Position Function:
The roles of the intermittent employee will fall into three categories: field, laboratory, and outreach/education. The first category involves assisting with shark bottom longline surveys throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico. Specifically, the employee will be responsible for preparing gear, performing shark and fish dissections, collecting samples, and recording and entering data. The second category involves completing various laboratory processing tasks using samples collected during the bottom longline surveys. The third category involves assisting with outreach and education events and developing materials to use at these events. Travel for field work and outreach events may be necessary.
Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
Salary Grade: UC
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:
Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as Mississippi State University's "southern exposure." This position is located in Biloxi, MS.
Area of Specialization:
Fisheries biology, fisheries ecology, environmental education
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 16, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Assisting with shark bottom longline surveys throughout the northern Gulf of Mexico by preparing gear, performing shark and fish dissections, collecting samples, and recording and entering data.
• Completing various laboratory processing tasks using samples collected during the bottom longline surveys.
• Assisting with outreach and education events and developing materials to use at these events.
• Travel for field work and outreach events may be necessary.
Minimum Qualifications:
• B.S. or B.A. in biological sciences.
• Valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working on small and/or large vessels, handling fish, collecting samples and data, and conducting field surveys (e.g., trawl, gillnet, quadrat, etc.).
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Good organizational skills and ability to work independently.
• Knowledge and skill with computer programs, including Microsoft Office, QGIS, Photoshop, etc.
• Ability to speak with outside groups, particularly in an education setting.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
• Able and willing to spend long days on a boat, potentially in extreme weather conditions, including rough seas.
• Able and willing to work on a flexible schedule, which may include overnight trips, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
• Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
• Work involves considerable physical activity. It requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling is required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, resume or vitae, copy of your unofficial transcripts, and contact information for up to 3 references. Social security numbers included on transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.
Screening Date:
November 3, 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.
