Project Manager

Project Manager

The Project Manager will support interdisciplinary research, extension, and outreach activities jointly administered by the Departments of Plant and Soil Sciences. This position will coordinate field-based research projects, facilitate stakeholder engagement, and support the development and evaluation of agricultural technologies. The role requires a balance of technical knowledge, project coordination, and communication skills to advance research initiatives and promote technology adoption within agricultural systems.

Salary Grade: 15

Mississippi State University is Mississippi's senior comprehensive land-grant institution and has the largest on-campus enrollment (>22,000) of the eight state institutions of higher learning. All components of the university have a strong commitment to teaching, research, and service. The Department of Plant and Soil Sciences has 31 on- and 26 off-campus faculty members engaged in teaching, research, and extension and/or service programs, most of who carry joint appointments. The programs are supported by state-of-the-art laboratories, equipment, and trained support and professional staff. The department offers Bachelor of Science degrees in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Environmental Sciences in Agricultural Systems, with Master's or Doctoral graduate students concentrating in Agronomy, Horticulture, or Weed Science.

Anticipated Appointment Date: July 2026.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate planning, implementation, and evaluation of field and laboratory research trials related to agricultural production systems and emerging technologies
• Manage day-to-day operations of assigned projects, including scheduling, logistics, budgeting support, and reporting
• Conduct and oversee data collection, organization, and analysis; assist in interpretation and reporting of results
• Develop and deliver presentations, demonstrations, and outreach materials for producers, industry partners, and stakeholders
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and external partners to support interdisciplinary research efforts
• Facilitate on-farm demonstrations, field days, and extension activities
• Prepare written materials including reports, technical documents, educational publications, and promotional content
• Create visual materials such as flyers, graphics, and digital content to support project dissemination and outreach
• Assist in proposal development and grant-related activities as needed
• Maintain project documentation and ensure compliance with institutional and sponsor requirements
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Systems, Plant and Soil Sciences, or a closely related field. Experience: Three (3) years' experience in Agricultural research, extension, field operations, or project coordination

Preferred Qualifications:

Master's degree in Agricultural Engineering, Biological Engineering, Agricultural Systems, Plant and Soil Sciences, or a closely related field

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively across disciplines
• Effective interpersonal skills for engaging with producers, industry representatives, and research teams
• Ability to translate technical information into practical applications for diverse audiences
• Proficiency in data management and basic statistical analysis.
• Experience in Microsoft 365 applications, graphic design tools, basic programming languages, and machine vision technologies.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort:

The successful candidate must be able to work effectively in office, laboratory, and outdoor agricultural field environments under a wide range of conditions. This position frequently involves work in agricultural settings with exposure to heat, humidity, dust, uneven terrain, and other environmental conditions common to field research operations. Responsibilities require extended periods of standing, walking, bending, stooping, kneeling, climbing, balancing, and lifting equipment or materials, as well as frequent sitting, talking, hearing, and handling objects with hands. The candidate must be able to wear appropriate personal protective equipment when necessary. Significant travel is required to research sites, farms, and stakeholder locations across Mississippi, including the Delta region, and surrounding areas. Work hours may extend beyond standard business hours during peak field seasons, travel periods, project deadlines, or weather-dependent activities, including long hours outdoors during the hottest parts of the year to install, monitor, and maintain field equipment and research infrastructure. The position also requires the ability to manage externally imposed deadlines and shifting priorities, coordinate multiple unrelated activities simultaneously, adapt to interruptions and changing workloads, and regularly engage in professional interactions involving conflict resolution, problem-solving, and high-pressure situations.

Instructions for Applying:

Apply online and submit a resume, cover letter and the complete contact information for at least 3 references.

Screening Date: June 23, 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, View phone number on click.appcast.io.

What do I do if I need an accommodation?

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