Senior Project Manager

Senior Project Manager

Job no: 510559

Position type: Full-Time 12-Month

Department: 190500 - Water Resources Research Institute

Location: Main Campus - Starkville, MS

Categories: Professional

Position Open Date: May 11 2026


Position Function:

The Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute is seeking to hire a full-time Senior Project Manager to manage multiple collaborative grant projects related to rural water and wastewater systems. This position will be responsible for planning, implementing, managing, and coordinating work associated with assigned projects.

Salary Grade : 16

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:

Located on the campus of Mississippi State University, the Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute administers and coordinates research and outreach programs dealing with water and related resources. It is one of the state institutes authorized by Section 104 of The Water Resources Research Act of 1984. Its activities are developed in close consultation and collaboration between the Institute and leading water resources officials within the state. The program's purpose is to provide a coordinated research and development program that contributes to the solution of water and water-related land use problems in Mississippi, the region, and the nation.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

We are looking for a highly motivated candidate who has extensive expertise and interest in coordinating and managing numerous field-based projects. The incumbent will be expected to successfully direct multiple projects and oversee associated project personnel. Specific duties include, but are not limited to:
1. After award of funding, work with senior personnel to plan all project activities.
2. Manage all daily activities without oversight.
3. Serve as the direct supervisor for appropriate project personnel including other full-time and part-time employees, intermittent workers, and students.
4. Work with senior personnel to evaluate water and waste water systems and provide related technical assistance to aid systems in meeting compliance regulations and technical function.
5. Deliver educational presentations to a variety of audiences.
6. Create reports and outreach materials for rural water and wastewater system operators and grant sponsors.
7. Ensure quality management in the timely fulfillment of project requirements and objectives.
8. Work with other project managers in the unit to accomplish necessary budgetary, progress, or other reports required by project guidelines or senior personnel.
9. Procure, maintain, and oversee inventory of equipment and materials.
10. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Agricultural Economics, or related field
5 years of experience or related

Preferred Qualifications:

More than 10 years of previous water or wastewater systems experience is highly preferred, and preference will be given to candidates who have previous experience managing multiple, concurrent projects. Additional preferred qualifications include extensive knowledge of state, regional, and national regulations related to water and wastewater systems.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Significant knowledge of scientific and research methodologies.
2. Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
3. Ability to foster a cooperative work environment.
4. Skill in the use of personal computers and related software applications.
5. Proven project management abilities.
6. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to manage/coordinate multiple detailed tasks.
8. Independent self-starter with strong work ethic.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

1. Ability to work outdoors in all conditions, particularly extreme heat.
2. Lifting heavy objects (>50 lbs) individually.
3. Some travel required.

Instructions for Applying:

Link to apply:

Link to apply:

Submit resume and cover letter

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, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

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: View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io.

If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at View phone number on click.appcast.io or View email address on click.appcast.io. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.

Advertised: May 11 2026 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:


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