Position Function:
Mississippi State University is seeking a Research Technician to enhance turfgrass research and maintenance capabilities. The position is based at the Mississippi State University R.R. Foil Plant Science Research Center, a 600-acre research and teaching farm that includes the Turfgrass Research Facility. This person will work in cooperation with turfgrass research faculty and staff in the daily operations of the Turfgrass Research Facility.
Salary Grade: 11
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:
Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.
Area of Specialization:
Turfgrass
Anticipated Appointment Date:
November 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities of the position include repair, service, and preventive maintenance of turfgrass research equipment; management, repair, and installation of irrigation systems; and operation of equipment in support of research activities. The Research Technician will also be responsible for maintaining a safe and organized shop, keeping repair records, purchasing and managing parts inventory, and assisting with research plot maintenance. Additional duties include recording and processing data from research studies and field maintenance, as well as supporting turfgrass faculty members in research activities as needed. The successful applicant will work as part of a team of faculty and staff dedicated to turfgrass education and research across Mississippi and beyond.
Minimum Qualifications:
Associate’s degree or post-secondary certificate in turfgrass management, agricultural mechanics, or a related field with at least two years of work related experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in turfgrass management, plant sciences, or a related discipline is preferred but not required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to diagnose problems and perform preventative maintenance on turfgrass equipment and irrigation systems as well as knowledge of irrigation technologies, small engine repair, or agricultural research techniques.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Exposure to extreme heat and cold.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Upload a cover letter, current resume, transcripts (with SSN# redacted), and list of three professional references
Screening Date:
October 8, 2025, 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.
