FAIRFAX COUNTY PARK AUTHORITY
Proposed Internship Projects - 2008

PARK SERVICES DIVISION

Title: Fitness Intern

Description: Intern will assist in the implementation of fitness programs at multiple RECenters, developing in-service training, and continuing education program for instructors. Work with fitness group exercise and alternative fitness programs. Intern will research and compile health education materials.

Requirements: Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Studies, Health and fitness, or related field and have a "major" grade point average of at least 2.5. Prefer aerobic teaching background, certification and interest in programming.

Title: Inclusion Specialist

Description: Under the direction of a C.T.R.S., the Inclusion Specialist is primarily responsible for the inclusion of children with disabilities into the Summer camp programs. This includes case management of two participants (leisure coaching, pre and post assessments, and written ADA accommodation plans); supervision of staff; problem solving behavior management issues; and activity modifications at multiple locations/programs. Customize your internship to your interests! Interpret and apply the ADA…work with the Adapted Aquatics program or assist Community Recreation Services, Therapeutic Recreation Service’s contained programs as well.

Requirements: Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Psychology, Education and have a "major" grade point average of at least 2.5.

Title: Adapted Aquatics Specialist

Description: Adapted Aquatics Specialist is responsible for facilitating self-contained classes for children with disabilities at RECenter facilities. This includes pre and post assessments, developing goals and objectives, referrals and placement, and evaluation and volunteer training. In addition, the specialist may be required to provide one to one assistance (leisure coaching) to children accessing the inclusion model in general recreation classes. Opportunities to work in summer camps available as well.

Requirements: Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation, Psychology, Education and have a "major" grade point average of at least 2.5. WSI certified.

Title: Architectural Intern

Description: Prepare locator map, site plans, elevation, and floor plans for eight RECenters reflecting current master plans and as-built conditions. Determine square footage for eight RECenters for both total ground footprint and gross square footage. Provide detailed square footage information by major program types and calculate building core factor and efficiency rating.

Requirements: Completion of second year of college in architecture, experience in the use of AutoCADD.

Title: Site Operations Intern

Description: Multiple projects would include investigation and analysis of site enhancements/improvements, development of site inspection checklists, research and recommend exterior and interior signage needs and other site operation projects.

Requirements: Enrollment in parks and recreation, leisure studies or related degree and/or experience in recreation site operations.

Title: Aquatics Management

Description: Evaluate safety, professionalism, and quality of instruction for learn-to-swim instructors. Assist in improving pool rental contracts, develop program training manuals, and instructor training materials.

Requirements: Microsoft Excel and charting expertise, strong analytical skills, willingness to learn aquatic class management.

Title: Trips and Tours / Class Programs Intern

Description: Fairfax County Park Authority offers more than 100 day-trips annually. Intern duties include new trip development and planning, industry market research, managing customer marketing data, performing internet searches, preparing customer packets and itineraries and serving as trip escort. For class programming, duties include daily management of classes, including data loading, editing, management of vendor programs, payroll, customer problem-solving and preparation of offerings for Parktakes magazine. (Position will assist with temporary staff vacancy).

Requirements: Program planning and/or experience in travel industry or recreation environment preferred. Recreation or Travel and Tourism degree program candidates are preferred. Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet search skills are helpful. Knowledge of Parknet is a plus.

Title: Rec-PAC Program Management Interns (2 Positions)

Description: Rec-PAC is a low-priced, summer day camp for children in grades 1-6. During the summer of 2005, Rec-PAC will operate at up to 60 public school sites around the county. Interns at the headquarters assist with the development of program and staff manuals, placement of staff and CITs, site visits to school locations, scheduling of special events, assist with the implementation of new registration and financial management procedures, and week-long training for more than 300 seasonal staff.

Requirements: Open to 3rd or 4th year college students or equivalent. Experience working with children, in education or related field preferred. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are helpful.

Title: Camp Instructor / Recreation Specialist Intern

Description: Fairfax County Park Authority offers more than 300 summer camps for children ages 3-17 at 40 sites throughout the county. Interns with specific sports experience in soccer, tennis, volleyball, adventure sports, or similar areas will serve as instructors for community-based camp during mornings and work at headquarters in the afternoon. Interns work with FCPA Headquarters program staff in managing camp programs, assisting with class programming, and working on special projects.

Requirements: Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Studies, or related field. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are helpful.

Title: Summer Camps Program Management Intern

Description: This summer FCPA will offer more than 300 summer camps for children ages 3-17 at 40 sites throughout the county. Camps range from large vendor-operated programs at RECenters to small single-instructor camps at public school sites. Interns work with FCPA Headquarters staff to answer customer inquiries, perform site evaluations, troubleshoot supply problems between the warehouse and sites, compile and maintain FCPS required data on summer usage, assist in maintaining state licensing records, and compile customer evaluations. Skilled applicants may serve as instructors at camps part-time.

Requirements: Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in Parks and Recreation, Leisure Studies, or related field. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook are helpful. Specialized skill in soccer, basketball, tennis or other sports is helpful.

Title: Program Section Design & Graphics Intern

Description: The Program Section produces 11 quarterly flyers distributed through public schools listing class and camp opportunities for children in specific geographic regions of the county. During the spring, more than a dozen summer camp flyers are produced as well. Other projects include the design and production of a Trips & Tours Program listing and a prototype of a summer camp guide.

Requirements: Experience with desktop publishing, preferably PageMaker 7.0 for Windows and Microsoft Word and Outlook preferred.

Title: Special Events / Volunteer Programs Intern

Description: Assist with management and supervision of hundred of seasonal concerts and special events at locations throughout Fairfax County. Duties include working with performers, preparation of sites, customer service, and data gathering. Assist in planning and evaluation of volunteer programs at RECenters including development of on-site volunteer program promotional materials and displays, data tracking and analysis.

Requirements: Experience in event management or program development. Recreation or marketing degree preferred. Computer skills including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and internet search skills are a plus.

Title: Fund Raising Campaign Development Intern

Description: Assist in development of annual fund raising campaigns to support volunteer programs in RECenters and/or to finance recreational programs for disadvantaged families. Design a sustainable campaign utilizing FCPA resources and capabilities. Identify grant funding opportunities, develop prospect lists from registration data. Research public assistance programs and eligibility requirements in Fairfax County.

Requirements: Hold a junior or senior standing in a four-year degree program majoring in marketing, recreation or related field. Computer skills in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and internet search skills are helpful. Prior experience with grant proposals a plus.

Title: Video/AV/Multi Media

Description:Multiple projects which may include assistance with research, script development and shooting for oral histories, educational and promotional programs, public service announcements, advertisements and promotional spots; cataloging of existing video segments; assistance with management of audio-visual loan pool.

Requirements: Major in communications, TV or video.

Title: Graphics Production

Description:Multiple projects which may include assistance w/design and camera-ready production of brochures, flyers, newsletters and other graphics products; assistance with data entry in Publications Tracking System; assistance with cataloging/filing of graphic materials.
Requirements: Graphic design experience, competency in desktop publishing using a Mac, familiarity with Quark and/or Pagemaker. Familiarity with Microsoft Access a plus.

Title: Publications

Description:Multiple projects which may include producing articles for agency's quarterly Parktakes magazine, monthly employee newsletter, quarterly RECenter and golf newsletters, and related web pages; desktop design of page layouts; research for video scripts; cataloging past articles from Parktakes and newsletters.

Requirements:Degree in journalism, mass communications, English or related field. Writing experience (as evidenced by published clips). Familiarity with graphic design and Pagemaker/Quark software beneficial. Experience in photography also helpful.

Title: Advertising Sales

Description:Multiple projects which may include assistance with development of sales materials; preparation of solicitation packages; creation of prospect lists; follow-up calls to potential clients; file maintenance.

Requirements:Flexibility. Business administration or Public Relations preferred. Some sales experience would be helpful as would be graphic design skills.

Title: Marketing and Outreach Coordinator For a Large Recreational Park In An Urban Environment

Description: As part of a need to generate additional revenue and forge connections with the community. This intern would meet with local faith based organizations, libraries and schools to explore partnering opportunities that expose the park programs to residents in the surrounding area and also build a healthier community. This position would create a miniature golf marketing plan for all of the FCPA miniature golf courses. This intern would create a data base for mailing flyers and newsletters to area residents. They would work with ASB in creating electronic transmission capabilities of the park newsletter and flyers allowing the park to save on printing and postage costs.

Requirements: Enrolled in a communications, business, marketing or advertising program with an interest in the outdoors and parks. Strong written and oral communication skills. The ability to work without close supervision and produce tangible results. Strong computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Access a must.

Title: Golf Course Intern – Laurel Hill Golf

Description: Intern will be involved in all facets of a golf course maintenance operation. Responsibilities will include pesticide and fertilizer applications, irrigation maintenance, and various mowing duties. This is a unique opportunity to experience a grow-in of a newly completed construction project scheduled to open in the summer of 2005.

Requirements: Highly motivated, self-starting individual sought who wants to be part of team willing to do what it takes to meet this challenge. Currently enrolled in a turf-related degree program. Previous experience on a golf course preferred.

Title: Landscape / Horticultural Intern

Description: Jefferson has several landscape projects at the park on the golf course and at the miniature golf course. This intern would work closely with the superintendent to design and implement these projects:

1. The intern will plan, and assist with the plantings at the entrance sign at the park. Currently, we have grasses and a few plants there but we are looking for an area that will make the sign stand out and be more noticeable.

2. The intern will design new landscaped areas around the tennis courts and in the park. Many of the bushes already there are overgrown and will be taken out by our staff. The intern may be asked to assist with planting some of the new plants.

3. The intern will assist the laborer II with the landscaping at the miniature golf course, replacing plantings if needed.

4. The intern will assist the superintendent in developing a plan for hole #2. Generally, we are looking to create a natural area and a bird habitat. This is an area that is a buffer between our golf course and the bordering neighborhood.

Requirements: Horticultural or Landscape Architecture training and experience.

Title: Marketing Analyst Intern

Description: Assist Park Authority marketing staff in collecting and analyzing program evaluation data to provide information needed for management decision-making and gain experience in a wide variety of research, analysis and presentation tasks. Responsibilities will include exposure to various aspects of the survey research process including questionnaire development, creation of a sampling strategy, user interviews, data entry and data cleaning, analysis, report preparation and presentation development. Opportunities will be provided for exposure to other projects as time permits.

Requirements: Enrollment in a parks and recreation, marketing or related bachelor’s degree program, completed coursework in basic statistical analysis and/or research methods with grades of 3.0 or higher, working knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel and Power Point) and SPSS statistical analysis software.

Internship Application Form - 2008 >>