Park Authority

CONTACT INFORMATION: Open during regular business hours 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday - Friday
703-324-8700 TTY 711
12055 Government Center Pkwy.
Fairfax, Virginia 22035
Jai Cole
Executive Director

Internship Opportunities

Department Resources

View and apply for paid and unpaid internships with the Fairfax County Park Authority below. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to FCPAInternships@fairfaxcounty.gov


Access and Inclusion

Position Title: Access & Inclusion Intern 

Location: Multiple locations in Fairfax County, Virginia. 

Hours: Hours will vary depending on programs to include nights and weekends

Salary: $17.00/hour
   
Job Description:  Access and Inclusion intern will provide support to customers with disabilities who are enrolled in general recreation Rec Pac Camp Program.  They will serve as the Inclusion Support Staff working closely with on-site director and counselors, while encouraging the customer’s participation and skills towards independence.  They will work with customers and staff to provide positive behavior strategies and interventions, develop and implement accommodations, and communicate effectively with parents.  Must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  In addition to the Rec Pac Camp Program, the intern will also support customers with disabilities participating in traditional programs, camps, and classes at various times and locations.  They will participate in agency meetings, special events, projects, and administrative responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • At least 6 months experience working with youth with disabilities. 
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  
  • Agree to a Criminal Background Check (fingerprint).
  • Have or willing to obtain CPR and first aid certification.
  • Have NEVER been convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor related to abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other barrier crimes as listed on the Sworn Disclosure Statement of the Criminal Record Check.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • At least 1-year experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Experience writing, evaluating, and implementing accommodation plans for customers with disabilities. 
  • Education in one of the following related fields: Parks and Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Special Education, Sociology, Psychology, Adapted Recreation.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAInternships@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  The position is also responsible for attending staff meetings and completing County trainings periodically.  

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Human Resources

Position Title: Human Resources Summer Internship 
Location: Herrity Building; 12055 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, VA. 
Hours: Hours are flexible Monday through Friday. Position works between 30 – 40 hours per week. Requires some evening and weekend work. Will be required to travel to parks across Fairfax County. 
Salary: Starting at $16 per hour. 

Overview: The Fairfax County Park Authority Human Resources Branch is seeking a summer intern to support the Organization Development & Training and Employment and Recruiting teams. The HR Summer Intern will sup-port the team by assisting with various human resources functions for the department to include a variety of train-ing, employment, recruitment, and reporting actions for an agency of over 3,500 employees. 

Duties Include: 

  • Supporting the agency-wide internship program by coordinating with internship managers within the Park Authority and assisting with administrative tasks associated with the intern program. Assist internship program managers with scheduling and hosting orientation and networking events throughout the internship program. Will be responsible for deploying survey of part-time and seasonal staff to gather information about retention, job satisfaction, etc. (will require travel across Park Authority sites).
  • Assisting the OD&T team with scheduling and logistics for training sessions. Identifying gaps in existing training materials and suggesting potential resources and content to fill those gaps. Assisting with creation of training materials and conducting research on new learning and development trends. 
  • Assisting the HR Team with outreach and recruitment events and special projects throughout the summer. Per-forms related duties as assigned. 

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAInternships@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  The position is also responsible for attending staff meetings and completing County trainings periodically.  

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Natural Resource Branch

Fairfax County Non-Native Invasive Plant Assessment Protocol (NNIAP) Internship

Organization: Fairfax County Park Authority, Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch 
Position title: Natural Resources Interns (two positions)
Location: 12055 Government Center Pkwy, Fairfax, VA. 22035
Hours: $16.49 per hour, approximately 40 hours per week from June 10th- August 9th. Holidays and leave are unpaid. A vehicle will be provided for fieldwork from headquarters in Fairfax. 
Application deadline: May 27th, 2024

Organization overview:  The Fairfax County Park Authority maintains approximately 24,000 acres of public land including natural areas, cultural resources, and recreational facilities. The Natural Resource Branch (NRB) falls under the Resource Management Division of the Park Authority and is responsible for land stewardship and implementation of the agency’s Natural Resource Management Plan. For more information please visit: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/resources/resources-nrp.htm  

Position Description: This internship is primarily field based with only occasional office work.  Interns will work together as a pair to perform non-native invasive plant assessments on parkland across the county using a standard field protocol. Interns will be trained in the survey method, conduct field surveys, and input their results into a GIS database. Interns will have the opportunity to participate in other field and educational activities conducted by the Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch as events arise. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the field of natural resources and develop field inventory skills. Each intern will also have the opportunity to plan and implement a special 40-hour project in their area of interest, if required for college credit. 

Qualifications and Skills: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a strong interest in natural resource management and stewardship of public land. Applicants should expect to be outdoors up to four days per week and should be willing to work outdoors in a hot, humid environment with abundant insects, ticks and chiggers. Applicants must be able to travel on foot in rough terrain, including over steep slopes, fallen trees and other obstacles, up to eight hours per day. Applicants must possess a valid driver’s license. Our interns will be working together as a team and must be able to cooperate and share responsibility. Experience in GIS and GPS use, basic plant identification, and ecology are a plus.   

To apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, and contact information for two references to Gloria Medina at Gloria.Medina@fairfaxcounty.gov by May 27, 2024. Call for more information: 703-324-6525. 

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointees to these positions will be required to complete criminal background checks to the satisfaction of the employer.  

Note: This is a limited term position. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for all benefits and are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.  

Funding for this position is expected to be renewed on an annual basis, however this is not guaranteed. 

Riverbend Park (Great Falls Virginia)

Position Title: FISHING EDUCATION INTERN

Salary: $16-20/hour, May 28th - August 16th, 2024. No Benefits
Location: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: 8:00AM- 5:00PM Monday to Friday approximately, schedule may vary based on week, no more than 40 hours per week.

Description:  Spend a summer on the river! Riverbend Park is FCPA’s only staffed riverfront park. Riverbend offers diverse summer programming, including summer camps for campers age 4-15, family programs, and outdoor recreation classes. Benefits of working here include a community of supportive staff and opportunities to participate in outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, canoeing and hiking.  Play your part by working in and preserving this beautiful park! 

Fishing education interns will assist park naturalists and summer camp teachers in leading various camp programs at Riverbend Park and other Fairfax County Park Authority sites as needed.  Interns will gain experience working with children and teens, while learning and developing outdoor, educational, interpretive, and leadership skills. You will be responsible for communication with campers, and their families and FCPA staff while, maintaining a safe and fun environment. This internship is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in outdoor, environmental or non-traditional education.

Requirements:  Must enjoy and have enthusiasm for working with children and stewardship. College students or graduates preferably with major in Education, Biology, Environmental Science, or Parks and Recreation.  Successful candidates will also demonstrate the ability to carry out assigned tasks, communicate orally and in writing, to all staff and emergency personnel. Successful candidates will have freshwater angling experience, working knowledge of fishing equipment, techniques, and handling. Ability to paddle a canoe and/or kayak. introductory training will be required.  Experience with children, paddlesports, fishing and outdoor skills are preferred.

Additionally, all successful applicants must agree to a criminal background check including fingerprinting, provide negative TB results, attend mandatory training, possess current or acquire first aid and CPR certifications before the start of camps, and have never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor related to abuse, neglect, exploitation or other barrier crimes as listed on the Sworn Disclosure Statement of the Criminal Record Check. Valid Driver's License. 

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, resume and three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please notify the hiring supervisor if they need to verify employment/internship, provide weekly or monthly updates, or communicate with your advisor. If selected, you will be notified of additional procedures to begin employment. Interested candidates should forward resumes to Casey Tinius, Riverbend Park by email to Casey.Tinius@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  The position is also responsible for attending staff meetings and completing County training periodically.  

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

Position Title: OUTDOOR EDUCATION INTERN

Salary: $16-20/hour, May 28th - August 16th, 2024. No Benefits
Location: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: 8:00AM- 5:00PM Monday to Friday approximately, schedule may vary based on week, no more than 40 hours per week

Description: Spend a summer on the river! Riverbend Park is FCPA’s only staffed riverfront park. Riverbend offers diverse summer programming, including summer camps for campers age 3-15, family programs, and outdoor recreation classes. Benefits of working here include a community of supportive staff and opportunities to participate in outdoor activities including fishing, kayaking, canoeing and hiking.  Play your part by working in and preserving this beautiful park! 

Outdoor education interns will assist park naturalists and summer camp teachers in leading various camp programs at Riverbend Park and other Fairfax County Park Authority sites as needed.  Interns will gain experience working with children and teens, while learning and developing outdoor, educational, interpretive, and leadership skills. You will be responsible for communication with campers, and their families and FCPA staff while, maintaining a safe and fun environment. This internship is an excellent opportunity for someone with an interest in outdoor, environmental or non-traditional education.

Requirements:  Must enjoy and have enthusiasm for working with children and stewardship.  College students or graduates preferably with major in Education, Biology, Environmental Science, or Parks and Recreation.  Successful candidates will also demonstrate the ability to carry out assigned tasks, communicate orally and in writing to all staff and emergency personnel. Experience working with children and participating in outdoor recreation or environmental science preferred. 

Additionally, all successful applicants must agree to a criminal background check including fingerprinting, provide negative TB results, attend mandatory training, possess current or acquire first aid and CPR certifications before the start of camps, and have never been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor related to abuse, neglect, exploitation or other barrier crimes as listed on the Sworn Disclosure Statement of the Criminal Record Check. Valid Driver's License.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, résumé and three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If selected, you will be notified of additional procedures to begin employment. Please notify the hiring supervisor if they need to verify employment/internship, provide weekly or monthly updates or communicate with your advisor. Interested candidates should forward resumes to Casey Tinius, Riverbend Park by email to Casey.Tinius@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  The position is also responsible for attending staff meetings and completing County training periodically.  

Note: This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are not eligible for benefits.

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or interview processes per the Americans with Disabilities Act. Contact 703-324-4900 for assistance. TTY 703-222-7314. EEO/AA/TTY. 

Fairfax County Park Authority prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, political affiliation, or military status in the recruitment, selection, and hiring of its workforce.  

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