Position Function:
This position is a 100% Extension appointment in the Center for Pollinator Health at the Delta Research and Extension Center, Stoneville, MS. The function of this position is to lead a nationally recognized and locally effective education and outreach program that equips and empowers the agricultural and apicultural sectors to manage pests and row crop production to minimize impacts to honey bees and other pollinators. Performance will be evaluated primarily in terms of contribution to transforming stakeholders’ knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors related to agricultural production and conservation as it pertains to pollinator health. The incumbent will work as an integral member of a multidisciplinary research and Extension team focused on pollinator health in the Delta region of Mississippi and beyond.
Salary Grade: 17
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 Delta Research and Extension Center (DREC) is the largest of four R&E Centers in the Mississippi State University system. Located in Stoneville, MS, the DREC is ideally situated in the heart of intensive row crop agriculture with over 80% of Mississippi’s row crop production coming from the 19 counties that are served by the DREC. With over 5,000 acres dedicated to research along with 26 research and Extension faculty and numerous support positions, the mission of DREC is to solve agricultural and aquacultural production problems and to transfer new information and technology to area producers of cotton, rice, soybean, corn, catfish, and other crops. The DREC is also home to a joint MSU and USDA-ARS Pollinator Health Center that focuses on pollinator protection in southern row crops.
Area of Specialization:
Entomology with emphasis on Pest Management or Apicullture
Anticipated Appointment Date:
October 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Coordinate co-learning collaboration with local farmers, beekeepers, agricultural consultants, Extension agents, and industry partners to bring awareness to pollinator challenges in a row crop intensive environment.
2. Provide in-service training and one-on-one assistance to county agents and other Extension personnel on the nexus between local crops and pollinators.
3. Create technical content for Extension multimedia to convey the most needed information on agricultural production and pollinator conservation.
4. Organize Extension events and deliver technical presentations to stakeholders and Extension personnel
5. Design, operate, and teach structured informal courses that educate stakeholders more comprehensively on pollinator protection.
6. Assist Extension Associates, graduate assistants, and intermittent employees in their accomplishment of Extension tasks and oversee equipment and supplies for Extension activities
7. Cultivate and maintain fruitful partnerships with agricultural producers, private companies, commodity boards, advocacy organizations, government agencies, research scientists, and Extension personnel to maximize the relevance and impact of Extension endeavors
8. Prepare reports for sharing Extension progress and proposals for expanding Extension efforts
9. Accelerate and enhance DREC’s translation of scientific knowledge and research findings into practical applications and stakeholder recommendations
Minimum Qualifications:
Applicants must have earned a master’s degree in a related field by the appointment date. Applicants must possess a strong background in entomology, crop production, apiculture, or agricultural Extension.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
The ideal applicant is passionate about building an exemplary Extension program that is tailored to the applied context and is making real-world differences. The ideal applicant has accumulated multiple years of experience in agricultural production and pest management with knowledge of pollinator protection. The ideal applicant has proven successful in relaying technical information to non-technical audiences and in managing a large team of colleagues or a large portfolio of clients. The ideal applicant is familiar with and interested in crop and pollinator protection.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Attention to detail
• Self-motivated individual who can take direction but does not require direction supervision
• Able to work in a collaborative environment on team-based research.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This position will require significant computer work, strenuous outdoor work, extensive driving within the region, and frequent smartphone communication with colleagues and stakeholders. Especially between April and September each year, the incumbent must expect and tolerate extreme weather, overtime work, work outside of normal business hours, exposure to common farm allergens, and physical lifting not exceeding 50 pounds.
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 qualifications and Extension vision for this position, 2) a current resume or curriculum vitae, 3) unofficial transcript(s) of relevant college education (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. Full consideration will be given to all applications that are completed no later than September 15, 2025. The appointment date will be negotiable.
Screening Date:
September 24, 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.
