Project Manager

Position Function:

The Project Manager will support interdisciplinary research, extension, and outreach activities jointly administered by the Departments of Plant and Soil Sciences. This position will coordinate field-based research projects, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support the development and evaluation of agricultural technologies. The role requires a balance of technical knowledge, project coordination, and communication skills to advance research initiatives and promote technology adoption within agricultural systems

Salary Grade:  15

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.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 2026. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The following examples are intended as illustrations only of the various types of duties that may be assigned to this position. The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment of the position.
1. Coordinate planning, implementation, and evaluation of field and laboratory research trials related to agricultural production systems and emerging technologies
2. Manage day-to-day operations of assigned projects, including scheduling, logistics, budgeting support, and reporting
3. Conduct and oversee data collection, organization, and analysis; assist in interpretation and reporting of results
4. Develop and deliver presentations, demonstrations, and outreach materials for producers, industry partners, and stakeholders
5. Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support interdisciplinary research efforts
6. Facilitate on-farm demonstrations, field days, and extension activities
7. Prepare written materials including reports, technical documents, educational publications, and promotional content
8. Create visual materials such as flyers, graphics, and digital content to support project dissemination and outreach
9. Assist in proposal development and grant-related activities as needed
10. Maintain project documentation and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements
11. Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Systems, Plant and Soil Sciences, or a closely related field.

Experience: Three (3) years' experience in Agricultural research, extension, field operations, or project coordination

Preferred Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Systems, Plant and Soil Sciences, or a closely related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment
2. Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
3. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across disciplines
4. Effective interpersonal skills for engaging with producers, industry representatives, and research teams
5. Ability to translate technical information into practical applications for diverse audiences
6. Proficiency in data management and basic statistical analysis.
7. Experience in Microsoft 365 applications, graphic