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

Department Resources

Join Our Team: Lifeguard Open Hire Event

Ready to dive into a rewarding job that makes a real impact in your community? The Fairfax County Park Authority is seeking part-time, year-round lifeguards to join the team at all nine rec centers across the county.

Attend our Open Hire Event for a streamlined hiring experience. You'll complete your application, take a swim test, interview with our team and, if selected, register for a free Ellis & Associates Lifeguard Certification course—all in the same day.

Open Hire Locations and Dates

Tuesday, July 28, 2026, between 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

  • Location: Martha Washington Library (6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria). Applicants will complete a swim test at nearby Mount Vernon Rec Center (2017 Belle View Blvd., Alexandria) following their interview.

Sunday, Aug. 2, 2026, between 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

  • Location: Oakmont Rec Center

Applicants should be prepared to complete a swim test and interview. Please make sure to bring appropriate swim attire, towel and a change of clothes.

The swim test consists of:

  • Swimming 100 yards continuously using a front crawl or breaststroke.
  • Retrieve a 10-pound dive brick from the deepest part of the facility’s pool (between 12 feet to 14 feet deep).
  • Tread water without hands for one minute.

Position Details:

  • Monday-Friday shift times between 6 a.m. and 4 p.m.; other availability will be considered based on site need.
  • Positions are part-time and year-round.
  • No experience required—FCPA provides all required training after a successful job offer.

As a Fairfax County Park Authority lifeguard, you'll enjoy free access to the Rec Center where you work, while gaining valuable experience for future careers in public safety, healthcare or the military. With flexible schedules, opportunities to advance to Lifeguard II and Head Lifeguard, and paid lifeguard certification for qualified candidates, this is an ideal opportunity for college students, veterans, retirees and active older adults looking for meaningful, rewarding work.

Candidates must be at least 15 years old at the start of the course, and employment is contingent upon successful course completion and satisfactory results on a background check.

Sign up for swim test and interview

Or, simply walk in ready to go!

Can’t attend the open hire or looking for more information? View the job ad and apply by visiting the Aquatic Certification and Jobs webpage.

For more information, please reach out to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Fairfax Virtual Assistant