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

Nature & History Jobs

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Virginia Values Veterans (V3) logoFairfax 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.

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To apply for open part-time positions, please complete the online application.

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Burke Lake Park

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.  

Frying Pan Farm Park

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: 

  • The appointee to this position will be required to complete a criminal background, Child Protective Services Registry, driving record check to the satisfaction of the employer.

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: 

  • Daily chores with livestock include feeding, watering, milking and cleaning stalls.  
  • Help with newborn animals and healthcare.  
  • Crop field operations include hay making, small grains and corn production.  
  • The farm is open to the public and interaction with the visitors is an important aspect of the job.
  • Attend offsite outreach and help with special events on site. 
  • Farm maintenance to include fence repair and mowing as needed.   


Minimum Qualifications: Must have a valid driver’s license, be able to lift up to 50 pounds, and good customer service.  

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with livestock, equipment operation and working with the public.
  • First Aid and CPR certification.
  • Available to work early August

To Apply: Please send your resume to Paul.Nicholson@fairfaxcounty.gov and FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov. Call 7036-437-5318 for more information. 

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:

  • Daily chores with livestock include feeding, watering, milking, cleaning stalls, light animal care, and various farm chores. 
  • Crop field operations include hay making, small grains and corn production. 
  • Operating a tractor while doing farm chores and giving site tours to visitors.
  • The farm is open to the public and interaction with the visitors is an important aspect of the job.
  • Attend offsite outreach and help with special events on site. 
  • Farm maintenance includes fence repair and mowing as needed.
  • Supervision of youth volunteers and assisting in other areas of the park as needed.

Minimum Qualifications: 

  • Must have a valid driver’s license. 
  • Able to lift 50 pounds.
  • Have experience operating tractors and other equipment.
  • Experience working with/on crop fields.

Preferred Qualifications: 

  • First Aid and CPR certification. 
  • Experience working on a farm with livestock, equipment operations, as well as working with the public.

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 Paul.Nicholson@fairfaxcounty.gov and FCPAJOBS@fairfaxcounty.gov. Call 7036-437-5318 for more information. 

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.  

Lake Fairfax Park

Position Title: Lake Fairfax Park Instructor
Location: Lake Fairfax Park, 1400 Lake Fairfax Dr, Reston, VA 20190
Hours: Varies by season - Winter: 8-20 hrs/week; Spring/Fall: 8-20 hrs/week; Summer: 20-30 hrs/week
Salary: $25-$33/hour

Overview: Lake Fairfax Park is looking for enthusiastic and knowledgeable instructors 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 and events throughout the year. Programs can include but are not limited to Boy Scout Merit Badge programs, kayak classes, nature hikes and tours, and Girl Scout classes.

Duties:
  • Work collaboratively with the Park Programmer to plan, lead, and support classes, camps, and special events.
  • Lead interpretive programs and field trips focused on natural and cultural history, outdoor recreation, kayaking, and environmental education.
  • Develop and implement new program plans and lesson outlines.
  • Engage with the public, answering questions and providing excellent customer service.
  • Assist with park events, including setup, operations, and cleanup.
  • Provide operational support to all programs and camps as needed.
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.
Physical Requirements:
  • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Ability to work outdoors for extended periods and traverse uneven or muddy terrain
  • Must be able to stand, walk, and perform physical tasks in varying weather conditions

To Apply: Please email your resume to FCPAJOBS@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.

Necessary Special Requirements: 

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

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.  

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