Park Authority

Position Title: Historical Research Internship
Location: Huntley Meadows Park; 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22306; Historic Huntley, 6918 Harrison Lane, Alexandria, VA 22306
Hours: Fall Season, September through December. Approximately 15-32 hours per week. 
Salary: $16.83 per hour
 

Overview: Reporting to the Visitor Services Manager, this internship is designed to give an interested college student or recent graduate the opportunity to work with professional park staff to conduct his-tory research associated with Historic Huntley and Huntley Meadows Park.

Historic Huntley is a restored Federal period villa within Huntley Meadows Park, a 1554-acre wetland preserve. Historic Huntley is on the National Register of Historic Places and was built for Thomson F. Mason, grandson of George Mason. Huntley Meadows Park occupies lands used for a diversity of purposes by many different peoples from Native Americans to the U.S. armed forced. 
 

Duties: 

• The intern will focus on developing and presenting summer camp education programs and con-ducting a history-related project relevant to Historic Huntley or Huntley Meadows Park.
• Assist park staff with conducting relevant research, curation, and work on relevant tasks.
• Learn about how to operate a historic house, including maintenance, inspection, and care.
• All other duties as assigned. 
   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Open to college students or graduates, preferably with majors in public history, history, education, museum studies, archaeology, or related field.
• Preference will be given to candidates with experience conducting relevant historic research.
• Interns will be required to take safety training.
• Must be 18 years or older by September 2026. 
   

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.  
   

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: Urban Agriculture Intern
Location: Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312 
Hours: 15 – 20 hours per week (telework not an option); Three days/week required with times negotiable. 

• Start date: negotiable but no later than October 6, 2026. End date negotiable but no later than March 1.

Salary: Compensation is $17.00 per hour.
 

Overview: The Urban Agriculture Intern will assist with the administration of Fairfax County’s Garden Plot Rental Program. Interns will be exposed to project planning and administration and gain skills in communicating with a diverse audience. Interns will also enhance their knowledge of vegetables and fruit gardening.

Duties: 

• Physical clearing of vacant plots for new tenants
• Conducting spot checks as part of garden plot site inspections
• Data entry and statistics
• Promoting the program through short writing assignments and social media posts
• Special projects may be assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year horticulture, botany, environmental education/science, sustainability or similar degree program
• Ability to communicate verbally and in writing; be able to lift 40 lbs.; ability to traverse uneven ground; tolerate heat, humidity and cold temperatures working outdoors; and have their own transportation

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with data collection and reporting
• Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel
• Legible handwriting
• Botanical knowledge helpful but not required
• Photography and social media skills a plus
• Multilingual skills are a plus.
   

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov. 

Necessary Special Requirements:

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

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or in-terview 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: Horticulture Intern
Location: Green Spring Gardens; 4603 Green Spring Rd, Alexandria, VA 22312
Hours: Fall Season, 25-40 hours per week (telework not an option)

• Start date: negotiable but no later than September 19, 2026
• End date: negotiable but no later than March 1, 2026 

Salary: $17.00 per hour 
 

Overview: Green Spring Gardens is a 31-acre public garden with a 1784 Historic House that offers themed gardens for enjoyment, education, and inspiration. Visit our website at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring. This internship will provide hands-on horticulture introduction to a small public garden.  

Duties: 

• A special focus of this internship is on propagation and annual fall planning.
• The intern will work in a variety of gardens, learning basic maintenance activities such as watering, weeding, and
  mulching.
• The internship will hone plant identification skills and provide opportunities to work with experienced horticulture staff and volunteers.
• Safety and operations training will be provided.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Occasional Saturday or Sunday shifts are required. 
   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year horticulture, botany, environmental education/science, or similar degree program.
• Ability to traverse uneven ground, tolerate heat, humidity, and cold temperatures working out-doors.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds. 
   

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 sat-isfaction of the employer.  

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or in-terview 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: Youth & Family Education Intern
Location: Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312 
Hours: Fall 2026. 15 – 20 hours per week. 
Salary: $17.00 per hour

Overview: Green Spring Gardens is a 31-acre public garden with a 1784 Historic House that offers themed gardens for enjoyment, education, and inspiration. Visit our website at https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/green-spring.
 

Duties: 

• The intern will assist with planning and conducting nature-based programs for children and families, including field trips and scout programs, and assist with establishing birthday party program options in preparation for the new education pavilion.
• The intern will learn how to develop nature-based education programs for different age groups.
• Create program lesson plans within budget.
• Learn how to manage instruction outdoors.
• Learn how to create and use education manipulatives.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Preference is given to applicants enrolled in a two- or four-year education program in natural or environmental science, education, parks and recreational services or a similar degree program.
• Preferred applicants will have experience with and/or commitment to educating children.
• Applicants need dexterity to operate personal computer and have ability to traverse uneven ground.
• Internship responsibilities may include developing a project proposal, conducting project activities, garden maintenance, and presenting a written and oral project in the form of a program.
   

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAInternships@fairfaxcounty.gov. Open until filled.

Necessary Special Requirements:

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

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or in-terview 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: Outreach and Interpretation Internship
Location: Office hours both at the Fairfax County Herrity Building in Fairfax, VA & Lewinsville Park in McLean, VA

• Work will require travel to various schools, community events and parks in Fairfax County. Ability to travel throughout Fairfax County is essential, and possession of a car is recommended.

Hours: Fall of 2026. Work hours are flexible and may shift dependent on program timing and candidate’s availability. 

• Applicants will need to be available some weekdays for school programming, and some weekend for outreach at public events.
• This is a seasonal position and start and end date will depend on candidate’s availability. 

Salary: $16.83

Overview: The RMI Outreach and Interpretation Intern works with the Watch the Green Grow Coordinator to staff tables at outreach events and to teach established environmental educational program-ming at schools. The RMI Outreach and Interpretation Intern will also help to develop and produce hands on educational materials to use at tabling events and K-12 environmental education programs. In addition, the intern will have opportunities for digital media production like blogs, newsletter articles and social media campaigns that support the Watch the Green Grow green actions.

Duties: 

• The RMI Outreach and Interpretation Intern’s responsibilities include staffing and representing the FCPA’s Watch the Green Grow environmental education program at outreach events.
• Assisting in the design and production of hands-on educational materials for use in tabling and environmental education programming.
• The intern may also be required to teach established environmental education lessons for 4th-12th graders in conjunction with other instructors.
• Additional opportunities may include assisting with the Wonder Wagon program and other FCPA interpretive programs and events.
• Work is under the general direction of the interpretive branch and the Watch the Green Grow Coordinator.
• Other duties as assigned. 
   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Applicants require a valid drivers license.
• Applicants should have some college-level coursework in biology, ecology, natural sciences, or education.
• Applicants should be familiar with Canva or similar graphics programs.
• Ideally candidates would have interest and ability in crafts.
• Applicants should enjoy working with children and members of the public and can work with all age groups.
• Candidate should be able to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Applicants need to be able to walk over various terrains and stand for long periods of time.
• Must pass a background check.
• Proficiency in a second language is helpful. 
  
   

To Apply: Send resume to Constance Chubb at Constance.Chubb@fairfaxcounty.gov

Necessary Special Requirements:

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

Reasonable accommodations are available to persons with disabilities during application and/or in-terview 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: Nature and History Waysides Interpretation Internship
Location: Herrity Building Park HQ and Various Park locations across Fairfax County, VA (Requires travel to various sites) 
Hours: Fall of 2026. Work hours are flexible and may shift dependent on program timing and candidate’s availability. Approximately 15-32 hours per week.
Salary: $16.83

Overview: Reporting to the Interpretation and Engagement Team, this internship is designed to give an interested college student the opportunity to work with professional staff to aid in the research, development, and creation of new interpretive signage across agency sites. The intern will gain hands-on experience tracking current projects, managing budgets, and contributing to the overall county signage interpretive plan to connect visitors with Fairfax County’s rich cultural and natural history.

Duties: 

• Review existing agency plans and data to select two signs for replacement or adopt existing projects. Utilize the project budget to plan new signage, establishing clear timelines, coordinating project teams, and ensuring a strong connection to the existing interpretive master plan.
• Under professional guidance, select a specific topic or theme of interest, research content, write engaging text, and select appropriate graphics and photographs. Collaborate across agency divisions to develop, print, and install the finished interpretive signs.
• Assist with public outreach and education programs at park sites and across the county to learn about science and history interpretation in various community settings.
• All other duties as assigned.
   

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be currently enrolled in a two- or four-year degree program in nature, history, education, interpretation, outdoor recreation, or a closely related field.
• Must possess a strong passion or interest in cultural and natural history.
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word and Excel.
• Must possess the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Comfortable traveling to various park locations across Fairfax County when necessary to assess lo-cations and measure existing signs.
• Must be 18 years or older.
   

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.  

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: Historic Collections Intern
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, 2709 West Ox Road, Herndon, VA 20171
Hours: 20-30 hours/week. Late August to Mid-May
Salary: $19.00-24.00/hour (position is exempt and not benefits eligible)
 

Overview: Frying Pan Farm Park has an opening for a part-time collections intern to assist with preparations for the American Alliance of Museum Reaccreditation assessment of FCPA collections and historic sites.  

Duties: 

• Working under the supervision of the Visitor Services Manager & FCPA Collections Manager you will be provided with training and direction for collections inventory and care.
• The Collection includes over 600 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 Jordan Libera, Visitor Services Manager at jordan.libera@fairfaxcounty.gov . Interviews with qualified applicants will begin immediately. Position open until filled.

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. 

Necessary Special Requirements:

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

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: 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 $16.83 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.