Senior Extension Associate

Overview

Apply now Job no: 510195
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 015901 - CREC-Coastal Marine Ext Program
Location: Jackson County
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Feb 5 2026

This is a full-time benefits eligible position with a primary duty station at the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR) near Moss Point, MS that is administratively associated with the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center in support of its Coastal and Marine Extension Program (CREC-CMEP). This position reports to the MSU CMEP Director. The primary function of this position is to provide leadership and support to the GNDNERR in fulfilling its grant obligations and organizational mission.

The scope of work for this position involves interpretation of multi-faceted programmatic activities with state, regional, and national impact; providing leadership and guidance to staff; developing and implementing externally-funded grant projects that address the management objectives and research priorities of the GNDNERR; formulating strategic objectives and implementation plans to accomplish the work; maintaining a research project and publication database; managing budgets and project activities and personnel;

providing support for outreach activities; technical oversight of major program initiatives; coordination of the work with internal and external NERR partners; progress reporting twice a year and other duties as assigned.

Mississippi State University’s Coastal Research and Extension Center in support of its Coastal and Marine Extension Program (CREC-CMEP) is seeking a Senior Extension Associate to serve as the Research Coordinator for the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (GNDNERR). The administrative office for CMEP is at the MSU Coastal Research and Extension Center in Biloxi, MS; however, the primary duty station for this position will be the GNDNERR located 6005 Bayou Heron Rd, Moss Point, MS.

Ecology and management of coastal uplands, estuaries, or marine ecosystems; geology; coastal engineering; restoration ecology or related discipline

March 2026.

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following.

• Establishes and maintains scientific expertise, credentials, and integrity to address the research and management priorities of the GNDNERR in partnerships with other professionals.
• Recommends processes and procedures for the efficient and expeditious operation of the research sector.
• Performs a variety of administrative tasks dealing with fiscal management, strategic planning, legal compliances, and programmatic functions including but not limited to grant writing.
• Develops the management priorities for the GNDNERR in coordination with the GNDNERR Director and staff.
• Success in securing extramural funding in support of the GNDNERR research and management priorities.
• Collaborate with MSU faculty/staff and other partners to secure extramural funding and to support and enhance the mission of GNDNERR.
• Providing leadership in developing and executing research projects.
• Coordinates with the other NERRs on projects and priorities of national significance.
• Serves as a mentor to MSU and GNDNERR research assistants and scientists.
• Maintains a close confidential relationship jointly with the Directors of the GNDNERR and CMEP.

Candidates must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills and assessment and analytical techniques, and skills required to develop and deliver a research program to fulfill job responsibilities. The successful applicant is expected to adhere to the spirit and the intent of the Mississippi State University’s Guidelines for Employee Conduct. Available: https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./60401

The following competencies describe the knowledge, skills, abilities, and attributes that may lead to a successful employee in this position. The successful applicant will be expected to exhibit these competencies or the ability to reach competency achievement within a specified time. These competencies are linked to the essential functions of…