Position Function:
The candidate will support the development and delivery of extension programming focused on precision agriculture for both livestock and row crop production systems. Under the direction of Dr. Jessica Drewry, the individual will assist in expanding the use of data-driven, precision-based practices that improve profitability and sustainability for Mississippi producers. This position will involve direct interaction with agricultural stakeholders and producers, coordination of on-farm activities, and the creation of educational materials and outreach programs.
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 Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering has 18 on-campus faculty and several adjunct/affiliate faculty off-campus within research centers and government agencies, engaged in teaching, research, and extension. The department is co-administered by the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the Bagley College of Engineering and offers undergraduate (B.S.) and graduate (M.S. and Ph.D.) degrees in three distinct program areas: Biological Engineering, Biomedical Engineering and Agricultural Engineering Technology and Business. Within these programs, the department has over 500 undergraduates and over 30 graduate students. The J. Charles Lee Agricultural and Biological Engineering Building, includes more than 6,000 square feet of state-of-the-art instructional and research facilities and includes separate labs for sterile tissue culture, biomechanical testing, environmental and agricultural simulation or modeling studies, electronic/robotic design fabrication and testing, fiber processing, GPS/GIS, renewable bio-energy, and student computing resources. More information about the department can be found at http://www.abe.msstate.edu/.
Area of Specialization:
Precision livestock and row crop farming
Anticipated Appointment Date:
August 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
The candidate will support a wide range of extension and applied research related to on-farm data collection, extension material development, and extension program delivery. This will include activities such as:
* Identifying and coordinating with producers engaged in on-farm research
* Maintaining equipment/ instruments used in on-farm experiments
* Supporting the collection, organization, analysis, and interpretation of field data for use in extension programming and peer-reviewed publications.
* Assisting in online course development (e.g., developing quizzes from course material, organizing course content, developing tutorials, creating figures)
* Assisting in organizing and leading workshops/ field days (e.g. securing locations, developing adverting material, contacting participants, developing hand-outs)
* Contributing to the development of extension publications, factsheets, and other outreach materials
* Supporting the creation of youth education and outreach materials for programs such as 4-H, including activity kits, presentations, and curriculum support.
* Other duties as assigned
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in relevant field.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
* Experience in row crop production systems and the use of farm management software
* Experience in setting up, calibrating, and using precision technologies such as GPS-guided systems and yield monitors.
* Prior involvement in developing, presenting, or distributing extension or outreach materials to agricultural audiences.
* * Demonstrated experience operating large agricultural equipment.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
* Excellent written and oral communication skills with the ability to interact effectively with a variety of audiences including producers, youth, extension agents, and university faculty.
* Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
* Must possess a valid driver’s license and be willing to travel frequently to field locations across the state, including occasional overnight travel.
* Must be able to lift and carry loads exceeding 50 pounds.
* Must be able to work in outdoor conditions, including exposure to extreme heat, cold, dust, and uneven terrain.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants should apply online and include resume and cover letter.
Screening Date:
August 22, 2025, 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.
