Extension Associate

Position Function: The primary duties of the selected applicant will be to work on Extension programs pertaining to land and water conservation, which may include on-farm conservation, watershed conservation, and associated environmental monitoring. 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: Mississippi State University is a top-ranked research institution and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The department is well-known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post-doctoral fellows, research and extension associates. Our 300 undergraduate students concentrate in wildlife agriculture science, human-wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. For additional information see extension.msstate.edu/natural- resources/wildlife and www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife Area of Specialization: Natural Resource Conservation Anticipated Appointment Date: January 2025. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: The primary duties of the selected applicant will be to work on Extension programs pertaining to land and water conservation, which may include on-farm conservation, watershed conservation, and associated environmental monitoring. The primary responsibilities of the selected applicant will be to lead and/or assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of Extension education programming. Educational programming may require developing a variety of materials to extend information, which may include online course development and updates, digital and print publications, social media content, and video content. This position will also plan and coordinate training activities, which can include field days and workshops across Mississippi, which will require routine travel. The position will also assist in training individuals in environmental monitoring methods, such as soil and water conservation monitoring methods. Given the position functions, knowledge of natural resources, general ecology, soil and water conservation practices, agriculture, and methods for collecting field data, experience or ability to learn laboratory analytic techniques, and the ability to communicate science to stakeholders and knowledge of USDA Farm Bill conservation programs would all be relevant to the role. Employee should be able perform work independently and be able to work in a team atmosphere to accomplish goals, as well as follow, identify, organize, execute, and report on project deliverables. Organize meetings for extension education events and prepare outreach and extension materials focused on watershed conservation and restoration. Work in collaborative teams. Order and maintain supplies and materials. Gather, compile, and summarize environmental data. Set up tables and graphs and assist with basic statistical analysis. Write extension and journal publications. May perform literature reviews. Maintain data and prepare reports. Assist in preparing curricula's and materials for education purposes. Perform related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, agroecology, ecology, natural resources, agriculture, conservation, or related disciplines. Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience. Preferred Qualifications: Master's Degree in a relevant field such as environmental science, agroecology, ecology, natural resources, agriculture, conservation, or related disciplines. Familiarity with environmental conservation and agricultural conservation. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Extension, outreach, education, curriculum development, data management, and project management experience. Knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office Suites especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Experience with Canva, Canvas, social media, and video and podcast editing suites are also preferred. Working Conditions and Physical Effort 1. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions. 2. Requires heavy physical work such as heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Instructions for Applying: Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/ All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting the online application for (Job 508609) along with a cover letter, resume, unofficial transcripts and three professional references. An official transcript will be required if selected for interview. Please remove any social security numbers from requested transcripts prior to submitting online. Screening Date: December 17, 2024, until filled. Restricted Clause: Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding. Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population. 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 adahrm.msstate.edu. If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or adahrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.