role: Provide legal support for national park expansion and compliance.
    Key Tasks:

    • Legal support for land purchase and agreements
    • Planning and development
    • Contracting

    7. Environmental Research Scientist

    The Green House, Cape Town
    Role: Assist with research-based sustainability projects.
    Key Tasks:

    • Data collection and analysis
    • Literature reviews
    • Administrative support

    8. Geneticist

    South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
    Role: Assist with next-generation sequencing and bioinformatics.
    Key Tasks:

    • DNA extraction
    • Library construction
    • Quality control
    • Basic bioinformatics

    South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda
    Role: Conduct genomic DNA extractions and laboratory management.
    Key Tasks:

    • DNA extractions
    • Polymerase chain reaction
    • Laboratory stock management

    9. GIS Technician

    M.A.P. Scientific Services, Pretoria
    Role: Manage and maintain GIS databases.
    Key Tasks:

    • GIS data management
    • ArcGIS implementation
    • Workflow management

    South African National Biodiversity Institute, Cape Town
    Role: Update biodiversity indicators for reporting and analysis.
    Key Tasks:

    • Data management
    • Data cleaning
    • Map creation

    South African National Parks, Skukuza
    Role: Support geospatial data management for protected areas.
    Key Tasks:

    • Spatial data engineering
    • Cartographic products
    • Web-based applications

    WILDTRUST, Pietermaritzburg
    Role: Map and analyze spatial relationships for projects.
    Key Tasks:

    • Cartographic maps
    • Data management
    • Report writing

    10. Landscape Architect

    Greenpop, Cape Town
    Role: Support urban greening and forest restoration projects.
    Key Tasks:

    • Planning and implementation
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Garden designs
    • Nursery management

    11. Life Science Technician

    South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda
    Role: Maintain acoustic receivers and support fieldwork.
    Key Tasks:

    • Data maintenance
    • Acoustic tagging
    • Equipment servicing

    12. Marine Biologist

    South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity, Makhanda
    Role: Assist in marine biodiversity research and monitoring.
    Key Tasks:

    • Research support
    • Science communication
    • Stakeholder engagement

    South African National Parks, Garden Route
    Role: Support marine biodiversity research in protected areas.
    Key Tasks:

    • Fieldwork
    • Data capturing
    • Report writing

    Two Oceans Aquarium, Cape Town
    Role: Support marine wildlife management and research.
    Key Tasks:

    • Animal husbandry
    • Turtle rehabilitation
    • Research

    13. Plant Taxonomist

    South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria
    Role: Research taxonomy and ecology of specific plant genera.
    Key Tasks:

    • Research on Thesium
    • Herbarium care
    • Knowledge dissemination

    14. Policy Analyst

    WWF South Africa, Cape Town
    Role: Research and report on plastic pollution policies and initiatives.
    Key Tasks:

    • Research
    • Policy development
    • Stakeholder engagement
    • Database management

    How to Apply

    • Visit the Application Portal: Go to the official WWF South Africa website or the designated internship application page.
    • Create an Account: If you don’t already have an account, register by providing your email address and creating a password.
    • Complete the Application Form: Fill out the online application form with your personal details, academic background, and relevant experience.
    • Upload Required Documents: Prepare and upload your CV, cover letter, and any other requested documents in the specified format (e.g., PDF, DOCX).
    • Select Your Preferred Internship: Choose the internship role you are interested in from the available options.
    • Submit Your Application: Review your information to ensure it is accurate and complete. Submit your application by clicking the appropriate button.
    Apply now 
    Hint: Free CV Templates that Pass the Applicant Tracking System

    Applying for an internship with WWF South Africa represents a significant opportunity for aspiring environmental professionals to make a real impact in conservation and sustainability. By carefully following the application steps and highlighting their passion and qualifications, candidates position themselves for a valuable experience that can shape their careers and drive meaningful change.

    WWF South Africa eagerly anticipates reviewing applications and discovering how each applicant can contribute to their mission of fostering a thriving and resilient world for both people and nature. This is a chance to join a global movement committed to positive environmental outcomes. Prospective interns are encouraged to apply today and embark on a journey of growth and discovery with WWF South Africa.

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