We're Hiring!

Position Function:

The Extension Associate assists Extension faculty with the development and implementation of statewide Extension programs including Sustainable Agricultural Research and Development (SARE) programming and livestock Extension programs for youth and producer audiences.

Salary Grade:  13

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 Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 625 undergraduate students, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process into wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

December 1, 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide educational programming in animal agriculture providing educational opportunities and activities including SARE programming and support of statewide Extension programs led by Extension faculty within the Department.

2. Organize meetings, lead and assist in trainings, and prepare and disseminate outreach materials, Extension publications, and technical reports.

3. Work closely with youth, volunteers, schools, community organizations, and 4-H clubs to promote and enhance positive educational opportunities that support youth development and engagement.

4. Administrative support, coordination with stakeholders such as the State Coordinator and advisory committees, management of communications through social media and newsletters, promotion of SARE funding opportunities and educational materials, and support for reporting and evaluation tasks.

5. Maintain and update social media presence. Design flyers and other promotional materials.

6. Assist with grant proposal submissions and progress/final reports. Promote the availability of SARE funding opportunities and educational materials from SARE and other services like ATTRA and AFSIC. Help engage external organizations to apply for and complete SARE grants.

7. Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Animal and Dairy Sciences or closely related field.

Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

Excellence in interpersonal communication and commitment to teamwork are essential. Extension, applied research, outreach, or educational experience are preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Able to prioritize jobs and meet deadlines.
• Sufficient interpersonal skills to effectively interact with government and university officials, the general public, early childhood educators, and colleagues.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in the use of computers, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. No or very limited physical effort required.
2. No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
3. Must attend required training and instructional sessions.
4. Ability to travel out of local area (in- and out-of-state travel). Overnight travel will be required.

Instructions for Applying:

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

All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position. Attach to the online application college transcripts, resume, and cover letter. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Three names of reference along with contact information should be submitted with the application.

Screening Date:

November 12, 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.