Non-Merit - Internships

Agency: Planning Division – Heritage Resources, Zoning Evaluation Division
Job#: ELT-PLD-23000
Hours: 30 hours per week
Salary: $21.73 - $23.81/hour, rate and position class will be based on experience and qualifications 

Note:This is a short-term summer internship from June through August.

Required education and experience: 

• Knowledge in urban planning, zoning, heritage resources, or related field 
• Knowledge of geographic information systems mapping and analysis
• Proficiency with written and verbal communications, including social media and other online communication
• Familiarity with primary and secondary source research 

Work Description: Primarily responsible for assisting planners with heritage resources and historic preservation assignments and land use entitlements/development review, including research and the production of written and graphic materials.  Other tasks may relate to public outreach and engagement and conducting research and analysis on planning topics. GIS projects, database management, and report creation and presentation opportunities are possible, as well as other support services identified by staff. The intern will work under the direction of Planning Division-Heritage Resources or Zoning Evaluation Division staff.  

Minimum Qualifications: 
Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a GED issued by a state department of education.

Preferred Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate degree program.

Qualifications and Skills: Job skills related to research, project management and planning, and other related fields. Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, Publisher, and Adobe.

Physical Requirements: Position is primarily sedentary; however, employee may be required to do some walking, standing, bending and carrying of items under 15 lbs. in weight. Work assignments may also require that the employee attend site visits and potential evening meetings.

Special Requirements: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check.

To Apply: Send resume by email to dpzpd@fairfaxcounty.gov with attention to Robert Harrison and Janice Hunt. 

The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) internship program is designed to increase community engagement in park, recreation, natural, cultural, historical and/or business operations professions while providing an additional pathway for potential employees interested in serving in seasonal, part-time, and full-time positions at FCPA. FCPA offers both paid and unpaid internship opportunities. 
Interested applicants are encouraged to explore and apply for open internship opportunities. If you are interested in a business area that does not currently have an internship advertised, please reach out to FCPAInternships@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Click here to view and apply for paid and unpaid internships.

Agency: Department of Human Resources
Job#: ELT-HR-21004
Salary: $20.00/hour
Hours: 15-20 hours per week. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Schedule: Part-time schedule for 900 hours per calendar year
Benefits: n/a
Location: Fairfax County Government Center, 12000 Government Center Parkway, Suite 270, Fairfax, Va 22035

Under direction of the HR Central Supervisor/Countywide Awards Manager, serves as a customer service representative for the Department of Human Resources (DHR) Central front office. Assists with all daily functions of a high-demand, high-volume front reception desk, including answering and responding to calls, emails, and walk-in visitors in an accurate, efficient, professional and courteous manner.
Candidates in this position learn about all areas of human resources and are provided development opportunities to enhance their skills and understanding. There is a long tradition in DHR of developing part-time employees and preparing them to apply for full-time county human resources jobs. This position provides an opportunity for prospective or current students to explore career options, apply academic knowledge and skills to the workplace, gain career skills, build their resume and network with human resources staff across the county.

Key Duties: 
Serves as primary team member for high-volume front reception desk, answering and responding to calls and emails and assisting walk-in visitors.
Maintains front lobby and stock of front desk materials.
Provides administrative-level human resources assistance to include countywide awards/recognition programs, data analysis and compilation and special projects as assigned.
Provides backup support for specialty functions to ensure effective and seamless execution of all DHR duties.

Requirements: Applicants can be community college, undergraduate or graduate students with an interest in gaining knowledge about the field of human resources. High school graduates seeking human resources experience prior to undertaking business or human resources coursework are also encouraged to apply.

Necessary Special Requirements:
The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check.
All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date.  Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. 

To apply, send your resume to: marlene.shifter@fairfaxcounty.gov

The Northern Virginia Educating Youth through Employment (EYE) program is a summer initiative that recruits, screens and matches youth ages 18-24 with professional opportunities in the private sector and other area businesses. These young adults are required to attend intensive training workshops before and during their work experiences. The EYE program offers local youth more than just a summer job, but rather an exciting, professional opportunity with training that will allow them to explore a career path that matches their interest.

More info here.

Seema Jain, seema.jain@vcwnorthern.com, 703-827-3782.

The Department of Family Services has opportunities for unpaid internships primarily for those seeking master’s degrees in social work. Some internships for bachelor’s in social worker (BSW) students and other human services related majors are available on occasion. Email your resume and the completed Internship Application Form to Mary Hager at Mary.Hager@fairfaxcounty.gov.

​The Fairfax County Youth Leadership Program is designed to educate and motivate high school students to become engaged citizens and leaders in the community.  Students participate in monthly learning sessions, complete a three-week paid internship in a Fairfax County department, and act as "ambassadors" for the program, speaking to middle school civics classes.  Students learn about local government's role in their everyday lives and are given an opportunity to interact with county leaders and policy-makers.

More info here.

Martha Reed, Martha.Reed@fairfaxcounty.gov, 703.324.4062

The CSB offers volunteer and student training opportunities that can make a world of difference to people in our community. We provide vital services for people of all ages with mental illness, substance use disorders, intellectual disabilities, and for young children with developmental delays. We also offer outreach and training to increase public knowledge and awareness. As a volunteer or intern with the CSB, you are a valued team member, helping to expand and enhance our services. You may be providing direct service or administrative support, or helping with special projects. For volunteer or internship opportunities, contact the Program Manager, Intern and Volunteer Services (email: csbvolunteer@fairfaxcounty.gov), 703-383-8434, TTY 711.

Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) provides work based learning opportunities for high school students through Career and Transition Services (CTS) coursework. Special education students learn workplace readiness skills in the real world. Our student interns engage in community work experiences during the school day with the support of their classroom teacher. Interns are available to support your department for 2-16 hours per week, depending upon your needs.

Examples of desired training opportunities include but are not limited to:

• Animal Care                                                
• Assembly
• Childcare/Education
• Clerical Assistance
• Computer Technology/Repair
• Custodial Care
• Grounds Maintenance
• Food Preparation/Services
• Inventories and Stock
• Labor/The Trades
• Laundry
• Recycling/Waste Management

Contact Sue Eaton, Work Based Learning Resource Teacher with Career and Transition Services, at (571) 423-4596 or seeaton@fcps.edu for additional details.

The Fairfax Area Disability Services Board established an internship program for college students and recent graduates with disabilities. The internship program provides participants with on-the-job experience, professional development, and training opportunities. The internship program is named in honor of the late John Hudson. During his 15 years with Fairfax County Government, John made immeasurable improvements to enhance the lives of people with disabilities in the Fairfax area. Any college student, law student, graduate student, or recent graduate who self-identifies as an individual with any type of disability is invited to apply. You will not be required to disclose your specific disability; however, your application for this program must signify that you consider yourself a person with a disability. The internship program lasts 380 hours. The start and end dates are flexible, but interns should plan on starting work in the beginning of June and working until the beginning of August. This is a full-time internship (40 hours/week). Interns should plan on working eight hours a day (with a one-hour lunch break), Monday through Friday. A typical schedule is 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

John Hudson Internship Program - Frequently Asked Questions

Karen Kelly, Karen.Kelly@FairfaxCounty.Gov, 703-324-3745

The JDRDC has a Volunteer and Internship Program. Applicants for volunteer and intern positions must be at least 21 years of age unless otherwise stated, and experience working with juveniles is preferred for relevant positions. Visit JDRDC's Volunteer and Internship Program page for more information.

Information on internships at the Fairfax County Public Library may be found here.

The ADR Office offers unpaid internships to undergraduate and graduate students seeking a degree in Conflict Resolution & Analysis requiring the completion of internship credits to satisfy course credit requirements. Please contact the ADR Coordinator at 703-324-3348 or email Christiane.Eichmann@fairfaxcounty for additional information.  

The Fairfax County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) offers unpaid internships each semester. The emergency management internship program provides an opportunity for students or recent graduates to explore career options, apply academic knowledge and skills to the workplace, gain career skills, build resumes and network with emergency management professionals throughout the National Capital Region. Visit the OEM Internship Program website here to learn more and/or submit an application.

The Office accepts applications for unpaid interns year-round. Chairman Jeffrey C. McKay is looking for college-level student interns interested in government and politics. Interns will attain first-hand work experience in local government in Virginia's largest jurisdiction. For details about the program and how to apply, please visit their Internship Opportunities webpage here.

The Police Department offers unpaid internships with priority given to placements for undergraduate students enrolled in college and university programs requiring the completion of an internship to satisfy course credit requirements. Students must contact the Personnel Resources Division at Fcpdprd@fairfaxcounty.gov at least 90 days prior to the start of the academic semester in which the internship is desired to begin. Click here to read about the internship program and the background investigation required prior to possible internship selection. An investigator will reply to emails with application and internship policy related materials sent as attachment files.

The only graduate internship program is in the Victim Services Section. These internships are for individuals who are pursuing a master's degree in psychology or a master's of social work (MSW) degree, and the internship must be a requirement. Prior to the background process the intern applicant must be interviewed by the Director of Victim Services Section. Contact the Personnel Resources Division at Fcpdprd@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Agency: McLean Community Center
Job#: ELT-MCC-22004
Salary: $17.00
Hours: This job will be May 10-Aug.13. 10am-5pm hours may vary (occasional evenings and weekends required).
Location: McLean Community Center

Under direction of the Youth/Instructional Programs Manager, the Recreational Programs/ Events Intern plans, organizes and provides supervision and oversight for a broad spectrum of recreation activities, classes, camps, services, facilities, field trips and programs; conducts outreach and marketing activities with board members, users, and community groups. Performs additional related work as required.

This position in recreation is responsible for assisting in the day-to-day program planning and coordination and supervision of various activities and services administered within the McLean Community Center. Areas of assignment may include assisting in camps, class programming, updating/editing and assembly of policy & procedure guidelines for the Program Dept., customer service, invoicing/payments, and event management.

Recreation/Events Interns are expected to exercise a high degree of expertise, initiative and independent decision-making to ensure customer satisfaction.

Examples of Key Duties: (Duties are illustrative and not inclusive and may vary with individual assignment.)

• Plans, organizes, conducts and coordinates a wide variety of recreational and community service programs within the McLean Community Center, schedules activities and programs.
• Monitors and evaluates program activities, assists in registration office management, responds to questions and concerns.
• Prepares a variety of reports and other documents such as operating, activity and financial reports, instructional dept. policy & procedures guideline manual, promotional materials and agenda items; presents materials to Programs Manager
• Provides input into the development of budgets, including determining staffing and other operating expenses.
• Maintains contacts with patrons to provide necessary coordination of services
• Performs other duties of a similar nature or level.

Requirements: Applicants must be a senior in a college/university or in graduate school.

Necessary Special Requirements:
The appointee to the position must satisfactorily complete a criminal background check and Child Protective Services Registry check.

All newly hired employees are required to be fully vaccinated as a condition of employment or obtain approval of a medical or religious exemption prior to their start date.  Proof of an exemption or vaccination status will be required during the pre-employment onboarding process. New employees who obtain an exemption from the vaccine mandate for medical or religious reasons will still be subject to the weekly testing requirement.  Otherwise, vaccinated employees will complete the attestation online in the first day of employment.

To apply to resumes to: Michael.Fisher@fairfaxcounty.gov