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


Nature and History Internships

Recreation Internships

Position Title: Ice Rink Department Project and Program Development Intern   
Location: Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2017 Belle View Blvd. Alexandria, VA 22307
Hours: Fall internship opportunity. Approximately 15-30 hours per week. The position is set for 10-13 weeks with the potential to extend.

  • Start date: September 2026

Salary: Starts at $16.50 per hour
 

Overview: We are seeking a motivated and analytical intern to support the development of an innovative project from its initial research phase through the preparation of a comprehensive project and program proposal. This internship offers hands-on experience in applied research, stakeholder engagement, project planning, and proposal development and presentation.

The selected intern will work closely with the Ice Rink Supervisor to develop a new project for the department, conduct literature and market research, identify stakeholder needs, analyze existing solutions, and contribute to the design of a project proposal suitable for implementation.

This internship is ideal for students interested in business development, program design and management, ice sports, research, innovation, and other related disciplines.

This internship is open to current college/university students. The intern must be able to work on site at Mt Vernon Rec Center. 
 

Duties: 

  • The intern will work on-site to conduct industry research, current best practices, technologies, cost, and comparable initiatives to develop a full project and program proposal to be presented to Division Leadership by the end of the internship.
  • The intern will also assist with current Ice Rink programming to better understand the assigned project.
  • Assist with preparation and execution of current Ice Rink programs including Learn to Skate and Specialty classes to better understand the scope of the project.
  • Some customer service interactions will be expected.
  • All other duties as assigned. 
     

Learning Objectives: 
By the end of the internship, the intern will have gained experience in:

  • Research design and methodology
  • Literature review and environmental scanning
  • Data collection and analysis
  • Stakeholder and needs assessment
  • Project planning and logical framework development
  • Proposal writing and technical documentation
  • Professional communication and presentation skills 
     

To Apply: Send resume, essay, or cover letter and reference contact 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.  
     

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.  

Fairfax Virtual Assistant