Extension Technician

Position Function:

The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences at Mississippi State University is seeking a full-time Extension Technician to assist in Extension programming. Continuance will be dependent upon continued grant funds. The successful applicant will perform technical duties related to conducting agricultural research and Extension educational programs with corn and grain crops as assigned.

Salary Grade : 11

Please see or 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.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

April 2024. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assist in organizing and managing agricultural field experiments and demonstration activities, including site preparation, planting, harvesting, and all related tasks.
2. Collect and process samples such as plants, soils, etc., and perform analyses.
3. Operate and maintain equipment and vehicles.
4. Organize and maintain supplies and materials.
5. Use a computer to enter data and prepare reports.
6. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

· Associate’s degree in an agricultural, biological sciences or related field,
-or-
· High School diploma or GED, plus plus two or more years of experience in crop production or field scouting, and employee management.

· Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

BS in agronomy, agricultural sciences, soil science, or closely related agricultural field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Good oral and written communication skills
2. Ability to listen and follow directions
3. Computer literacy in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Working outside in agricultural crop fields