Position Function:
This is a limited-term, full-time youth outreach position based at Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS. The function of the associate is to transform the mindsets and behaviors of Mississippi youth in two ways related to agriculture. First, the associate will increase understanding of and support for soil and water conservation so that the next generation of agricultural industry members and consumers will move Mississippi agriculture toward greater sustainability. Second, the associate will improve awareness and perceptions of agricultural jobs so that more Mississippi youth will pursue suitable agricultural careers and thus strengthen the Mississippi agricultural workforce. A core priority of this position is to connect disadvantaged/underserved youth to existing resources and to design additional resources for them so that all youth can contribute to and benefit from the success of Mississippi agriculture.
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:
This position is located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Youth Outreach
Anticipated Appointment Date:
May 16, 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Lead interactive lessons in classrooms and out-of-school venues to expose Mississippi youth, teachers, and guidance counselors to sustainable agriculture—its importance, principles, practices, challenges, relevant postsecondary education, and associated careers
• Engage Mississippi youth through digital outreach by generating and circulating age-specific multimedia resources on sustainable agriculture that empower and encourage youth to share and discuss with peers and family members
• Coordinate internships for Mississippi youth to learn about agriculture hands-on
• Organize field trips for Mississippi youth to visit agricultural colleges and employers
• Collect and analyze pre-intervention and post-intervention data for Mississippi youth on their participation rates in outreach programs, on their agricultural literacy, and on their entry to postsecondary agricultural education
• Foster strong relationships with high schools, youth development organizations, funding agencies, and other partnering entities in the Delta and surrounding areas
• Perform various tasks that enhance the visibility and effectiveness of the youth outreach programs above
Minimum Qualifications:
The associate must have earned a bachelor's degree by the appointment date. The associate must possess some background in agriculture/STEM plus some experience with educating high school youth as an employee and/or volunteer in school and/or extracurricular environments. The associate have a valid driver’s license and have ready access to a dependable vehicle with valid insurance.
Rank and Salary will be commensurate with education and/or level of experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal associate is deeply passionate about investing in and inspiring all Mississippi youth but especially disadvantaged/underserved youth. The ideal associate has proven proficiency in relating to and managing high school youth as well as in preparing new curricula and lesson plans. The ideal associate possesses relevant credentials (e.g., teaching license, master’s degree, professional development certifications) and has/had worked for multiple years as an educator of youth from diverse backgrounds and in diverse settings. The ideal associate is eager to keep learning on one’s own and from others to acquire applicable knowledge/skills and to refine the delivery of outreach programs. The ideal associate is ready to thrive in a role that is demanding and multifaceted yet highly flexible and creative.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The associate must be trustworthy, persistent, self-motivated, and capable of excelling with minimal routine supervision. Extensive travel across the Delta is an expected and reimbursable activity for this position, so the associate must maintain a valid driver’s license and have ready access to a dependable vehicle with valid insurance.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Extensive travel across the Delta is an expected and reimbursable activity for this position.
The associate have a valid driver’s license and have ready access to a dependable vehicle with valid insurance.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu and attach 1) a cover letter addressing the aforementioned qualifications, 2) a current resume or curriculum vitae, 3) documentation of relevant credentials (with the applicant’s Social Security number omitted or redacted), and 4) a list containing the names and current contact information of three professional references. Screening and interviews will begin as applications are received, but full consideration will be given to all applications that are completed no later than February 28th, 2025. Because the associate will work closely with minors, all applicants must cooperate honestly with and pass all appropriate background checks. The anticipated appointment date is May 16, 2025, but will be negotiable.
Screening Date:
January 21, 2025, until filled.
Restricted Clause:
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.
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.
