Assistant Extension Professor/Director, Crosby Arboretum

Position Function:

This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position consisting of a 100% Extension appointment. This position is located at the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, MS, and is administratively housed within the Coastal Research and Extension Center. The academic home of the successful candidate will be the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The primary function of this position will be to oversee the daily operations of the Crosby Arboretum including facilities, staff and programs. Extension efforts will be focused on the development of educational programs for both adult and youth related to the mission of Crosby Arboretum and Mississippi State University Extension. Efforts will also focus on development of site infrastructure and supervision of a staff that currently consists of 7 individuals. Development of programs for the public, Extension employees and collaboration with other scientists within the University will be considered an important aspect of the position.

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:

The Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as the coastal arm of Mississippi State University’s Research and Extension Programs. The Crosby Arboretum is dedicated to educating the public about their environment. The MSU Crosby Arboretum was ranked 7th out of 50 of the best college arboretums.

Area of Specialization:

Landscape Architecture/Environmental Design/Botany/Environmental Horticulture/Public Garden Administration

Anticipated Appointment Date:

July 1, 2026. 

Tenure Track Status:

Non-Tenure.   

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Duties will include the development of an Extension program targeting native plant ecosystems as demonstrated at The Crosby Arboretum and addressing native plant restoration, management, and environmental design. The successful candidate will facilitate technology, research and educational transfer through appropriate training presentations, workshops, and in-service training sessions. The successful candidate will interact regularly with relevant stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies and organizations, who represent all facets of native plant restoration and management to identify and facilitate timely applied research and Extension efforts addressing specific problems encountered by clientele. The successful candidate will maintain programmatic ties with other Extension State Specialists and other faculty in the Coastal Research and Extension Center and in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design to implement innovative disciplinary and interdisciplinary educational programs as appropriate.

The successful candidate, as Director, will pursue outside funding opportunities through grants and fundraising efforts in support of the Crosby Arboretum, and also be tasked with the supervision of Crosby Arboretum staff and facilities including construction activities and natural resource management, along with the development and implementation of all educational programs featuring both internal and guest lecturers. The role also includes the development and implementation of exhibits and interpretive displays, as well as establishing and carrying out short- and long-term goals for the Crosby Arboretum. Additional responsibilities involve providing indirect supervision of volunteers, and overseeing the publication of a quarterly newsletter. The position will require close collaboration with other MSU employees throughout the Mississippi State University system to develop viable statewide programs, working effectively with the Crosby Arboretum Foundation, and performing other duties as necessary.

The successful candidate will facilitate, coordinate and participate in Extension projects, demonstrations and other Extension activities in collaboration with Extension and government and non-government agency and organization scientists. The individual member will be expected to pursue and procure extramural funding in support of their Extension program. Furthermore, the successful candidate will demonstra