Position Function:
This position reports to the Unit Manager and/or Research Program Manager and provides support and assistance to facilitate research activities at the USDA-ARS Poultry Unit and the Mississippi State University Poultry Unit.
Salary Grade:
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 Poultry Science Department is one of six stand-alone poultry science departments in the country and is housed in a new state of the art building accompanied by a 12-acre research farm adjacent to the main campus. Facilities include a feed mill, hatchery, layer facility, numerous broiler research houses, a BSL-2 live bird research facility, and a processing plant. Also, two commercial houses are located on site. More information is available at the departmental website at http://www.poultry.msstate.edu
The Department of Poultry Science collaborates closely with the Agricultural Research Service in conducting research. USDA ARS facilities include a research farm with a feed mill, hatchery, layer facility, broiler research facilities, and BSL-2 isolator facilities.
Anticipated Appointment Date:
April 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Assist researchers, professors, staff and/or students with research for the USDA ARS project at the MSU and ARS locations. The work includes but is not limited to setting up pens, weighing birds, catching birds for sampling or processing, working in the processing plant, bagging feed, making feed, moving feed, unloading pallets of feed.
2. Animal care (feeding, cleaning, preparation of buildings for receipt of chicks, picking up mortality) in research and tunnel houses; assist when tunnel house birds are sold (including potentially occasional night shifts) and responding to controller alarms from the poultry houses.
3. General maintenance on buildings, equipment, and grounds, to include but not limited to:
a. Cleaning and servicing vehicles and equipment
b. Replacing feed motors (requires minor electrical)
c. Plumbing water lines
d. Carpentry tasks, when needed
e. Mowing, outdoor maintenance, when needed
f. Decaking the research and tunnel houses
4. Availability to work weekends and to be available after hours in case of an emergency at either of the research units.
5. Other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: High School diploma
Experience: Six months of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified and six months of general experience.
Licenses:
Must have valid driver’s license
Preferred Qualifications:
Prior experience in poultry.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to work with others.
Knowledge of general maintenance.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
1. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
2. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
3. Involves exposure to dust and chicken dander.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu by submitting the completed online application, cover letter, resume, and three professional references.
Screening Date:
March 10, 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.
