Position Function:
Assist in the research management and production operations of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Horse Unit located at the H.H. Levick Animal Research Center. Assistant Herder will work under the direction and report to the Facilities Supervisor.
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:
The Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 625 undergraduate students, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process into wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory which opened Fall 2025. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.
Area of Specialization:
Equine
Anticipated Appointment Date:
March 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Oversee the scheduling and training of student workers and interns.
2. Assist in maintaining farm system records and databases.
3. Maintain general organization of the office, lab, and barn areas.
4. Source and ensure continual supply of shavings, barn and office supplies, feed, and supplements.
5. Maintain strong communication with veterinarians, farriers, faculty, staff, and student workers.
6. Prepares animals for laboratory instruction.
7. Participates in enforcing safety rules, codes, regulations, and maintains a clean and safe working environment.
8. Maintain equipment and facilities.
9. Assist in daily care of the horse herd including feeding, foaling, routine healthcare, and ensuring a clean living environment for all horses.
10. Assistance with breeding strategies, stallion owner relationship development, and foal prep.
11. Performs other related duties as assigned.
Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and job requires flexible scheduling.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in animal science or similar related field. Valid driver's license.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience managing animal production systems preferred. Preference will be given to candidates that have experience working with research animals and/ or have previous supervisory experience.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Ability to lift heavy objects.
Ability to operate farm equipment.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Physical work is a primary part (more than 70%) of job. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu, and will be required to submit a cover letter, resume, and at minimum three names and contact information for references. Attach to the online application all college transcripts. For more information, contact Ginger Cavinder at (662) 325-2803 or glc140@msstate.edu.
Screening Date:
February 16, 2026, 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.
