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


Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch

Natural Resource Branch IMA Program Internship

Organization: Fairfax County Park Authority, Natural Resource Management and Protection Branch
Job title: Invasive Management Area Program Internship
Location: Fairfax County, VA
Hours and compensation: $15/hour. Complete 50 hours from June 25th – August 10th. Holidays and leave are unpaid. A vehicle will be provided for fieldwork from headquarters in Fairfax. Must have a valid driver’s license.
Application deadline: April 4th, 2025

This internship will provide support directly to the Invasive Management Area (IMA) Volunteer Site Leaders.

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

We are looking for someone to bring diverse lived experience of underserved communities. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are supported by the One Fairfax Program.

Mission: To improve the natural environment of Fairfax County Parks by removal of non-native invasive (NNI) plants and restoration of wildlife habitat.

Responsibilities:

  • Learn to identify the common non-native invasive (NNI) plants in the area, as well as some Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) species.
  • Learn why NNIs are problematic and the appropriate removal process for those plants.
  • Learn about healthy wildlife habitat and high-quality forests through the Non-Native Invasive Assessment Protocol.
  • Work with and support one or more IMA Site Leaders.
  • Control invasive plants using manual control techniques in one or more Park Authority parks.
  • Participate in volunteer invasive plant removal events.
  • Help with locating and removing EDRR species when needed.
  • Project may include helping to restore native habitat.
  • Assess an area of parkland and come up with a plan for removal of non-native invasive plants (management plan) and native plant restoration through native planting if needed. The intern will then have the opportunity to move forward with the management plan and will be able to assess the results of their work.
  • Support Natural Resource Branch in other projects as needed.

Training Required (provided by FCPA):

  • IMA PowerPoint Presentation
  • FCPA Online Volunteer Training
  • FCPA Online Outdoor Training
  • Drive Cam Training

Considerations:
This internship is primarily field-based and the intern may or may not require a vehicle for transportation. A vehicle will be provided for fieldwork from headquarters in Fairfax. Interns will be permitted to use hand tools after receiving training and practice with Park Authority staff. Interns are not allowed to use power tools or chemicals. The Park Authority will provide Personal Protective Equipment, tools and gloves.

Interns will have the opportunity to participate in other field and educational activities conducted by the Natural Resource Branch as events arise. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in the field of natural resources and develop technical skills.

How to apply: Please email a letter of interest, resume (may include volunteer experiences), and contact information for two references (school, work, or club organizations) to Gloria Medina at Gloria.Medina@fairfaxcounty.gov by April 4th, 2025. Call for more information: 703-324-6525.

The population of Fairfax County is very diverse where 38.7% of residents speak a language other than English at home (Spanish, Asian/Pacific Islander, Indo-European, and others) and we encourage candidates bilingual in English and a foreign language to apply to this opportunity.

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.  

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  

If you have any questions, please email FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov or visit us online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/jobs-internships

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.  

Riverbend Park (Great Falls)

Title: Fishing Education Intern 
Salary: $16-20/hour, June 1st - August 15th, 2025. No Benefits
Location: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: 8:30AM- 4:30PM 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, 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.

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.  

If you have any questions, please email FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov or visit us online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/jobs-internships

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.  

Title: Outdoor Education Intern 
Salary: $16-20/hour, June 1st - August 15th, 2025. No Benefits
Location: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills Street, Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: 8:30AM- 4:30PM 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! 

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, 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.

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.  

Necessary Special Requirements: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check to the satisfaction of the employer.  

If you have any questions, please email FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov or visit us online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/jobs-internships

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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