Agricultural Technician

Mississippi State University; Mississippi; On-site; USD 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is hiring for a full-time position at the Delta Research and Extension Center, focused on performing routine and specialized procedures related to research projects in catfish farming. Candidates should have a high school diploma and six months of relevant experience. The role involves conducting field and lab activities, maintaining equipment, and assisting with data collection. A valid driver’s license is required and candidates must obtain a pesticide applicators certificate within 90 days of employment.

Qualifications

• Six months of experience related to specified duties.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicators Certificate within 90 days.

Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory activities for research projects.
• Assist in field operations and equipment maintenance.
• Perform data collection and tabulation as needed.

Skills

Ability to follow instructions

Knowledge of agricultural processes

Good communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

Apply now Job no: 510518
Position type: Full-Time 12-Month
Department: 013200 - Delta Research and Extension Center
Location: Stoneville, MS
Categories: Support Staff
Position Open Date: May 7 2026

Position Function

Perform routine and specialized procedures in support of research projects.

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

Area of Specialization

Catfish Farm

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Assist in field operations such as pond maintenance; perform general clean up of facilities and equipment as requested.
• Assist with data collection and tabulation as needed.
• Maintain and operate pumps and wells to supply water to tanks and ponds.
• Maintain, calibrate, and operate a variety of dissolved oxygen monitoring equipment.
• 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:

• Valid driver’s license.
• 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 communication skills.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

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

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, [phone].

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: [phone] or [e-mail].

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail]. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Applicants must apply online at www.msujobs.msstate.edu. For additional questions, please contact Billy Rutland, [e-mail], 662-686-3325.

Screening Date: Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.