Extension Associate

Position Function:

To lead and support a variety of routine and specialized Extension and research duties focused on water quality, coastal conservation and restoration, and 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:

This position will be administratively housed in the Coastal and Marine Extension Program within the Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, MS.

Area of Specialization:

Water Quality

Anticipated Appointment Date:

February 2025.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The selected applicant will become part of the Coastal and Marine Extension Program (CMEP) and associated Mississippi Sound Estuary Program (MSEP) housed at the Coastal Research and Extension Center. The primary focus of the position will be to lead and assist with water quality focused needs assessment, Extension and applied research activities within the MSEP and the broader CMEP. In addition, the selected candidate will be involved with a variety of other CMEP associated activities.

The primary responsibilities of the selected applicant will be to lead and/or assist with the development, implementation, and evaluation of activities emphasized above. These duties will include activities such as, but not limited to:
* Organizing routine meetings with participants, partners, and team members;
* Leading and/or co-leading workshops for project participants and engaging in outreach opportunities.
* Leading and assisting with the preparation and dissemination of outreach materials, Extension publications, and technical reports;
* Applying for and managing extramural funding;
* Collecting, interpreting, analyzing, and reporting data;
* Performing research activities, such as literature reviews and sample collection/processing;
* Other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in relevant field.

Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Extensive experience with data analyses and visualization;
* Extension, applied research, outreach, education, and project management experience;
* Familiarity with coastal, marine, and estuarine ecosystems and associated field research.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

* Must have reliable personal transportation, a valid driver’s license, and ability to travel often to sites along coastal MS and AL;
* Ability to develop and maintain diverse and robust partnerships;
* Typing and computer skills (word processing and spreadsheets);
* Highly flexible: ability to adapt to a rapidly changing schedule;
* Ability to multi task and prioritize multiple demands;
* Strong oral and written communication skills;
* Knowledge and skills in using Microsoft Office Suites especially Word, Excel, PowerPoint; knowledge and skills in document/project management/sharing platforms (e.g. Google Drive, Basecamp, etc.);
* Ability to apply for, secure, and manage extramural funding.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

* Ability to work in extreme weather conditions for extended periods of time;
* Ability to work long hours, occasionally in remote locations;
* Requires substantial routine travel, including overnight trips

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:  http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/

All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, vitae, and copy of transcripts. Any social security numbers included on transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online.

Screening Date:

February 7, 2025, until filled. 

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal o