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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    I’m a passionate writer and journalist committed to crafting compelling, informative content. With a BA Honours in Media Studies and experience in news writing, digital journalism, and content creation, I thrive on delivering stories that inform, inspire, and engage.I contribute to several leading publications. On Nasi iSpani, I cover career opportunities, job trends, and employment insights. With a strong background in research and investigative writing, I simplify complex policies, analyse job market trends, and make information accessible and relevant.To me, journalism is more than reporting—it’s about shaping conversations, uncovering truths, and amplifying voices. I’m always eager to explore new media trends, engage with readers, and grow as a storyteller.