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Assistant Director of Lake Thoreau Environmental Center

The University of Southern Mississippi
Hattiesburg, United Statesfull_timeVerifiedPosted 9 Jun 2026

About the role

Assistant Director of Lake Thoreau Environmental Center

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Lake Thoreau Environmental Center.


Position Details Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive
Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001
United States
Division School of Biological, Environmental, and Earth Sciences Position Type Staff Employment Status Full Time Grant Funded No Pay Grade

E09

Posting Close Date Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.  Applicants should submit a cover letter detailing qualifications and relevant experience, a CV, and contact information for 3 professional references.  For inquiries about the position, please contact Dr. Mike Davis at Mike.Davis@usm.edu.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary 
The Assistant Director (AD) will supervise wildlife programs stationed at the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center (LTEC) including, but not limited to, Mississippi Dusky Gopher Frog Headstart Program and Gopher Tortoise Breeding Program.  The AD will also coordinate outreach activities and events at LTEC.  The AD will work with the Director to supervise the management and operation of LTEC.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities  

  1. Supervision of the Mississippi Dusky Gopher Frog Headstart Program.  This includes coordinating with partner agencies to collect eggs and release metamorphs into designated ponds.
  2. Coordinate and implement activities and events at LTEC including Summer Nature Camps.
  3. Coordinate care of captive animals on-site.
  4. Supervise Student Workers.
  5. Assist and coordinate maintenance of LTEC facilities including Natural Sciences Collections Building, Longleaf Preserve, Mesocosm Facility, Animal Research Building, Herbarium, and Ichthyology Collection.
  6. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications
M.S. in Biological Sciences, Ecology, or related field or equivalent combination of Experience and Education.  Must have demonstrated leadership experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud.
  • Skill with GIS.
  • Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions
  • Ability to develop objectives, evaluate effectiveness, and assess needs
  • Ability to process information logically
  • Skill in managing one’s own time and the time of others
  • Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail
  • Ability to establish goals and objectives
  • Understanding of the behavior, biology, and specific needs of wild and captive animals
  • Ability to work in adverse weather conditions.
  • Ability to interact with all groups of colleagues, students, and guests of the Lake Thoreau Environmental Center
Preferred Qualifications
Field experience working with herptiles including capture and husbandry.
Prescribed fire experience.
Familiarity with NEPA regulations.
Outreach experience.

About The University of Southern Mississippi
Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way

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The University of Southern Mississippi

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