We're Hiring!

Position Function:

Under the general direction of designated administrator or faculty member, manages a farm unit which serves the research activities of the department. Provides oversight of the operation of the farm unit and routine maintenance to equipment, facilities, and land at the Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station, with the expectation of assisting at other branch stations, as needed.

Salary Grade:  15

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 Central Mississippi Research and Extension Center (CMREC) is one of four Research and Extension Centers in the MSU System and located in Raymond, MS. The Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) - Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station is administratively associated with the CMREC and located just south of Raymond, MS. The Brown Loam Branch Experiment Station is a 1,700-acre research facility and historically focused on beef cattle research as well as crop research associated with cotton, corn, soybean and winter annuals.

Area of Specialization:

Research Farm

Anticipated Appointment Date:

August 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Manages and coordinates farm operations to effectively and efficiently meet the research needs of the department/unit, and provides assistance in that regard.
2. Organizes daily work schedule for farm operation; supervises. assigns duties. trains, evaluates and approves timecards for farm laborers and student workers.
3. Manages station's operating and sales budget in consultation with CMREC Center Head.
4. Recommends purchase of equipment, materials, supplies and other related items.
5. Maintains appropriate records which may be computerized, and prepares reports, as required or needed.
6. Oversees maintenance, safety and security of buildings, equipment and machinery, in assigned area of responsibility.
7. Recommends improvements in farm management techniques and economical use of facilities.
8. Under direction of faculty member, assists in training students in the practical aspects of operations associated with independent studies or other practicums.
9. Performs related duties as required.

Full supervisory responsibility for other employees is a major responsibility and includes training, evaluating, and making employment decisions.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's Degree.
Experience: Three (3) years of experience managing agricultural operations and supervising farm personnel.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in agriculture or related field.

Pesticide applicators license. Ability and knowledge to accurately calibrate sprayers and planters, mix pesticides, apply fertilizer, and coordinate irrigation of field plots. Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certified /experience handling and managing livestock with preference given to experience working with beef cattle.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of farming operations, equipment operation and maintenance. Management of resources including staff, equipment, land, and facilities. Knowledge or experience in sourcing agricultural inputs, loading and hauling agricultural equipment, products, and livestock.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.

Routine deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Job frequently requires standing, walking, reaching, stooping/kneeling/crouching/crawling, talking, hearing, handling objects with hands, and lifting up to 50 pounds.
Job occasionally requires sitting, climbing or balancing, and lifting more than 100 pounds.

Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.

Instructions for Applying:

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

Applicants must complete the online application at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. Attach a resume, a list of 3 references with contact information, and unofficial transcripts. Social Security Numbers on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Applicants may contact Terri Shaw at (601)857-5952 with any questions regarding the online application process.
For more information contact:
Dr. Curt Lacy
1320 Seven Springs Road
Raymond, MS 39154
(601)857-2284
curt.lacy@msstate.edu

Screening Date:

July 14, 2026, until filled. 

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.