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Summer internships

Fairfax (VA) County Park Authority


The Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) is proud of its ability and opportunity to provide a variety of intern programs for individuals seeking on-the-job experience in all aspects of Park Authority operations. There is no limit to the number of interns accepted, though summer numbers tend to run from 20-35.  The selected number of interns is based on staff available to supervise, available challenging work, and qualifications of the interns.  The Park Authority offers goal is to provide a quality, diversified program in which students from a wide variety of educational disciplines have the opportunity to apply traditional academic classroom learning to actual work experience within the Park Authority, in order to develop personal and professional skills for future career development and placement.

APPLICANTS MUST:
  • Hold a junior or senior standing in a four year degree program.
  • Have a major grade point average of at least 2.0 (3.0 graduate GPA).
  • Demonstrate strong verbal and written communication skills.
  • Have strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
  • Follow FCPA outlined application process;
  • Follow all FCPA applicable policies and procedures.
  • Meet division specified qualifications. 

FCPA CONTACT PERSON -- Intern Program Coordinator, Diane Roteman.
SUPERVISION -- Following initial contact with the agency, the Intern Program Coordinator will refer you to the division of your choice. You will be referred to the Division Intern Contact who will be responsible for your interview, hire, placement, training, assignment, and evaluation.
LENGTH OF INTERNSHIPS -- Depending on the type of internship and the division in which it is being held, most internships run 10 weeks or 400 hours.
PAY -- Most Fairfax County Park Authority internships are unpaid. Select paid opportunities are available as funding allows.
TRANSPORTATION -- The applicant is required to have their own means of transportation in order to get to and from work. Intern assignments occasionally require varying work schedules throughout the County.  The applicant may be required to utilize their personal vehicle to conduct agency business.
ORIENTATION -- A structured orientation program will be provided to interns during their first few weeks on the job. A meeting with senior managers and the Park Authority Board will be scheduled.
PROJECTS/REPORTS/EVALUATION --  Depending on your type of internship, you will most likely be required to complete a special project, weekly reports, and a final exit briefing or presentation. You will be provided with a written and verbal evaluation of your performance by your immediate supervisor.  The Park Authority intern program affords each intern opportunities for both career enhancement and personal growth.  The program is structured to provide each student with a visible end product and a sense of pride and accomplishment, as well as an important building block for your resume.

Apply online here (see right-hand column of page): http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/internships/#input