Internship Description:

The WWF is a leading conservation organization; our half-century of conservation success is rooted firmly in science. WWF has worked in Markets and Food for over a decade with the acknowledgement that the biggest threat to our mission has long been where and how we produce food. Now those impacts are being exacerbated by increased populations, increasing income, shifts in consumption patterns, and climate change.

This internship provides an opportunity for an upper level undergraduate or graduate student with experience in agriculture, indoor, soil-less agriculture preferred, to contribute to research at the intersection of environmental and financial sustainability. WWF is examining the indoor and vertical soil-less farming industry. At scale, this method of farming could reduce pressures on land, biodiversity, natural habitat, and climate, but to get there it has to overcome several key hurdles that prevent it from moving beyond its current specialization in high-end leafy greens. We want to help farms overcome those hurdles, such as ones related to energy and labor, and move the industry forward. Before we can do that, we need to better understand the optimum conditions for such a farm so we can better judge its potential for long-term financial and environmental sustainability.

This internship is flexible on location and can start in early September 2019, or ideally sooner, and run through early November 2019.

Specific duties will include:

• Determine optimum water availability and quality, water temperature, and air temperature conditions for indoor, soil-less farms, with analysis if this varies by type of system and major crop types
• For target crop types, examine and determine ideal light spectrum (hours and intensity), chemical and nutrient composition and requirements, technology (e.g. fertigation, lighting, and temperature control), building materials, monitoring systems and automation, and other environmental qualities and conditions
• Analyze how all of these factors vary by different systems (aeroponics, aquaponics, hydroponics, both greenhouse and vertical) and crop types
• Summarize all key findings

Minimum Requirements:

• College student (junior or senior), graduate student a plus
• Experience with indoor or vertical soil-less growing systems
• Strong research experience
• Part-time or full-time
• Excellent writing, and analytical skills, as well as attention to detail
• Ability to work productively on both independent research assignments and as part of a team
• Proactive problem-solving and effective communication skills (written and verbal)

Location:

Fleixible

Compensation:

Paid

How to apply: Please submit a resume & cover letter through our Careers page.

, IN-20005

* Please note that WWF does not provide VISA sponsorship to interns

As an EOE/AA employer, WWF will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, or protected Veteran status.