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Position Function:

The primary responsibility for the Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Extension Agent is to provide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive education program focused on ANR. Specifically, the Extension Agent will work closely with county citizens, stakeholders and other agencies to provide leadership focused on our natural resources and the agricultural commodities produced in the county including poultry, forestry, cattle, commercial vegetable production, and home horticulture, forage and row crop production. Secondary responsibilities include support for programming efforts in Community Resource Development (CRD) 10% and 4-H Youth Development (4-H) 40%. The Extension Agent will serve as a member of a statewide team and will collaborate with other agents and Extension faculty and specialists to establish effective programming priorities and delivery methods.

Salary Grade:  14

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:

This position is based in Ashland, Mississippi at the Benton County Extension Office.

PARF 511362 for an ANR Extension Agent and PARF 511363 for an FHW Extension Agent are being posted concurrently to provide flexibility in recruiting for the county. Only one of these two positions will be filled.

Area of Specialization:

Agriculture and Natural Resources

Anticipated Appointment Date:

December 1, 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Agriculture and Natural Resources (ANR) Extension Agent is responsible for identifying, assessing, and prioritizing the educational and programming needs of Benton County clientele. This includes gathering and organizing information from agricultural producers, landowners, community leaders, industry representatives, and other stakeholders to evaluate the relevance, significance, and timeliness of local issues and opportunities.

In collaboration with appropriate statewide Program Leadership Groups (PLGs) and the Regional Extension Coordinator, the Extension Agent will develop and implement an annual Plan of Work that addresses identified needs through measurable goals, objectives, and outcomes. The agent will establish program priorities, determine appropriate levels of effort, and develop schedules that ensure the effective delivery of educational programs and the successful achievement of program goals.

The Extension Agent will plan, implement, and evaluate educational programs using research based information and Extension approved delivery methods. Program effectiveness will be assessed through the collection and analysis of outcome and impact data to demonstrate measurable results and accountability to stakeholders, funding partners, and the public. The agent will maintain accurate records and contribute to county, regional, and statewide reporting requirements, including annual accountability and impact reports.

The Extension Agent will work closely with the County Extension Coordinator and neighboring Extension Agents to ensure that programming efforts are coordinated, responsive to local needs, and aligned with Mississippi State University Extension Service priorities. The agent will demonstrate awareness and sensitivity to emerging social, economic, environmental, and public policy issues affecting agriculture, natural resources, and rural communities.

The Extension Agent will actively develop and maintain strong working relationships with educational institutions, governmental agencies, regulatory organizations, commodity groups, agricultural associations, community leaders, and other service organizations whose missions support the goals and objectives of Extension. Participation in local, state, and professional organizations is expected to enhance professional development, strengthen partnerships, and increase program visibility and impact.

In addition to ANR and CRD responsibilities, the Extension Agent will support programming efforts within the county across all programmatic areas of Extension. The Extension Agent is expected to follow all Mississippi State University and Extension Service policies, procedures, and guidelines to ensure the safety and wellbeing of program participants. This includes maintaining appropriate risk management practices and adhering to established protocols for camps, educational programs, field activities, youth events, and other Extension-sponsored functions.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills while serving as a professional representative of Mississippi State University Extension. A commitment to excellence in public service, collaboration, and the delivery of high-quality, research-based educational programming is essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

Applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or a field of study determined by Extension Administration to be closely related, from an accredited institution of higher learning. Applicant must maintain a valid driver’s license.

You will be expected to establish and maintain your permanent residence in Benton County or closely adjacent Mississippi county within 6 months of employment unless otherwise approved by the Extension Director and the Benton County Board of Supervisors.

An offer of employment is also contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background screen.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with level of qualification.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master of Science Degree.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

The Extension Agent must possess a working knowledge of the agricultural commodities, production systems, and natural resources relevant to Benton County and the surrounding region. The successful candidate will be expected to develop, implement, and evaluate research-based educational programs that address the needs of agricultural producers, landowners, natural resource managers, and other stakeholders.

The Extension Agent will be expected to utilize innovative and effective program delivery methods to reach diverse audiences and enhance program participation and impact. This includes identifying emerging educational technologies, adopting best practices in adult and youth education, and incorporating creative approaches to outreach and engagement.

The Extension Agent will play a critical role in building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders, industry partners, community leaders, governmental agencies, commodity organizations, and clientele. Through these relationships, the agent will assess local needs, identify emerging issues, establish programming priorities, and ensure that Extension programs remain relevant, timely, and impactful. The agent will actively engage stakeholders throughout the planning, implementation, and evaluation process to strengthen program effectiveness and demonstrate measurable outcomes.

In addition to developing and delivering traditional face-to-face educational programs, workshops, demonstrations, field days, and producer meetings, the Extension Agent will design and implement virtual and hybrid learning opportunities to expand program accessibility and reach. The agent will effectively utilize mass media, web-based platforms, digital communication tools, and social media channels to disseminate research-based information, promote Extension activities, and increase public awareness of Extension programming.

The Extension Agent will be responsible for communicating educational content in a manner that is accurate, timely, and accessible to diverse audiences while enhancing the visibility and impact of Mississippi State University Extension Service programs throughout Benton County and the surrounding region.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
• No or very limited physical effort required.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

Must complete online application; submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a current unofficial transcript. Please note that any social security number included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.

PARF 511362 for an ANR Extension Agent and PARF 511363 for an FHW Extension Agent are being posted concurrently to provide flexibility in recruiting for the county. Only one of these two positions will be filled.

Screening Date:

October 26, 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.