About the role
Position Function
This position reports to the Poultry Farm Manager and provides support and assistance to facilitate research activities on the Poultry Research Unit on South Farm at Mississippi State University.
Salary Grade: 11
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
https://www.poultry.msstate.edu/
Anticipated Appointment Date
September 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Perform a variety of duties involving in the handling of research birds, maintenance of research facilities, and collection and recording of research data.
- Assist professors, staff and/or students with research projects at the farm, including but not limited to setting up pens, weighing birds, catching birds for sampling or processing, working in the processing plant, bagging and transporting feed, unloading pallets of feed, and collecting and recording research data (body weights, feed weights, mortality, temperature, relative humidity, egg production, identification numbers, treatments numbers and/or letters, organ weights, hatchability, etc.).
- Animal care, including but not limited to feeding, cleaning, and vaccinating, preparation of building for receipt of chicks, picking up mortality in research and tunnel houses; assist when tunnel house birds are sold (including potentially occasional night shifts); and maintain proper environments which includes responding to controller alarms from tunnel houses.
- General maintenance on buildings, equipment, and grounds, to include but not limited to:
a. Cleaning and servicing vehicles and equipment
b. Replacing feed motors (requires minor electrical)
c. Basic plumbing
d. Basic carpentry tasks, when needed
e. Mowing, outdoor maintenance, when needed
- Availability to work weekends and to be available after hours in case of an emergency at either of the research units.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: High school diploma.
Experience: Four (4) years of experience related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
Licensure: Must have a valid driver's license
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with poultry
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ability to follow instructions.
Ability to work with others.
General maintenance experience
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
- Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
- Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds.
- Involves exposure to dust and chicken dander.
Instructions for Applying
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply at https://www.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Screening Date
August 18, 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.