Darryl Gates Memorial Internship

Former Legacy Board President Darryl Gates was a writer, editor and public relations professional who built a career at Montgomery newspapers as well as Alabama Living, the publication of the Alabama Rural Electric Association of Cooperatives.

Darryl was an environmentalist who not only supported those who worked in environmental efforts but worked through Legacy to help build and provide environmental education in our state. He remained in awe of nature throughout his life, respecting and appreciating the outdoors through activities including hiking, backpacking and canoeing.

Gates willingly shared his inspirational enthusiasm for the environment and his dedication to conservation with everyone he met.

Darryl served Legacy in numerous capacities beginning in 1998 including serving two years as President. In honor of his years of commitment to the organization and to environmental education, the Darryl Gates Memorial Summer Internship program was created.

2025 applications starting in January

Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education, is an Alabama-based, statewide non-profit environmental education organization whose mission is to “create environmentally responsible citizens through balanced, fact-based environmental education.” Legacy was founded in 1992, and is funded primarily through the sale of Alabama’s “Protect our Environment” license tags. 

For 2025, Legacy will once again offer its Darryl Gates Memorial Summer Internship program, and we are currently seeking highly qualified undergraduate or graduate students for these positions. Our 6 – 8 week Summer Internship Program will provide students the opportunity to participate in on-the-job training and environmental education opportunities.  Students who are selected for the Legacy Summer Internship program will work with environmental organizations with a focus on environmental education, environmental monitoring, and sustainability and preservation of our precious natural resources.

Interns must exhibit consistent professional characteristics such as a positive attitude, ability to show initiative, emotional maturity and self-responsibility. Physical activity may be required. Students who are adaptable, responsible, hard-working, willing to learn, and have attention to detail are encouraged to apply.

Legacy Summer Interns will work part-time (at least 20 hours per week) for a minimum of six weeks during the summer of 2025. Applicants must be rising Juniors, Seniors, or graduate students in good academic standing, who are enrolled full-time in a relevant undergraduate degree program at a four-year college or university in the state of Alabama. Specifically, we are looking for students who are enrolled in a variety of environmentally-related fields, such as environmental education or engineering; environmental studies; teaching degrees in science, biology, or related field; environmental law; or other environmentally-related career paths.  Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 point scale as of Fall quarter/semester 2025, and planning to be enrolled full-time through the fall of 2025. Interns must be able to work independently and as part of a team, be comfortable working with all ages, be willing to work outdoors in summer conditions, and must be able to work for a minimum of six weeks (between June – August), with start and end dates established through the host agency. Interns must work a minimum of 20 hours per week. Applicants are responsible for their own housing and transportation.

Compensation for the Summer Internship program is either $2,000 per student for six weeks or $2,500 per student for eight weeks, which is payable in two installments based upon ongoing successful completion of the task.

2025 Darryl Gates Internship Job Descriptions

Sizemore and Sizemore

The intern chosen for the unique position will have the opportunity to work and learn firsthand what it takes to be a part of a top forest consultant company. This position would be mostly forestry field work and include the following duties: herbicide application for kudzu, cogongrass, and other invasive species, timber inventory, and timber sale boundary marking. Timber marking, prescribed burning, and other duties depend on the employee’s experience. Interns may also get some experience overseeing timber harvesting operations and exposure to GIS mapping software. 

Candidates will need to be willing to be outdoors throughout the summer even during extreme heat. We can provide any necessary safety equipment such as snake leggings, safety vests, etc. 

Monte Sano State Park

Immerse yourself through an education-conservation internship at Monte Sano, which means “Mountain of Health,” atop 2,140 acres of mountainous forests, mineral springs, and incredible trails. 

Primary duties include assisting with development and implementation of interpretive programming, assisting in trail development and maintenance, and assisting in general oversight and guest services for the park including interpretative programs for the CCC Museum. Some areas of focus will be vernal frog pond, deer, and migratory birds. The responsibilities of the intern include but are not limited to assisting with outdoor educational programs, public events, and visitor interaction. Other projects may include invasive species eradication, native plant propagation, landscaping, etc. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct a guided independent project while working with Alabama State Parks Chief of Interpretation, Chief of Natural Resources, and Trails Coordinator. This position will be based at Monte Sano State Park CCC Museum and Education Trail in Huntsville, AL. Housing is not included, however, interns will be provided a complimentary campsite

Chewacla State Park

Adventure awaits an environmental education-conservation intern on this 696-acre park filled with waterfalls, lakes, unique rock formations, a plethora of woodland wildlife, and world-renowned mountain bike trails. 

Primary duties include assisting with development and implementation of interpretive programming, trail maintenance, general park hospitality oversight, guest services for the park. The responsibilities of the intern include but is not limited to assisting with outdoor educational programs, public events, and visitor interaction. Additionally, the intern will help with Nature Center facility maintenance, live animal care, and visitor services. Other projects may include invasive species eradication, native plant propagation, landscaping, etc. Interns will have the opportunity to conduct a guided independent project while working with Alabama State Parks Chief of Interpretation, Chief of Natural Resources, and Trails Coordinator. This position will be based at Chewacla State Park Nature Center in Auburn, AL. Housing is not included, however, interns will be provided a complimentary campsite.

Legacy Partners in Environmental Education

Are you passionate about the environment and education? Legacy is offering a dynamic internship that will allow you to gain hands-on experience in environmental education, animal care, and office administration. 

Primary duties include supporting daily administrative tasks and helping maintain the smooth operation of the office, aiding in the care and management of outreach animals at Legacy’s facilities, helping plan, organize, and run summer workshops for educators, and assisting in editing and updating our “Learning Through Legacy” educational guide to ensure guide content is accurate and aligns with Alabama Science Standards.  Interns should have excellent communication and organizational skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team. 

Join us for a summer of learning, growth, and impacting environmental conservation and sustainability!

TTL Environmental Intern

Founded in 1964, TTL is an engineering design firm focused on delivering integrated infrastructure solutions for public and private clients. From site and corridor selection to due diligence, design, and construction services, TTL is a trusted partner providing single-sourced custom solutions for complex infrastructure development. With more than 450 team members across the Southern United States, TTL provides a wide range of services including civil and geotechnical engineering; transportation design and CEI; environmental consulting and remediation; construction materials engineering and testing; and surveying, GIS and mapping services. At TTL, we are driven to serve our clients, our communities, and each other.

An environmental intern with TTL is given the opportunity to work on a wide variety of project types and teams providing an opportunity to explore varying interests and develop passions. We have teams of engineers working collaboratively on multi-discipline projects across the Southeast. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, organized, creative, and responsible individual interested in working as part of a team while developing the personal, technical, and professional skills required for being a successful environmental professional.

Typical activities may include:

  • Routine field environmental sampling of groundwater, stormwater soil, etc. 
  • Monitor, observe, sample, and record field environmental conditions.
  • Prepare daily reports and data sheets operating with close to moderate supervision.
  • Map reading, maintain chain-of-custody forms, utilize equipment to measure field parameters, environmental site inspections, field inspections or drilling access and general utility clearance. 
  • Assist with natural resources field work including aquatic resources delineations, habitat assessments, etc.

 

Requirements:

  • A junior or senior pursuing a degree in Biology, Geology, Engineering, or related field
  • Must be able to work independently as well as in a team environment
  • Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships and communicate effectively with fellow employees
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite 365
  • Good driving record
  • Physical Fitness: perform heavy lifting up to 50+ lbs; possess sufficient stamina to work in outdoor (hot & cold) environments.

 

Job Type: Full-time

This position is subject to a pre-employment drug and motor vehicle record check. TTL is an EEO/AAP employer.

The Darryl Gates Memorial Summer Internship is open for application for all rising Juniors, Seniors, and graduate students who are enrolled in an Alabama Four-Year College or University in Spring of 2025, and plan to be enrolled at least through Fall of 2025. Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. Students who wish to apply should complete the Summer Internship application form online, and attach a note from your advisor stating that you are a student in good standing and a one-page narrative of why you would like to receive this internship and the goals you hope to accomplish.

Name
Classification (check one)
(e.g., Spring 2025)
Host Location you are interested in working with
List employer, nature of work and dates

Please list your service learning experiences and your honors. Be sure to indicate areas where you demonstrated leadership and/or participation in environmental activities. Include skills/talents that you bring to the internship (e.g., computer skills, writing expertise, environmental knowledge, past experience).

Max. file size: 256 MB.
Max. file size: 256 MB.
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