About the role
Position Function
The MSU Deer Lab at Mississippi State University is seeking an intermittent technician to collect environmental samples from scrapes, food plots, and feeders to assess the occurrence of chronic wasting disease in Mississippi and Tennessee. The selected candidate will be responsible for logistics associated with sample collection and processing. This position will start in November, 2025 and last through March 2026.
Employees hired into Intermittent positions are limited to working no more than 720 hours per fiscal year.
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 Department of Wildlife, Fisheries & Aquaculture has ~30 faculty, ~60 graduate students, and 7 administrative support staff (excluding extension and research support personnel). The Department has extensive extension, research, education and service programs in wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture. The Center for Resolving Human-Wildlife Conflicts is housed within the Department and conducts research, extension, and education programs in invasive and exotic species, damage mitigation, and other aspects of human-wildlife conflict resolution. For additional information see www.humanwildlifeconflicts.msstate.edu, msucares.com/wildfish/index.html and
www.cfr.msstate.edu/wildlife/index.asp
Anticipated Appointment Date
November 2025.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
The primary responsibilities for the technician will be to travel to three study sites (two in Mississippi, one in Tennessee) to collect the environmental samples and will be responsible for coordination of sample collection with property managers. The technician will also be responsible for appropriate sample storage and submission for analysis. Other opportunities to help graduate students with data collection and husbandry of captive deer are possible.
Minimum Qualifications
Candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology or a related field.
Preferred Qualifications
Ideal candidates will hold a bachelor’s degree in wildlife ecology or a related field. Field experience conducted in inclement environmental conditions (e.g., long days in rainy weather, cold temperatures, etc) is required. Demonstrated experience working with landowners/land managers and experience with sample collection and storage are preferred. Field experience conducted in inclement environmental conditions (e.g., long days in rainy weather, cold temperatures, etc) is required. Demonstrated experience working with landowners/land managers and experience with sample collection and storage are preferred. The ideal candidate must have demonstrated the ability to work effectively as part of a scientific research team. The selected candidate must have a strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and the ability to work successfully both independently and within groups. They must be professional and courteous to landowners, research personnel, and the public. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are preferred. Experience working on private lands is preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
The selected candidate must have a strong work ethic, critical thinking skills, attention to detail, a positive attitude, and the ability to work successfully both independently and within groups. They must be professional and courteous to landowners, research personnel, and the public.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
This is a field oriented position and will require the candidate to be collecting data from private and public properties. The candidate will likely be collecting data in adverse environmental conditions (cold temperatures, wind, rain, etc). Candidate must be able to carry a 50lb pack of equipment for data collection.
At this time, MSU is unable to offer H-1B visa sponsorship for this role. This applies until further notice.
Instructions for Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
A CV (including three references) and unofficial transcripts should be combined into a single PDF and submitted to Eric Michel at esm120@msstate.edu.
Questions about this position can be directed to Eric Michel (esm120@msstate.edu).
Screening Date
October 29, 2025, 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.