Extension​/Research Associate

Apply now Job no: 510044
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 080300 - FWRC-Wildlife,Fisheries&Aquaculture
Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS
Categories: Professional
Position Open Date: Dec 19 2025

The Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture is seeking two full-time Extension Associates to assist with a broad portfolio of field, research, and outreach activities as part of the Mississippi State University Extension Gamebird Program. These positions will support waterfowl and upland gamebird monitoring, GPS telemetry research, Extension programming, landowner outreach, and digital content development aimed at conservation delivery and education across Mississippi and the Southeast U.S.

Mississippi State University is a top‑ranked research institution, and the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture (WFA) has a strong applied focus in wildlife conservation and management. The 35‑member faculty within the Department lead one of the most productive research programs in the Division of Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University. The Department is well‑known for its highly collegial and interdisciplinary faculty, post‑doctoral fellows, research and extension associates that help make the Department one of the premier institutions for applied wildlife and fisheries science in the nation.

As one of the fastest growing undergraduate programs in the region, our 300 undergraduate students have concentrations in wildlife agriculture science, human‑wildlife interactions, conservation biology, wildlife veterinary medicine, conservation law enforcement, and wildlife, fisheries and aquaculture science. The Department also houses 60 graduate students across a variety of programs. For additional information see extension.msstate.edu/natural-resources/wildlife and (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Gamebirds

January 2026.

• Assist with capture, banding, and GPS marking of waterfowl (primarily mallards) and other gamebirds.
• Maintain field equipment (e.g., rocket nets, cameras, telemetry receivers).
• Manage GPS tracking data and assist with database organization.
• Participate in field days, landowner workshops, and Extension events.
• Develop and distribute educational content (e.g., social media posts, podcasts, videos).
• Support applied research efforts and outreach products (e.g., management guides, newsletters).
• Communicate with agency partners, private landowners, and the hunting community.
• Occasionally supervise part‑time or seasonal staff and volunteers.

• Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Science, Biology, Forestry, Ecology, Natural Resources, or a closely related field.
• Valid U.S. driver’s license.

Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.

• M.S. degree in wildlife, conservation, or a related discipline.
• Experience capturing, handling, or marking wild birds (e.g., waterfowl or gamebirds).
• Experience with field data collection and natural resource outreach.

• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with diverse partners.
• Ability and willingness to travel in state.
• Knowledge of conservation delivery programs or farm bill practices.
• Familiarity with GPS telemetry equipment, data processing, or R/GIS workflows.
• Experience developing social media or educational content (e.g., video, photo, graphics).
• Experience working independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Ability to work in flooded or remote field conditions.
• Knowledge of applied conservation, hunting traditions, and private lands outreach.
• Ability to communicate with and educate a range of stakeholders, including landowners, producers, and agency personnel.

This position requires regular fieldwork in challenging outdoor environments including wetlands and agricultural fields. Candidates must be willing to work in wetland and agricultural landscapes, under varied weather conditions, and on irregular schedules (including…