Parks & Natural Resources Operations Intern

This starts as a one-year, full-time, paid Internship Program, and has the possibility of extension for a second year!

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The pay range listed above is effective July 1, 2026.

Arlington County’s Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) is seeking a Parks and Natural Resources Operations Intern. The selected candidate will support a wide range of functions across the Parks and Natural Resources (PNR) Division, including Park Operations and Maintenance, Athletic Field Maintenance, Facilities and Construction, Natural Resources, Forestry, Landscaping, and Urban Agriculture. This position reports directly to the Division Chief of Parks and Natural Resources and involves both office and field-based work.

Major Job Duties:

• Assisting with QSend and Cartegraph systems to support timely resolution of service requests and reduce open ticket times;
• Supporting public interaction efforts, including tracking and reporting community service data;
• Monitoring divisional standards and performing quality control of workflows to ensure consistency, equity, and timely completion of work;
• Supporting asset management activities and assisting with the management of division software platforms;
• Coordinating and reporting volunteer program data, including tracking participation and engagement;
• Assisting the Administration Unit and Division Chief with special projects and assigned duties;
• Supporting the Urban Agriculture Manager with community gardens, programs, and farmers markets;
• Collaborating with Park Operations and Maintenance Management to support divisional initiatives; and
• Participating in division meetings and maintaining effective communication across teams.

The ideal candidate will have experience collaborating with a wide variety of stakeholders to impact change across the organization. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have experience, education, or a willingness to learn about all aspects of parks and natural resources management.

Location: 2700 South Taylor Street, Arlington, Virginia 22206
Arlington County

Arlington County is an innovative local government in Northern Virginia seeking motivated candidates for one-year internship opportunities across multiple departments. These roles are ideal for recent graduates and current graduate students with limited professional experience who are looking to kickstart their careers.

Interns gain hands-on experience supporting key County initiatives while participating in a structured cohort-based development program. Throughout the year, interns work under the mentorship of senior staff, contributing fresh ideas, improving processes, and leveraging technology to enhance organizational effectiveness, all while familiarizing themselves with a public-sector environment.

Minimum Qualifications: Recent, 2025 and/or 2026 college graduates earning either a Bachelor’s or a Master’s degree* in the area of consideration prior to the start date of the Cohort Program (Sept. 2026) must have:

• No professional-level work experience (less than one year) in the internship field; and
• You may be a currently enrolled student in a Master’s degree program related to the internship, but you must not have significant professional-level work experience in the internship area and must be available to work during designated hours.

Degree Requirements: Sports Management, Parks and Recreation, Management, Urban Agriculture, Forestry, Landscaping, or related fields.

Desirable Qualifications: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• G.P.A. of 3.0 or above is preferred and applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts; 
• Demonstrated analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to research and interpret technical documentation;
• Ability to manage multiple projects and shifting priorities with strong organizational, planning, and attention to detail skills;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with diverse audiences and provide excellent customer service; and
• Self-motivated with a desire to learn, follow best practices, and perform at a high level.

Special Requirements

Background Check: A pre-employment criminal records check will be conducted. It will include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You will be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Driver's License: Applicant must possess, or obtain by time of appointment, a valid driver’s license, and must provide or authorize Arlington County to obtain a copy of official driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon favorable review of the applicant’s driving record. Alternatively, the applicant must have the ability and willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite.

Please complete each section of the application including the supplemental questions. Your responses to the supplemental questions are required because they provide us with specific information necessary to evaluate your qualifications for this position. These responses are considered part of the selection process. A resume may be attached; however, it will not substitute for a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not write "see resume" as a response to the questions.

Additional Information

Work hours: This is a full-time position (40 hrs/week) Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM with some flexibility and telework opportunities available upon prior approval from the supervisor. This is not a fully remote opportunity. Employees will be expected to be in the office at the discretion of the Supervisor and needs of the agency as well as to attend in-person classroom training.

Applicants may be asked to provide certified official transcripts.

Starting salary is commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate selected.

All Cohort Interns are eligible for County government employee benefits that include health, dental and leave.

Arlington County is committed to advancing diversity, equity, access, and inclusion across all our services, activities, and programs. Learn more about our commitment.

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