About the role
Position Function
The primary responsibility for the Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Extension Agent is to provide leadership in the development, implementation, and evaluation of a comprehensive education program focused on ANR. Specifically, the Extension Agent will work closely with county citizens, stakeholders and other agencies to provide leadership focused on our natural resources and the agricultural commodities produced in the county including poultry, forestry, cattle, commercial vegetable production, and home horticulture, forage and row crop production. Secondary responsibilities include support for programming efforts in Community Resource Development (CRD) 10% and 4-H Youth Development (4-H) 40%. The Extension Agent will serve as a member of a statewide team and will collaborate with other agents and Extension faculty and specialists to establish effective programming priorities and delivery methods.
Salary Grade: 14
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 is located in Mendenhall, Mississippi at the MSU Extension Simpson County Office.
Area of Specialization
Agriculture and Natural Resources/ 4-H
Anticipated Appointment Date
November 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The ANR Extension Agent will identify and organize information regarding clientele needs and assess the relevance, significance and timeliness of identified needs. In collaboration with relevant statewide Program Leadership Groups (PLG), the County Extension Coordinator, and the Regional Extension Coordinator, the Extension Agent will develop an annual plan of work with measurable goals that adequately address identified needs. The Extension Agent will determine priorities, levels of effort and scheduling to allow attainment of program goals, implement program plan, and evaluate program content, methods and activities for program effectiveness and impact. The Extension Agent will support the County Extension Coordinator and adjacent Extension Agents in the assigned area to assure programming responds to local needs and to participate in county data reporting, including accountability reports to stakeholders; demonstrate sensitivity to key social, economic and public issues; develop excellent relationships with educational, regulatory, and service organizations whose missions are relevant to the goals of Extension; and actively participate in local and state professional and civic organizations. The Extension Agent will support 4-H and CRD programs in the county. The Extension Agent will identify, recruit, and train local volunteer leaders to enable them to effectively perform their duties while serving on committees, clubs, and/or organizations. The Extension Agent will follow system and agency guidance to ensure participant safety in camps and programs.
Minimum Qualifications
Applicants must have an earned bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Natural Resources, Environmental Sciences, or a field of study determined by Extension Administration to be closely related, from an accredited institution of higher learning. Applicant must maintain a valid driver’s license.
You will be expected to establish and maintain your permanent residence in Simpson County or closely adjacent Mississippi county within 6 months of employment unless otherwise approved by the Extension Director and the Simpson County Board of Supervisors.
An offer of employment is also contingent upon successful completion of a criminal background screen.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with level of qualification.
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Science Degree.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The Extension Agent must have a working knowledge of the agricultural commodities and natural resources relevant to the county and region. The successful candidate will be expected to create and utilize innovative delivery methods. Additionally, the Extension Agent must fill a key role in planning and engaging with stakeholders, partners, and audiences while implementing programs and evaluating their outcomes and impact. In addition to designing both in-person and online educational programs, the agent will also leverage mass media, web platforms, and social media to deliver educational content and promote ANR activities to the citizens of the county.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
- No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
- Occasionally will be required to lift more than 50 pounds and stand or walk for long periods of time.
Instructions for Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Must complete online application; submit a cover letter, resume, three professional references, and a current unofficial transcript. Please note that any social security number included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online and that official transcripts will be requested of finalists.
Screening Date
October 26, 2026, until filled.
Restricted Clause
Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mississippi State University is an equal opportunity institution. Discrimination is prohibited in university employment, programs or activities based on race, color, ethnicity, sex, pregnancy, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, or any other status to the extent protected by applicable law. Questions about equal opportunity programs or compliance should be directed to the Office of Civil Rights Compliance, 231 Famous Maroon Band Street, P.O. 6044, Mississippi State, MS 39762, (662) 325-5839.
What do I do if I need an accommodation?
In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi State University, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at tel: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.