Waysides Interpretation Intern

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 locations 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.