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.

2024 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 2024, 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 2024. 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 2024, and planning to be enrolled full-time through the fall of 2024. 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.

2024 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 would depend on the experience of the employee. Interns may also get some experience with 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. 

Learning Campus at Gulf State Park

The responsibilities of the intern include but are not limited to: Daily animal care for reptiles (snakes and turtles). Assisting with education programs by helping teach guests of all ages and helping develop curriculum to be used in public programs and field trips. Intern may be asked to host public programs at the Learning Campus, Interpretive Center, and other areas of interest around the park, to enhance guest experience and raise awareness of the diversity of flora and fauna found in the nine ecosystems within Gulf State Park. Intern will be expected to work in a team setting or alone at times and will be expected to engage with the public as needed or as instructed by the Director of Environmental & Educational Initiatives, Learning Campus Director, or the Learning Campus Environmental Educator. This position will be based at the Learning Campus and Interpretive Center. 

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. 

Lake Guntersville State Park

Enjoy an education-conservation internship opportunity on this 6,000-acre woodland park that hovers above and along the Tennessee River and is a focal point for eagle awareness and conservation.

Primary duties include assisting with environmental education and interpretive programs by helping teach guests of all ages and developing curriculum to be used in public programs and field trips. Some areas of focus will be bald eagles, river otters, and amphibians. Daily care and enrichment for live animal collection.  The intern may be asked to host public programs at historical sites, exhibits, and other areas of interest around the park and at the campground to enhance the guest experience. The intern will work in a team setting or alone at times and will be expected to engage with the public as needed or as instructed by the Chief of Interpretation, Park Managers, or the Park Naturalist. This position will be based at Lake Guntersville State Park Nature Center in Guntersville, AL. Housing is not included, however, interns will be provided with a complimentary campsite.  

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 the 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 the 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 the 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 with 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 the development and implementation of interpretive programming, trail maintenance, general park hospitality oversight, and guest services for the park. The responsibilities of the intern include but are 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 the 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 with a complimentary campsite.  

Lake Lurleen State Park

Opportunities abound to expand environmental education and interpretive outdoor recreation on this 250-acre lake only 9 miles from Tuscaloosa.

Primary duties include assisting with the development and implementation of interpretive programming in a unique aquatic setting and assisting in general oversight and guest services for the park including interpretative programs. Some areas of focus will be aquatic diversity, multi-use trails, and the Nature Center. 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 the Alabama State Parks Chief of Interpretation, Park Managers, Chief of Natural Resources, and Trails Coordinator. This position will be based at Lake Lurleen State Park Nature Center in Coker, AL. Housing is not included, however, interns will be provided with a complimentary campsite.  

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 2024, and plan to be enrolled at least through Fall of 2024. Applicant must have a minimum 2.5 grade point average on a 4.0 scale. To be considered, applicants must submit this application form, along with a resume, a one-page narrative of why you are applying and what goals you hope to accomplish, and a note from your college advisor stating that you are a student in good standing. The deadline is April 15, 2023. Applications may be mailed or emailed to:

Toni Bruner, Executive Director
Legacy, Partners in Environmental Education
P.O. Box 3813
Montgomery AL 36109
toni@legacyenved.org

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).

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