Position Function:

Perform routine and specialized procedures in support of research projects.

Salary Grade: 10

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 will be located at the Delta Research and Extension Center in Stoneville, MS.

Area of Specialization:

Catfish Farm

Anticipated Appointment Date:

June 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Conduct field and laboratory activities in support of research, such as feeding fish in specific ponds a variety of diets using hydraulic fish feeders with digital scales, recording feed data, weighing feed and fish, harvesting and sampling fish, measuring fish, counting fish, collecting water samples, measuring water quality, and fertilizing ponds.
2. Assist in field operations such as pond maintenance; perform general clean up of facilities and equipment as requested.
3. Assist with data collection and tabulation as needed.
4. Maintain and operate pumps and wells to supply water to tanks and ponds
5. Maintain, calibrate, and operate a variety of dissolved oxygen monitoring equipment
6. Perform related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience (yrs.): Six months of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified AND six months of general experience.

Certifications and/or Licensures:
1. Valid driver’s license.
2. Must obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicators Certificate within 90 days of employment or complete the worker/handler training, whichever is applicable.

Substitution allowed:
Any equivalent education and/or experience will be considered.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to follow instructions.
Knowledge of agricultural processes.
Good communications skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Ability to work in extreme weather conditions.
2. Ability to work after normal hours during peak season will be required

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:

Applicants must apply online at For additional questions, please contact Billy Rutland, brutland@drec.msstate.edu, 662-686-3325

Screening Date:

May 14, 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