We're Hiring!

Position Function:

To support a variety of routine and specialized Extension and research duties focused on a combination of coastal conservation and restoration, environmental monitoring, environmental stewardship, and environmental education. This position is administratively associated with the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center in support of its Coastal and Marine Extension Program (CREC-CMEP).

Salary Grade:  08

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:

Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in support of its Coastal and Marine Extension Program (CREC-CMEP) is seeking a Extension Program Assistant to support a variety of routine and specialized Extension and research duties focused on a combination of coastal conservation and restoration, environmental monitoring, environmental stewardship, and environmental education. This position will be administratively housed in the Coastal and Marine Extension Program located at the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, MS.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

May 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected applicant will become part of the Coastal and Marine Extension Program (CMEP) and will be involved with a variety of program activities. The primary activities for the selected applicant are outlined below but could include any activities associated with the Coastal and Marine Extension Program.

The primary focus of the selected applicant will be to assist with research, outreach, and training related to coastal conservation and restoration, resilience, sustainability, marine debris/litter reduction, and other duties as assigned.
The primary responsibilities of the selected applicant will be to lead and/or assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of activities emphasized above. These duties will include activities such as, but not limited to:
* Organizing routine meetings with participants, partners, and team members;
* Leading and/or co-leading workshops for project participants and engaging in outreach opportunities.
* Leading and assisting with the preparation and dissemination of outreach materials, Extension publications, and technical reports;
* Applying for and managing extramural funding;
* Collecting, interpreting, and reporting data;
* Performing research activities, such as literature reviews and sample collection/processing;
* Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

High school diploma.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience, preferably in community engagement and/or education;
* Extension, applied research, outreach, education, and project management experience;
* Familiarity with coastal, marine, and estuarine ecosystems and associated field research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Must have reliable personal transportation, a valid driver’s license, and ability to travel often to sites along coastal MS, AL, and FL;
* Ability to develop and maintain diverse and robust partnerships;
* Typing and computer skills (word processing and spreadsheets);
* Highly flexible: ability to adapt to a rapidly changing schedule;
* Ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize multiple demands;
* Strong oral and written communication skills;
* Knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office Suites especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge and skills in document/project management/sharing platforms (e.g. Google Drive, Basecamp, etc.);
* Ability to apply for, secure, and manage extramural funding.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

* Ability to work in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time;
* Ability to work long hours, occasionally in remote locations;
* Requires substantial routine travel, including overnight trips

Instructions for Applying:

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

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

All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a professional staff application along with a cover letter, resume, and academic transcripts into the online portal. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

Screening Date:

May 1, 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.