FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY
Proposed Internship Projects - 2008

RESOURCE MANAGEMENT DIVISION

Title: Conservation Specialist

Description: We are seeking five (5) highly motivated college students to be part of the stewardship team (more positions may be available.) A "can-do" attitude will help rescue our 24,000+ acres of parkland from a host of different invasive, non-native plants such as English ivy and kudzu. The paid internship will last ten (10) weeks, this summer from May through August. Fairfax County, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. is located in the mid-Atlantic and contains both Piedmont and Coastal Plain habitats. Parkland ranges in size from several thousand acres to less than 1/2 an acre, which allows an exploration of both the concepts of urban fragmentation and large- scale protected habitats in natural resource management.

Qualifications: Must be currently enrolled at a college or university in the field of natural resources, ecology, biology, forestry or related field.

Title: Photographic Archives Management

Description:The Cultural Resource Management and Protection Section of the Fairfax County Park Authority houses approximately 20,000 photographic slides, prints and negatives from almost 30 years of archaeological research in Fairfax County. This photo archives is the most critical data collection relevant to archaeology in the County. It contains one-of-a-kind records of most of the archaeological work done in Fairfax County since 1975. It contains archaeological record shots and historic photographs. A previous intern developed an excellent library database designed to manage the slide collection. Initially this intern will adapt the slide database format to handle prints and negatives. That will include integrating the slide, print, and negative collections into one coherent, relational database and filing system. Time permitting, the intern will have the opportunity to take selected sets of each kind of photo record and complete the entire system for those sets. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in archival data management.

Requirement: College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history, library science or closely related field.

Title: Archaeological Site assessment

Description:To manage its prehistoric and historical archaeological sites, the Cultural Resource Management and Protection Section of the Park Authority maintains a database that contains both descriptive and contextual information on each. The internship will involve visiting archaeological sites and completing the Park Authority’s “existing conditions” questionnaire; entering the form data into a database. By doing this the intern will become knowledgeable about attributes that are important to evaluating an archaeological site’s research and preservation-related potential. The internship also will provide the intern with a working knowledge of how to manage archaeological data relevant to a collection of sites and their contexts.

Requirement: College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history or closely related field.

Title: GIS Geo-referencing Historic Aerial Photographs of Fairfax County

Description:The Cultural Resource Management and Protection Section of the Fairfax County Park Authority has recently acquired digitized historic aerial photographs of Fairfax County. These photographic images are individual tiff files that will soon undergo a compression process in order to make them less burdensome to bring into the county GIS layers. In order to compile these images into a single layer, the digital images need to undergo individual geo-referencing process. This is an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in GIS data manipulation and technical expertise in archival data management.

Requirement: College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history, library science or closely related field with GIS experience.

Title: Original research/data analysis

Description:Park Authority archaeologists and volunteers have completed several historical and prehistoric archaeological studies where the technical reports have yet to be completed. The intern would consult with the staff to determine which project best met with their skills and expertise. The student would work closely with staff to conduct research, data analysis and to prepare a draft report on the selected project. The intern would have the opportunity to present his or her findings at a professional archaeological conference and would be encouraged to publish the results of the study. This would be an opportunity for either an undergraduate or entry level graduate student to conduct research or it could provide a Masters Degree thesis or doctoral dissertation topic.

Requirement: College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history or closely related field. The flotation project is probably more suitable for graduate students who have chosen ethnobotany as their major.

Title: Archaeological Collections management

Description:The Park Authority has amassed an artifact collection containing approximately three million items spanning almost 30 years of archaeology and covering many of the 3,150+, recorded prehistoric and historical archaeological sites in Fairfax County. In many cases these are the only tangible remains of the cultures who occupied the sites. As with many collections facilities, continued archaeology has caused storage problems. This internship will involve assisting the staff Collections Manager in evaluating and reorganizing the collection, which was recently moved to our newly-renovated storage facility. It will involve serious decisions about consolidation and retention issues and the development of a new computer index and management system for the entire collection. In addition, the Section is looking to identify museum quality artifacts that can be used in later displays. All of these tasks will be the responsibility of the intern. This is an outstanding opportunity for anyone interested in collections management as a career.

Requirement: College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history or closely related field but preferably with a demonstrated interest in archaeological collections management.

Title: Project Management Assistant

Description: This internship gives the intern the opportunity to direct a project gathering data from maps, books, interviews, early newspapers and other archival sources to complete a specific project that will be used for historic review prior to excavation. The “Mills of Fairfax County” was completed in this fashion and has cut response time by hours.

* Compile additional data and site for the Civil War Sites Inventory and update inventory.

*Early roads mapped for several historic periods and overlaid on today’s map of
the County

* Assess and update the Archaeological Park Files. Review the files in order to update the database and assure that the files are complete. Assure that copies of archaeological technical reports are present both in the files and in the library.

Requirement: College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history or closely related field.

Title: Archaeological Field and Laboratory Assistant

Description: Highly valuable instructional participation on archaeological excavations. The candidate will assist archaeologists from the Cultural Resource Management and Protection Section with archaeological excavation at sites within the county. One of the sites that will be examined is the Mt. Air Historic Site, which has eighteenth, nineteenth and twentieth century components. In addition, the intern will have the opportunity to conduct research and do laboratory processing. The intern will learn field methods and laboratory methods while providing much needed assistance to staff.

Requirement::College or graduate student in anthropology, archaeology, historic preservation, history or closely related field.

Title: Museum Collections Technician

Description: The Park Authority has over 6,000 objects in its Museum Collections, as well as a large collection of archival materials, books, photographs and other items. Students will work alongside professional staff and have a hands-on opportunity to learn and perform basic museum collections stewardship and collections management practices, such as research, cataloging and accessioning of historic objects, care and housing of historic objects, conducting inventory and environmental monitoring. Students may also assist with the design, development and layout of exhibits and written projects such as a portion of a Procedure Manual, Collections Plan, etc.) Interns are welcome to attend Collections Stewardship Committee meetings and can learn about other professional development opportunities.
Requirements: College senior or graduate student in museum studies, American studies, material culture, history, or closely related field.

Title: Museum Collections Research Assistant

Description: Students work with museum professionals to conduct primary research and developing projects with direct applications for Park Authority historic sites. Using primary resource materials students will conduct research to develop a project such as a small temporary or online exhibit, a furnishings plan, or interpretive program materials. Students will also receive training in handling museum collections, storage materials and methods, and photo documentation. Research projects may lead to opportunities for publication by the student.
Examples of projects include:
* Cataloging the Architectural Fragments Collection and historic structure restoration files.
* Transcription, cataloging and organization of the Lee Family Document Collection.

* Research early American dairying; write an interpretive essay placing the Sully dairy in context or write a furnishings plan for the Sully dairy.

* Transcription, cataloging and organization of the Machen agricultural account books; write an interpretive essay placing the Machen practices in context.

* Research agricultural practices in early America; prepare a list of implements appropriate for Sully or write an interpretive essay placing the Lee practices in context.

* Research land transactions in the early American republic; write an interpretive essay summarizing Lee's land transactions and placing them in context.
* Research financial systems in the early American republic; write an interpretive essay summarizing Lee's financial transactions and placing them in context.
Requirements: College senior or graduate student in American studies, history, material culture, historic preservation, museum studies or closely related field.

Title:Assistant Naturalist

Description: The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a naturalist intern to join the Natural Resource Management and Protection (NRMP) Section at Park Authority headquarters. This position is a member of a three person section (plus limited term and volunteer staff) dedicated to natural resource management programs. The Park Authority recently adopted its first ever agency wide Natural Resource Management Plan and there are a number of exciting challenges ahead for the NRMP team.

We are seeking a natural resources intern with the ability to work independently and a ‘can do’ attitude. The position could entail a broad range of activities which would be developed depending upon need, qualifications and interest. Functions of the NRMP section include: Policy and Strategic Planning, Resource Management (resource inventories and plans, vegetation, wildlife, water resources, etc.); Technical Support; Land Acquisition; Park Planning and Development; Development Review; Outreach; and Education. For more information please visit Natural Resource Management and Protection Section

Possible areas of specialization could include:

• Invasive species field work (inventory and assess invasive plants on parkland)
• Natural resource assessments and inventories
• Water resources
• Geographic Information Systems
• Education and Outreach
• Wildlife
• Forest management
• Natural areas restoration
• Natural resource planning and protection

Requirements: College or Graduate student innatural resources, parks and recreation, biology, or closely related field.

Title: Naturalist

Description : Tucked away in a remote river setting, Riverbend Park is Fairfax County Park Authority’s only riverfront park and includes over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. Riverbend offers diverse summer programming, including nine weeks of summer camps for campers age 3-15, family programs, visiting camp programs, and kayak tours. Because Riverbend Park is part of the Potomac Gorge system and has within its boundaries unusual and rare plant and animal species, field studies are conducted throughout the summer to monitor and continue inventorying species.

The intern will gain a diverse experience working with all age groups and program offerings. Initially the intern will assist with summer camps and then progress to leading and planning segments of camps. The intern will also assist with family programs, visiting camp programs, and field studies.

Requirement :   Must enjoy and have enthusiasm for working with children. College students or graduates preferably with major in wildlife, biology, environmental science, or Parks and Recreation, ability to communicate effectively, research skills.

Title: Museum Aide at Sully Historic Site

Description: Intern to assist in public programming, history camps and giving pubic tours. Also learn behind the scenes museum operations such as collections care, museum administration/ filing in a unique historic house environment.
Tasks include: opening and closing buildings, caring for collections items, giving tours, working with school age children for history camp, doing office administrative duties.
Requirements: History, Museum Studies, Parks and Recreation, ability to communicate effectively, research skills.

Title: Children's Education Intern - Green Spring Gardens

Description: The intern will assist with all aspects of Children's Education at Green Spring Gardens: planning and conducting plant-based nature programs for children and families; gardening and other light physical work; developing programs, lesson plans, and teaching aids; creating and maintaining interpretive exhibits; and administrative duties and special projects as assigned.

Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year environmental education, horticulture, botany, or similar degree program.

Title: Historic Resources Intern - Green Spring Gardens

Description: The intern will assist in all operations of the Historic House (ca 1760), including interpretation of the house and its historic landscape for daily visitors. The internship will involve researching and documenting various aspects of the site's history and local history as it relates to Historic Green Spring. The intern will also assist in researching for and presenting historical interpretive programs for the public, cataloging archival documents, and developing exhibits. Visits to other FCPA historic sites and meetings with collections management staff will enhance the experience.

Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year environmental education, horticulture, botany, or similar degree program.

Title: Horticultural Intern Native Plant Garden - Green Spring Gardens

Description: The internship will focus on the Virginia Native Plant Garden and the adjacent riparian woodland. This garden has over 500 taxa and features areas with naturalistic design, as well as mixed borders in sun and shade. Potential projects for 2008 include documenting the restoration strategy for a rare magnolia bog and developing interpretive signage for the natural areas. Internship responsibilities include developing a project proposal, conducting project activities, garden maintenance, and presenting a written and oral project report. Visits to other local public gardens and meeting with other local interns will enhance the experience. Be sure to reference Green Spring Gardens in the section, “Why you would like to work for the Park Authority.” Housing may be available. Public transportation is available within one block.

Requirements: Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year horticulture, botany, environmental education or similar degree program.

Title: Naturalist at Huntley Meadows Park

Description: Gain practical experience in a hands-on setting developing skills needed for a career in environmental education, wildlife conservation and nature center operation.

Requirements: College students or graduates, preferably with a major in natural or physical science or environmental education and proven ability to work well with children.

Title: Natural Resource Management at Huntley Meadows Park

Description: Work with professional park staff to preserve and enhance wildlife habitat at a 1,428-acre wetland preserve. Gain practical experience in the skills and abilities needed for a career in wildlife management and environmental sciences.
Requirements: College students or graduates, preferably with a major in wildlife biology, environmental science or other applied sciences.

Title: Interpretive Aide at Hidden Pond Nature Center

Description:
Intern to assist in public programming, nature camps and giving pubic programs. Also learn behind the scenes nature center operations such as animal care, natural resource management, stream monitoring, publications.

Tasks include: opening and closing buildings, caring for display animals, giving tours, working with school age children for camps,doing office administrative duties.

Requirements: College students or graduates preferably with major in wildlife, biology, environmental science, or Parks and Recreation, ability to communicate effectively, research skills.

Internship Application Form - 2008 >>