Position Function:
Provides support and assistance to the aquaculture research program to facilitate research activities in the specific area of discipline.
Salary Grade: 10
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 Southeastern U.S. hosts some of the greatest biodiversity in North America including numerous endangered and threatened species. Mississippi is characterized by diverse terrains including broadleaf forests, oak savannas, prairie grasslands, temperate pine forests and delta wetlands, along with abundant waterways. These rich landscapes provide habitat for hundreds of species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. White-tailed deer are the number one game species in the Southeast, and account for about $1 billion in annual economic impact in the state. Mississippi is home to 11 national wildlife refuges, 6 national forests, Gulf Islands National Seashore, Natchez Scenic Trail, multiple national monuments, military parks, battlefields, several US Army Corps of Engineer reservoirs, 25 state parks, the Mississippi River, and 53 Wildlife Management areas. Mississippi State University is ranked as one of the top research institutions in the United States. The Carnegie Institute has designated MSU as an "R1 – very high research activity" doctoral granting institution. The National Science Foundation has MSU as ranked No. 12 nationally in Agriculture and Natural Resources Conservation research expenditures with more than $109 million spent annually. The 43-member faculty within the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture leads one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. We are home to the Mississippi USGS Coop Unit of scientists, the Center for Human-Wildlife Conflict, the USDA Wildlife Services National Training Academy and three endowed faculty chairs. The department has a highly collegial and interdisciplinary group of faculty, post-doctoral fellows, and Research and Extension Associates that help make the department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science in the nation. Annually, the department faculty bring in $15-20 million in extramural funding. As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 320+ undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also mentors over 100 graduate students across a variety of programs, with high job placement following receipt of a graduate degree.
Area of Specialization:
Aquaculture
Anticipated Appointment Date:
June 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assists professors and/or students with research and/or projects.
2. Operates aquaculture-related equipment.
3. Performs general maintenance on buildings and grounds as needed.
4. Reports to supervisor for scheduled updates on work accomplishments.
5. Mows grass, weeds, paints, and cleans as directed.
6. Assists with culture, animal husbandry, and oversight of aquaculture species (i.e., fish).
7. Works independently and with a group to complete job-related duties.
8. Travel as needed to accomplish research related duties.
9. May assist with cleaning and servicing vehicles and equipment.
10. Performs related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School diploma.
Licenses: Must have valid U.S. driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in aquaculture, fisheries, or related field.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience and proficiency with aquaculture systems, aquaculture related-equipment, fish husbandry, and statistical software.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Please submit application, resume, and cover letter via the online application system (PARF 510237). If you have questions, please contact Dr. Peter Allen, peter.allen@msstate.edu
Screening Date:
February 27, 2026, 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.
