Research Technician

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Job description

Position Function:

To lead a field crew to install, measure, monitor and collect and analyze samples from forest planted under the USDA CRP program in southeastern United States.

Salary Grade: 11

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:

The Department of Forestry is one of three departments in the College of Forest Resources and the Forest and Wildlife Research Center at Mississippi State University. The faculty have diverse teaching, research, service, and outreach expertise in the disciplines of forest biology and watershed management; forest economics, management, and policy; and forest measurements, biometrics, and spatial technologies. The Department has two undergraduate degree programs, Forestry and Natural Resource and Environmental Conservation, each accredited by the Society of American Foresters with ~200 students in addition to ~40 graduate students in both on-campus and distance education programs. The University's John W. Starr Memorial Forest (a +8,000-acre research and teaching forest), the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, and the Tombigbee National Forest are located in close proximity to the University and used for teaching, research, and Extension/outreach activities.

Mississippi State University is a Carnegie Very High Research Activity (R1) institution and a land grant university with a strong connection to the state-wide Extension Service. The University is in Starkville, a medium-size college town in northeast Mississippi ().

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The primary position responsibilities are to lead a team of field technicians in measuring forest

vegetation, collecting soil and biomass samples, processing and analyzing samples in the

laboratory, and recording data with proper documentation.

Supervisory Responsibilities: May supervise employees but supervision is not the main focus of the job.

The above essential duties are representative of major duties in this position. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge, skills and abilities required for the job. Not all of the duties may be assigned to a position.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelors degree with focus in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science or related field.

Experience: One year experience related to the essential duties and responsibilities listed above.

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

Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in Forestry, Natural Resources, Environmental Science, or related field.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Ability to drive long distances and spend long days in the field.

Ability to work with others.

Ability to walk long distances and carry 30+ pounds of gear.

Knowledge of and proficiency with MS Office.

Good organizational skills.

Ability to pay attention to detail.

Ability to make reasonable decisions in the absence of direction.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

Regularly involves lifting, bending or other physical exertion. Often exposed to one or more

elements such as heat, cold, noise, dust, dirt, chemicals, etc., with one often to the point of

being objectionable.

Injuries may require professional treatment.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:

Applicants need to email resume and cover letter to Dr. Austin Himes at . Applicants also must apply online at and include a cover letter, resume, and transcript. Applicant should redact their social security number if it appears on their academic transcript prior to submitting it online.

Restricted Clause:

Position is contingent upon continued availability of funding.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

MSU is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, religion, national origin, disability, age, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, gender identity, status as a U.S. veteran, and/or any other status protected by applicable law. We always welcome nominations and applications from women, members of any minority group, and others who share our passion for building a diverse community that reflects the diversity in our student population.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), 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: or .

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