Fairfax County is a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3)-certified organization.
Nature & History Jobs
Fairfax County is a proud Virginia Values Veterans (V3)-certified organization.
The Fairfax County Park Authority serves the community through nature and culture at nine diverse parks. Build your career through education and stewardship of our natural and cultural resources at a nature center, historic site, working historic farm or public garden.
The employment opportunities are as varied as the resources we protect. The roles include visitor services, program leadership, resource management and protection, and building and grounds maintenance. At all levels of the organization from manager to intern, the experience of the visitor is key. Join our teams to share your passion for nature, history, farming or gardening as an employee with the Fairfax County Park Authority.
View our open positions below.
To apply for open part-time positions, please complete the online application.
Position: Park Naturalist/ Outdoor Instructor (Year-Round Part-time Position)
Location: Burke Lake Park; 7315 Ox Road, Fairfax Station, VA 22039
Hours: Variable, but hours will include mornings, afternoons, weekends, and some holidays. Part time work averaging 19 hours per week up to 30-35 during our busy seasons.
Salary: $18-$21, depending on experience and certifications
Instructor Description: Under the supervision of the Park Programmer, plan, design and present interpretive programs in natural and cultural history, fishing, geocaching, orienteering, outdoor recreation, kayaking, nature and science topics for age groups ranging from preschool to adults. Groups can include school groups, scout groups, camps, general public, thematic class series, events, and off-site and special request programs. Assist operations staff with park events. Assist in assessing the sites natural resources with the Lake Front Senior Interpreter. Assist Camp Director and play a vital role in our summer camps. Provide operational support to all programs.
Minimum Qualifications: Experience with natural sciences, education, recreation, or a closely related field. Experience presenting interpretive programs and teaching children. Ability to communicate effectively. Experience using a kayak or canoe or willingness to learn. Strong organizational skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office. Must be at least 18 years old and have a clean driving record. First Aid/CPR/AED certified or the ability to attain certification within the first six months of employment. Applicants are required to complete a background investigation 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.
To apply: Send your resume to isabelle.wolter@fairfaxcounty.gov
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: Maintenance Worker
Salary: $14-17/hour
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
Schedule: 20+ hours per week; days vary and include weekdays, weekends and holidays
Description: Frying Pan Farm Park is a diverse 135 acre park and this position will include working indoors and outdoors. Duties include grounds maintenance to include mowing and landscaping, cleaning classrooms, Visitor Center and restrooms, trash removal, unlocking and locking building for user groups, patrolling park grounds, responding to staff and visitor requests, and helping with special events.
Qualifications: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license. Be able to work outdoors in all weather, traverse uneven ground, lift up to 50 pounds and perform general maintenance and custodial work.
Special Requirements: The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background check and driving record check. First Aid and CPR/AED certification (offered through Fairfax County) must be completed with 60 days of hire.
To apply: Submit your resume to paul.nicholson@fairfaxcounty.gov
Necessary Special Requirements:
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: Farmhand
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
Hours: 3-4 days per week, includes weekends; Shifts vary, but work hours between 7am and 6pm
Salary: $13 to $18 per hour depending on certifications and experience, no benefits
Overview: Work on one of the last working farms in Fairfax County. Frying Pan Farm Park is seeking an eager, enthusiastic Farmhand to join our team!
Duties:
Minimum Qualifications: Must have a valid driver’s license, be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and good customer service.
Preferred Qualifications:
To Apply: Send resume to julie.buschor@fairfaxcounty.gov
For additional information, call 703-437-5318
Necessary Special Requirements: Will be required to pass a background check and driver’s license check.
Note: This position is scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year. This position is not eligible to receive limited benefits.
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: Farmhand
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
Hours: 4+ days per week, to include some weekend days
Salary: Starting at $17.44
Overview: Come work on one of the last working farms in Fairfax County! The Farm Hand position works closely with the farm manager and other staff to care for farm animals and complete farm chores.
Duties:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Note: * This position may not exceed 1560 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are eligible for benefits but are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.
To apply: Please send your resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Necessary Special Requirements: Will be required to pass a background check and driver’s license check.
Note: This position is scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year. This position is not eligible to receive limited benefits.
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: Farm Store Cashier
Salary: $12.41-17 per hour
Hours: approximately 20 hours per week
Location: Frying Pan Farm Park, Herndon, VA
Schedule: Weekdays and weekends, varies.
Minimum Qualifications: Minimum 1 year of retail experience. More extensive retail experience will be welcomed. Applicants must possess a high school diploma and a valid driver’s license.
Special Requirements: All appointees must also agree to a criminal background check including fingerprinting, attend mandatory training, and possess current first aid and CPR certifications as well as a valid driver’s license.
Responsibilities: Assist Store lead with operations, which includes (but not limited to): housekeeping, administrative duties, pricing and merchandising. Assist managing the inventory. Providing exceptional customer service. Responsibly managing store revenue, including accurate cash handling, drawer reconciliation, ticket management, and delivery of deposit. Attracting customers by creative merchandising. Ensuring interior and exterior of store is maintained to park standards. Operate the carousel and wagon rides (once training is complete).
Preferred Qualifications: Strong leadership skills. Ability to effectively teach/develop others to next level. Good merchandising skills and a flair for conceiving and implementing creative merchandising themes. Strong operations experience in receiving, stock and inventory as well as front-end management. Strong interpersonal, motivational, communication and organizational skills. An upbeat demeanor, with a sales-oriented personality. The ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
Position Start Date: As soon as possible
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: Please send your resume to FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov.
Necessary Special Requirements: Will be required to pass a background check and driver’s license check.
Note: This position is scheduled to work a maximum of 900 hours in a calendar year. This position is not eligible to receive limited benefits.
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: Volunteer Coordinator
Location: Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, Virginia
Hours: Average 15-18 hours per week
Salary: $16.49-$17.00
Overview: Green Spring Gardens is actively searching for a volunteer coordinator to actively recruit and retain volunteers to support children’s education, horticulture, general administration, and cus-tomer service.
Duties:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications:
Note: *This position may not exceed 900 hours per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are
not eligible to earn benefits, paid leave or receive holiday pay. This position will remain open until filled.
To Apply: Email or fax resume and cover letter to Susan Eggerton, Visitor Services and Education
Manager, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria, VA 22312, 703-642-5173
phone, 703-642-8095 fax, email: segger@fairfaxcounty.gov
Necessary Special Requirements:
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.
Natural Resource Educator
Location: Huntley Meadows Park 3701 Lockheed Blvd, Alexandria, VA 22306. Huntley Meadows Park and Historic Huntley are comprised of over 1500 acres of forest, meadow, and wetland habitat, as well as several historic buildings.
Hours: Part-time, year-round position. Average of 25-30 hours a week, depending on season and program demand. Includes weekday, weekend, and evening shifts.
Salary: $16-$20/hour, dependent on experience. Limited benefits are available. *
Position Description: A unique opportunity to develop programs and interpretive materials for future programming. Looking for a year-round, part-time naturalist to conduct programming to audiences of all ages. Groups can include school field trips, home school groups, scout groups, the general public, birthday parties, camps, events, themed class series, and special request programs. Other responsibilies may include public outreach, maintaining and obtaining training, animal care, light maintenance, and manager on duty shifts.
Minimum Qualifications: College degree or experience equivalent, programming experience with different age groups (including elementary school aged and adults), experience and knowledge base regarding nature and cultural resources, experience creating interpretive materials (lesson plans, fliers, signage, etc.), valid driver’s license/ good driving record, proficient with Microsoft Word and PowerPoint programs.
Special Requirements: Must be able to lift 40 pounds, work outside, and work evenings and weekends.
Preferred Qualifications: Any combination of education and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in natural, life, or physical sciences, natural history, education, or a closely related field and six months’ experience creating and presenting interpretive programs for children ages 2-12 years old. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Fully bilingual in English and Spanish. Ability to deal effectively with citizen inquiries and questions. Experience working in a public park and operating park facilities, buildings, etc., leading park tours, and with outreach and promotion/advertising. Experience driving cart vehicles, public safety issues, and have First Aid and CPR training.
*Note: This position may not exceed 1,560 hours worked per calendar year. Individuals in these positions are eligible for limited employee benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage and for participation in flexible spending programs, but are not eligible to earn leave or receive holiday pay.
To apply: Send a resume and three preferences by email to Karen.Roos@FairfaxCounty.gov
Necessary Special Requirements:
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.
Facility Attendant
Rate of Pay: $20-28/hour, Position will not exceed 900 hours/year
Hours: Part-time, variable schedule, 10-20 hours per week. Includes mornings, afternoons, evening, weekends, and holidays.
Location: Observatory Park at Turner Farm and Riverbend Park in Great Falls, Virginia.
About Observatory Park at Turner Farm and Riverbend Park:
Observatory Park at Turner Farm engages the community with astronomy events and observatory classes. Riverbend Park is FCPA’s only staffed riverfront park and is a protected natural resource area. 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 these beautiful parks!
Job Description: Provides building and grounds maintenance support, custodial duties, safety and security duties, program and event coordination support. Creates and maintains reports, assists with public and volunteer communications, scheduling, program administration support, cash handling/ticket taking. Inspects facilities, equipment and adjacent areas, ensuring proper conditions and safe for public use. Acts as manager on duty and front-line support. Assists with supervision of part-time and/or volunteer staff. Works with paid and volunteer staff on special projects. Other duties as assigned.
Preferred Qualifications: Any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to high school graduation or a G.E.D. issued by a state Department of Education. Must be physically able to lift 50 pounds. Ability to spend extended periods of time standing, walking, and ability to traverse rough and uneven terrain to inspect remote park areas. Must be able to work in varying weather conditions. This is a physically demanding job and staff must be physically able to complete all duties. Ability to communicate, see, hear, use hand tools, and drive park vehicles.
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: Contact Casey Pittrizzi, Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018 for further information. Submit resume by email to casey.pittrizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov or fill out application at Riverbend Park. Applications accepted until position filled.
Necessary Special Requirements:
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: Natural Resource Assistant
Location: Riverbend Park 8700 Potomac Hills St., Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: Hours are 8:30am-4:30pm two- three days per week but may vary depending on the projects.
Salary: $16-$19/hour depending on experience
Overview: Combined, Riverbend and Scott’s Run Nature Preserve has close to 700 acres of forested land in the Potomac Gorge and is Fairfax County’s natural resource jewel. It features unique plants and geologic features that attract people from all over the region. The position will be directed by the Natural Re-source Manager at Riverbend Park. Play your part by working in and preserving these beautiful parks!
Duties:
Minimum Qualifications:
Preferred Qualifications: Experience using and maintaining power and hands tools. Experience working on trails and being outdoors.
Certificates and Licenses Required: Motor vehicle operator’s license with good driving record.
To Apply: Contact Casey Pittrizzi, Riverbend Park at 703-759-9018 for further information. Submit resume by email to casey.pittrizzi@fairfaxcounty.gov or fill out application at Riverbend Park. Applications accepted until position 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.
Necessary Special Requirements:
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.
Find out more about career opportunities and working in Fairfax County.