We're Hiring!

Position Function:

To support a variety of routine and specialized Extension and research duties focused on a combination of fisheries science, fisheries management, and community engagement. 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 an Extension Program Assistant to support a variety of routine and specialized Extension and research duties focused on a combination of coastal upland fire ecology, coastal conservation and restoration, environmental monitoring, environmental stewardship, and environmental education.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 16, 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected applicant will become part of the Marine Fisheries Ecology Program and will be involved with a variety of program activities. The primary activities for the selected applicant are outlined below but could include other activities associated with the Marine Fisheries Ecology Program.
- Assisting with bottom longline surveys and other fishery-independent monitoring programs throughout the northern Gulf by preparing gear, performing scientific workups, collecting various samples, and recording and entering data.
- Completing various laboratory sample processing tasks.
- Assisting with outreach and education events and developing Extension materials.

Minimum Qualifications:

- High School Diploma or GED.
- Valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Coastal fisheries, fisheries ecology, commercial and recreational fisheries Extension, environmental education, and fishery-independent sampling techniques.
- Bachelor's degree with major course work in a curriculum appropriate for the field of assignment.
- Familiarity with Gulf of Mexico fisheries and marine fisheries ecology
- Extension, outreach, and education experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

- Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.
- Knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office Suites.
- Strong oral and written communication skills; ability to speak with outside groups, particularly in an education setting.
- Highly flexible: ability to adapt to a rapidly changing schedule.
- Ability to juggle multiple tasks and prioritize multiple demands.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

- Able and willing to spend long days on a boat, potentially in extreme weather conditions, including rough seas.
- Able and willing to work on a flexible schedule, which may include overnight trips, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
- Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
- Work may involve considerable physical activity. It requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling is required of objects up to 50 pounds.

Instructions for Applying:

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

All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a professional staff application. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
In addition to the online application, a cover letter, resume, and unofficial transcript must be emailed to: marcus.drymon@msstate.edu

Screening Date:

September 22, 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.