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


Access and Inclusion Internships

Position Title: Access & Inclusion Intern

Location: Multiple locations in Fairfax County, Virginia.

Hours: Hours will vary depending on programs, including nights and weekends

Salary: $17.00/hour
  
Job Description: The Access and Inclusion intern will provide support to customers with disabilities who are enrolled in general recreation camp programs. They will serve as Inclusion Support Staff, working closely with directors and counselors while encouraging the customer’s participation and skills toward independence. They will work with customers and staff to provide positive behavior strategies and interventions, develop and implement accommodations, and communicate effectively with parents.  They must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  In addition to camp programs, the intern will also support customers with disabilities participating in traditional programs, camps, and classes at various times and locations.  They will participate in agency meetings, trainings, special events, projects, and administrative responsibilities.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • At least 6 months of experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Must be at least 18 years old.
  • Must have an active driver’s license and personal transportation to get to and from designated work locations every day.  
  • Be willing to work at outdoor locations during the summer months.
  • Have or be willing to obtain CPR and first aid certification.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • At least 1 year of experience working with youth with disabilities.
  • Experience writing, evaluating, and implementing accommodation plans for customers with disabilities.
  • Education in one of the following related fields: Parks and Recreation, Recreation Therapy, Special 
    Education, Sociology, Psychology, or Adapted Recreation.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

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

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.  

Nature and History Internships

Position Title: Huntley Meadows Park Field Trips Intern
Location: Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, Virginia 22306
Hours: Spring Session, February – March, approximately 15-30 hours per week.
Salary:  $16.49 per hour.

Overview: Huntley Meadows Park is looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor to lead fun, hands-on outdoor programs and activities for school aged children! This position is perfect for someone who enjoys being outdoors, teaching others, and helping youth connect with nature.

Instructors support and manage a variety of school field trip programs including nature hikes and hands-on experiments, meeting Virginia Standards of Learning (SOLs).

Duties: 

  • Work collaboratively with the Park Programmer to plan, lead, and support classes, camps, and special events.
  • Assist and lead interpretive school field trips focused on natural and cultural history, outdoor recreation, and environmental education.
  • Develop and implement a new field trip outline.
  • Engage with the public, answering questions and providing excellent customer service.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must pass a driving record check.
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leading outdoor recreation, education, or interpretive programs.
  • Comfortable teaching groups of various ages in outdoor settings.
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

To Apply: Send resume 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.  

Position Title: Huntley Meadows Park Programs Intern
Location: Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Alexandria, Virginia 22306
Hours:  Spring Session, February – March, approximately 15-30 hours per week.
Salary: $16.49 per hour.

Overview: Huntley Meadows Park is looking for an enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructor to lead fun, hands-on out-door programs and activities for participants of all ages! This position is perfect for someone who enjoys being outdoors, teaching others, and helping the community connect with nature. 
Instructors support and manage a variety of park programs including Scout badges, nature hikes and tours, and homeschool classes

Duties: 

  • Work collaboratively with the Park Programmer to plan, lead, and support classes, camps, and special events.
  • Assist and lead interpretive programs and field trips focused on natural and cultural history, outdoor recreation, and environmental education.
  • Develop and implement new program outlines.
  • Engage with the public, answering questions and providing excellent customer service.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must pass a driving record check.
  • Must hold a valid driver’s license.
  • CPR/AED and First Aid certification required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience leading outdoor recreation, education, or interpretive programs.
  • Comfortable teaching groups of various ages in outdoor settings.
  • Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

To Apply: Send resume 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.  

Position Title: Native Plant Internship
Location: Riverbend Park, 8700 Potomac Hills St. Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: Between 16-30 hours per week. 

  • Work hours will be flexible based on class schedule but will generally be between 9:00am – 5:00pm.
  • Weekends available.

Salary: $17.00 - $19.00 per hour

Overview: Riverbend Park is part of the Fairfax County Park Authority and includes over 400 acres of forest, meadows, and ponds. 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 through-out the spring and summer to monitor and inventory species. Several resource management projects are implemented to protect the park's resources, reduce erosion, control the spread of non-native invasive plants, and restore damaged trails and habitats. The native plant intern will assist the Natural Resource Manager and Park Staff on these projects.

Duties:

  • Update Natural Vegetation Community Classification surveys in rare plant areas of Riverbend Park.  
  • Promote and protect native and rare natural communities in the park.
  • Identify, map, and control nonnative invasive plants.
  • Plant native shrubs, grasses, and monitor and maintain past planting projects.  
  • Complete vegetation surveys in several small meadow units.  
  • Identify and map rare plant species in Riverbend Park and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve.  
  • Use maintenance equipment including UTV, mowers, trimmers, and leaf blowers to complete various natural resource projects.  
  • All other duties as assigned.

Applicants:

  • College students or graduates, preferably with a major in botany, environmental   science, natural resource management, or other applied sciences.

To Apply: Send resume to Casey Pittrizzi, Natural Resource Manager, at the above address or via email at casey.pittrizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov by March 1st, 2026. Call 703-759-9018 for more information.

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.  

Title: Museum Collections Intern 
Hours: 20 to 30 hours per week. Not to exceed 900 hours. May-August 
Salary: $19.00 to $24.00 per hour (position is exempt and not benefits eligible) 

Duties Include: Working under the supervision of the Archaeological and Museum Collections Manager, you will be provided with training and direction for collections inventory and care. The Collection includes over 3,000 permanent, education, display, and living collection objects onsite ranging from industrial farming equipment to historic household goods. Inventory tasks include identifying, documenting, photographing and updating digital database records. This is an integral part in ensuring the success of FCPA’s reaccreditation process with the American Alliance of Museums. 

Minimum Qualifications: Undergraduate or graduate student majoring in Museum Studies, History or related field. Must be well organized, work with accuracy and attention to detail, excellent research abilities, and possess strong oral and written communication skills. Candidates should be able to work in team and independently when given tasks. Prior knowledge or experience with museum collections management preferred. Ability to lift 50 lbs. with assistance. Ability to walk, crouch, kneel, stand, sit in indoor and outdoor areas during variable weather. Ability to ascend and descend ladders. May work in historic structures and spaces that are not climate controlled or accessible to ADA requirements. 

To apply: Please e-mail resume and cover letter with references to Kelsey Atwood, Archaeological and Museum Collections Manager at Kelsey.Atwood@fairfaxcounty.gov. Interviews with qualified applicants will begin immediately. Position open until filled. 

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. Students seeking internship or course credit are welcome. 

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 14th, 2026. 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. Must Have Social Security Card.

To Apply: Submit a cover letter, résumé and three references. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If selected, you will be notified of additional procedures to begin employment. Please notify the hiring supervisor if they need to verify employment/internship, provide weekly or monthly updates or communicate with your advisor. Interested candidates should forward resumes to Casey Tinius, Riverbend Park by email to Casey.Tinius@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.  

If you have any questions, please email FCPAJOBS@Fairfaxcounty.gov or visit us online.

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.  

Position Title: Virginia Native Plant Internship
Location: Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312
Hours: Summer Session between 16-30 hours per week. Occasional weekend shifts required; start and end dates are negotiable 
Salary: $17.00 per hour

Overview: Green Spring Gardens is a 31-acre public garden with a 1784 Historic House that offers a variety of display gardens for enjoyment, education, and inspiration. This internship will provide a hands-on horticulture introduction to a small public garden.

Duties:

  • The intern will work in a variety of gardens with a focus on Virginia native plants, learning basic maintenance activities such as watering, weeding, and mulching.
  • The internship will help to hone plant identification skills and provide opportunities to work with experienced horticulture staff and volunteers.
  • Safety operations training will be provided.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a two or four-year horticulture, botany, environmental education or similar degree program.
  • Applicants must be able to lift more than 50 lbs and traverse uneven ground.
  • Internship responsibilities include writing an article about the internship for the VNPS Potowmack Chapter’s newsletter.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

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

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.  

Position Title: Horticultural Intern
Location: Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312
Hours: Summer Session between 16-30 hours per week. Occasional weekend shifts required; start and end dates are negotiable 
Salary: $17.00 per hour

Overview: Green Spring Gardens is a 31-acre public garden with a 1784 Historic House that offers a variety of display gardens for enjoyment, education, and inspiration. This internship will provide a hands-on horticulture introduction to a small public garden.

Duties:

  • The interns will work in a variety of gardens, learning basic maintenance activities such as watering, weeding, and mulching.
  • The internship will help to hone plant identification skills and provide opportunities to work with experienced horticulture staff and volunteers.
  • Safety and operations training will be provided.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Applicants must be enrolled in a two or four-year horticulture, botany, environmental education or similar degree program.
  • Applicants must be able to lift more than 50 lbs and traverse uneven ground. 

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

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

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.  

Position Title: Huntley Meadows Park Native Plant Internship
Location: Huntley Meadows Park; 6901 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22310.
Hours: May–August, approximately 40 hours per week Monday-Friday (telework not an option)

  • Start date: May, no later than May 27
  • End date: August, no later than August 31

Salary: $16.50 per hour

Overview: The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Native Plant Intern at Huntley Meadows Park (HMP) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. HMP in Alexandria a 1560-acre park rich in natural resources, including wetlands, forest and meadows. HMP welcomes more than 200,000 annual visitors to the park.

Duties:

  • Assist resource management crew with habitat management for wetlands, meadows, and forests.
  • Develop a new study or continue a current study at the park.
  • Develop a scientific report based on data collected using GPS and software.
  • Assist with vegetation classification, monitoring, and recording, including rare plant species and plants, trees and plant communities of significance.
  • Promote native and rare plant communities by controlling invasive exotic plants.
  • Opportunity to visit and work at the native plant propagation garden.
  • Write an article for FCPA social media, VNPS newsletter and FOHMP newsletter describing the summer internship.
  • Skill development: plant identification skills, natural community classification, GPS and software skills, project management skills, resume building, and completed project.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year or master’s program in natural resource management, biology, botany, or environmental science.
  • Ability to do moderate lifting (Up to 20lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
  • Ability to stand or sit for long periods to conduct field work or to perform office tasks.
  • Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor; incumbent must be able to operate
  • keyboard driven equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Completed botany coursework and/or previous field experience with flora.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

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

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.  

Position Title: Huntley Meadows Park Natural Resources Internship
Location: Huntley Meadows Park; 6901 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22310.
Hours: May–August, approximately 40 hours per week Monday-Friday (telework not an option)

  • Start date: May, no later than May 27
  • End date: August, no later than August 31

Salary: $16.50 per hour

Overview: The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is seeking a Natural Resource Intern at Huntley Meadows Park (HMP) to be a part of one of the most highly regarded park systems in the country. HMP in Alexandria a 1560-acre park rich in natural resources, including wetlands, forest and meadows. HMP welcomes more than 200,000 annual visitors to the park.

Duties:

  • Assist resource management crew with habitat management for wetlands, meadows, and forests.
  • Develop a new study or continue a current study at the park related to fauna or habitat management.
  • Develop a scientific report based on data collected using GPS and software.
  • Participate in various wildlife studies at the park.
  • Promote healthy habitats through management activities.
  • Write an article for FCPA social media and FOHMP newsletter describing the summer internship.
  • Skill development: habitat management skills, fauna ecology and management, GPS and software skills, project management skills, resume building and completed project.
  • All other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel.
  • Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year or master’s program in natural resource management, biology, botany, or environmental science.
  • Ability to do moderate lifting (Up to 20lbs), walking and hiking on rough unpaved, or off-trail surfaces.
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions and temperatures.
  • Ability to stand or sit for long periods to conduct field work or to perform office tasks.
  • Visual acuity is required to read data on computer monitor; incumbent must be able to operate keyboard driven equipment.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Completed biology or similar coursework and/or previous field experience with habitat management or fauna.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov with the position you are applying for in the subject line.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

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

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.  

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