Position Function:
The primary position responsibilities are work as part of a field crew collecting forest inventory data, pollinator samples, soil samples, and vegetation samples then preparing samples for laboratory analysis. The candidate must be detail oriented and able to follow research procedures.
Salary Grade:
Please see Staff Compensation Structure or Skilled Crafts and Service Maintenance Compensation Schedule for salary ranges. For salary grade UC, these positions are "Unclassified" and salary ranges are determined by the hiring department.
Department Profile:
The Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University. The faculty have various teaching, research, service, and outreach expertise in the disciplines of forest biology and watershed management; forest economics, management, and policy; and forest measurements, biometrics, and spatial technologies. The Department has two undergraduate degree programs, Forestry and Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation, each accredited by the Society of American Foresters with ~200 students in addition to ~40 graduate students in both on-campus and distance education programs. The University’s John W. Starr Memorial Forest (a +8,000-acre research and teaching forest), the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tombigbee National Forest are located in close proximity to the University and used for teaching, research, and Extension/outreach activities.
Mississippi State University is a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution and a land grant university with a strong connection to the state-wide Extension Service. The University is in Starkville, a medium-size college town in northeast Mississippi (www.msstate.edu/web/about).
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Collect soil, insect, and plant research samples and prepare for laboratory analysis.
2. Collect field data.
3. Run laboratory equipment to analyze soil and vegetation samples.
4. Operate and maintain various field and laboratory equipment in analysis of research samples.
5. Gather, compile, and summarize data.
6. May demonstrate laboratory procedures to students or others.
7. May occasionally supervise students or temporary workers in the field or lab
8. Perform related duties as assigned.
Supervisory Responsibility: possibly supervise students in field or lab activities.
Minimum Qualifications:
High school education or GED, plus four years of field and/or lab work experience.
Valid driver's license.
An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.
Preferred Qualifications:
1. Bachelor’s degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or related field.
2. Experience conducting forest inventories.
3. Ability to identify woody and herbaceous plant species of southeastern U.S. to the species level.
4. Experience with biomass and/or soil sampling for research purposes.
5. Proficient with GIS software.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to be detail oriented and use independent judgement in the absence of direction.
Knowledge and Proficient with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Willingness to drive long distances and spend long days in the field
2. Ability to walk long distances encumbered with 30+ pounds of gear.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants should apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu and include a cover letter, resume, and transcript. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online.
Screening Date:
April 22, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
