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


Resource Management, Interpretation and History

Position Title: Wayside Interpretive Signage Project intern
Location: Fairfax, Virginia, United States of America 
Hours: Part time, Seasonal 5 hours per week (minimum); three workdays required with times negotiable 
Salary: $16.49 - $20

Overview: The Park Authority is currently undergoing a revamping of the signage displayed across county parks. The role of this position is to aid in the research, development, and creation of these interpretive signs. At a higher level, the purpose is to enhance park visitors’ experiences and education opportunities through signage, to help preserve and protect our natural and cultural resources. 

Duties: Supporting project leads in researching different kinds of interpretive signs. Gain experience with GIS database to assess the inventory and status of signs across county parks. Interns will, under guidance, select a specific topic, research, write text, choose graphics, and/or take photographs for a chosen sign, resulting in a finished product. Learn government procurement policies. Assist in developing a long-term plan for county wide assessment, upkeep, and replacement of signage. Projects may require visits to parks to assess locations and measure existing signs. 

Skill development: database management skills, project management skills, resume building, completed project, training in cultural and natural history interpretation, and interpretive sign design. 

Minimum Qualifications: Microsoft Office skills including Word and Excel. Applicants must be enrolled in a two- or four-year nature/history, education, interpretation, outdoor recreation, or similar degree program, and have their own transportation. Applicants must have the ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. 

Preferred Qualifications: Experience with data collection and reporting or using GIS mapping systems. Be skilled in writing for educational purposes or have experience with project planning.

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.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAInternships@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.  

Position Title: Historic Collections Intern
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, Hayes, Virginia 23072 United States 
Compensation: Interns will be temporary part-time employees of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Compensation is $16.18 - $26.96, with expected hours per week of 17. 30 hours for 52 weeks per year. Start and end dates are negotiable.

Overview: Frying Pan Farm Park is searching for a historic collections intern, who, under the supervision of an internship supervisor, will participate in projects and programs that serve the community and contribute to the mission of the Fairfax County Park Authority. Interns will be assigned to a project or program in one of the following areas: Park Services, Park Operations, Administration, Planning and Development, Resource Management, or Marketing and Communications. 

Duties: 

  • Collections Inventory: Assist staff with inventory of Permanent, Education, and Display Collections objects. Document object condition, location, and update collections database. 
  • Collections Care: Support staff in environmental condition monitoring, integrated pest management, and routine cleaning of historic objects/spaces. Assist staff in accessioning, deaccessioning, and documentation of legal title of collections objects.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
•    Varies by area of assignment 
•    Ability to lift 50 Ibs with assistance 
•    Ability to walk, crouch, kneel, stand, sit in indoor and outdoor areas during variable weather
•    Ability to ascend and descend ladder 
•    May work in areas or historic structures that are not climate controlled or accessible to ADA requirements

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAInternships@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.  

Position Title: Historical Research Internship
Location: Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22306 
Hours:  32 hours per week, some evening and weekend work may be required from September through December 
Salary:  $16.49 per hour 

Overview: This internship is designed to give an interested college student or recent graduate the opportunity to work with professional park staff to conduct historical 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 forces. The intern will focus on developing and presenting summer camp education pro-grams and conducting an history-related project relevant to Historic Huntley or Huntley Meadows Park.

Duties: 
General: Under supervision of the visitor services manager, the History/Historian Intern will conduct historical research and curation projects at Huntley Meadows Park. Assist with research topics relevant to Historic Huntley. Work with paid and volunteer staff on special projects. Learn about historic house operations. 

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Historical Research Projects: Under general supervision of visitor services manager, conduct, document, and write a report on a historical research project. Assist park staff with conducting relevant research, curation, and working on relevant tasks.
  • Historic House operations: Learn about how to operate a historic house, including maintenance, inspection, and care.
  • Other duties as assigned or needed.

Minimum Qualifications: 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 historical research. Interns will be required to take safety training. Must be 18 years or older by September 2025.
Driving Record Check

Physical Requirements: 

  • Ability to lift up to 25 pounds. 
  • Ability to spend extended periods of time standing, walking, lifting, cleaning. Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.

To Apply: Send resume to FCPAInternships@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.  

Fairfax Virtual Assistant