Agricultural Technician

Mississippi State University; Starkville, Northern (MS, KY); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Mississippi State University is seeking a Grounds Maintenance role for FWRC facilities (Forest Products Complex, Acorn Building, Blackjack, Dorman Lake) responsible for seasonal mowing and grounds upkeep, plus support for the Forest Operations shop including motor pool repair, equipment operation, light construction and maintenance, and special projects from the Dean’s Office; reports to the Grounds, Maintenance, and Equipment Coordinator.

Qualifications

• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Certifications: Valid driver’s license.
• Must obtain a Certified Pesticide Applicators Certificate within 90 days or complete worker/handler training.

Responsibilities

• Provide seasonal grass-cutting for FWRC facilities and supervise student workers.
• Maintain lawncare schedule and operate mowers, trimmers, edger, blower, and related equipment.
• Operate farm equipment to remove trees, clip roadsides and ditches.
• Maintain upkeep and maintenance of lawncare equipment; source parts as needed.
• May build sheds, lean-to’s, fences, decks or other structures.
• Assist in landscape plan implementation and adjustments to comply with FWRC/MSU requirements.
• Assist Forest Operations with vehicle fleet management.

Skills

Teamwork

Equipment operation

Agricultural knowledge

Education

High school diploma or GED

Valid driver’s license

Tools

Lawncare equipment (mowers, trimmers, edger, blower)

Job description

Position Function:

Responsible for upkeep of grounds and seasonal mowing for FWRC, which includes Forest Products Complex, Acorn Building, the Blackjack Facilities, and Dorman Lake. Will help with daily functions at the Forest Operations shop, that include but are not limited to motor pool repair, equipment operation and upkeep, light construction and building maintenance, as well as special projects assigned to Forest Operations by the Dean’s Office. This position will answer directly to the Grounds, Maintenance, and Equipment Coordinator of Forest Operations.

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.

Anticipated Appointment Date:

October 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• 1. Provide seasonal grass-cutting for FWRC facilities, will supervise student workers when appropriate.
• 2. Maintain the lawncare schedule of the included grounds in a timely manner, working with mowers, trimmers, edger, blower, and other lawncare equipment.
• 3. Operate farm equipment to remove trees, clip roadsides and ditches.
• 4. Responsible for upkeep and maintenance of all lawncare equipment. May source parts and supplies as needed.
• 5. May build sheds, lean‑to’s, fences, decks or other structures.
• 6. Assist in implementing detailed landscape plans; assist in modifications and adjustments to landscape to comply with the needs of the FWRC and MSU regulations.
• 7. Assist Forest Operations in vehicle fleet management when necessary.
• 8. May use power and hand tools to assist with various tasks in carpentry, construction, mechanics and maintenance.
• 9. Maintain knowledge of all applicable equipment and machinery, including tractors, excavators, backhoes, etc.
• 10. Knowledge of lawncare practices, chemical applications, insect/disease control, plant nutrition, and pruning methods.
• 11. Able to adapt to changes, solve problems and prioritize.
• 12. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: High school diploma or GED

Certifications and/or Licensures:

Valid driver’s license

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:

An equivalent combination of related education and related experience may be considered for this position.

Preferred Qualifications:

Two years of related experience in lawncare.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• 1. Ability to work with others.
• 2. Ability to operate equipment.
• 3. Knowledge of agricultural operations.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion.

Often exposed to extreme weather conditions such as heat, cold, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc.

Routing deadlines; usually sufficient lead time; variance in work volume seasonal and predictable; priorities can be anticipated; some interruptions are present; involves occasional exposure to demands and pressures from persons other than immediate supervisor.

Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 25 pounds.

Job occasionally requires climbing or balancing and lifting more than 100 pounds.

Screening Date:

August 25, 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, [phone].

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADA), if you have a disability and wouldlike to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with Mississippi StateUniversity, please contact the Department of Human Resources Management at [phone] or [e-mail].

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