“I’ve always wanted to work at a park—you must love your job!” If you’ve ever been part of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA), you’ve likely heard this sentiment from friends and visitors. While working in parks is a rewarding career, it also requires dedication, hard work and a passion for nature and community service. For many FCPA employees, that passion was first sparked through volunteering.
Many current FCPA staff members started as volunteers, gaining valuable hands-on experience that helped them develop the skills needed for paid positions. Nature centers welcome volunteers as young as 13 years old, offering opportunities in gardening, programs or animal care. Students often complete their civic or honor society service hours through park volunteer work, and many find themselves drawn back long after their requirements are met. Some become inspired by helping with reptile care, leading birthday party programs, conducting trail work or participating in stream studies. Others discover a newfound love for conservation and shift their educational focus to pursue careers in parks and environmental sciences.
Kelsey Jeffers, now a Senior Interpreter at Hidden Oaks Nature Center, first volunteered in 1996 as a middle school student, caring for frogs, turtles and toads. She and a friend spent time feeding animals, assisting at special events and even marching in local parades. That early experience led her to earn a degree in biology and environmental sciences, followed by a job teaching marine biology in Florida. She later joined the NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps, working in the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and aboard oceanographic research ships before returning to FCPA.
At Hidden Pond Nature Center, several exempt staff members began as volunteers.
Owen Krzos first assisted with summer camps and later took on animal care, scout programs and site maintenance. In 2023, he joined the paid staff. As he prepares to apply for college, Owen is setting his sights on a career as a park ranger or field researcher, already enhancing his studies with environmental science and advanced chemistry courses.
David Sneed followed in his sister’s footsteps, volunteering at Hidden Pond as soon as he was eligible in 2011. He was hired in 2016 and initially planned to study computer science or anthropology. However, his experience at FCPA led him to pursue communication and political science instead. Now a full-time college student and part-time staff member, David has developed a strong interest in public policy, particularly related to parklands and museum programming.
At Riverbend Park, David Fernell needed just 15 volunteer hours to meet his eighth-grade civics class requirement. But once he started helping with day camps, 15 hours weren’t enough—he kept coming back. Eight years later, he had taken on roles as a fishing camp intern and camp lead before transitioning into paid staff. Now in his second year as an exempt employee, he teaches school programs, outdoor recreation and preschool programs. With a degree in history, David is continuing his journey as an ADA-certified river kayak instructor and is working toward becoming a senior interpreter or visitor center manager. “Experiences are my greatest asset,” he said.
At Ellanor C. Lawrence Park, Justin Lott started volunteering 11 years ago as a senior animal caretaker after completing undergraduate studies in mammals and aquatic invertebrates. After two years, he joined the staff as an exempt employee. With encouragement from colleagues, Justin stepped out of his comfort zone to speak to the public about his favorite subject—animals. He now manages the park’s live animal collection, supports interpretive programming and oversees visitor service operations. Recently, he earned a master’s degree in natural resources and hopes to advance his career in public education and natural resource management.
Whether it’s completing school-required hours, exploring a new hobby or giving back to the community, volunteering with the Fairfax County Park Authority can lead to unexpected opportunities. Laura Grape, director of the Resource Management and Interpretation Division, started as a middle school volunteer at Hidden Pond and later became the Northern Virginia Soil and Water Conservation District director before stepping into her current leadership role.
Volunteering can open doors, spark new passions and lead to lasting careers. To get involved, visit Volunteer in the Parks | Park Authority and take the first step toward your own park journey.
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