Position Function:
The Department of Agricultural Economics is seeking a full-time extension associate to support data collection, curation, and analysis related to agricultural land valuation.
Salary Grade: 13
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:
May 1, 2026.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
We are seeking a self-motivated individual to work on an ongoing project on agricultural land valuation. The individual’s primary responsibilities will include:
o Developing and maintaining databases for annual use-value appraisal estimates for agricultural land.
o Designing and reviewing survey instruments.
o Training survey enumerators for an annual producer cost-of-production survey.
o Assisting with the development of cost of production estimates.
o Developing and reviewing Extension publications.
o Communicating with partners and stakeholders, including Mississippi Dept of Revenue, USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) and others.
o Developing and providing training on topics related to tax assessment and the calculation of agricultural use values.
o Contributing to the development and publication of annual enterprise budgets.
o Supervising student workers.
o Assisting with organizing meetings, conferences.
o Other duties as assigned.
The position involves occasional travel and the occasional ability to work outside of normal workday hours. The individual must be able to work independently, have exceptional organization skills, and be able to follow standard operating procedures.
Minimum Qualifications:
• BS in Applied/Agricultural Economics, Economics, or related field.
Rank and salary will be commensurate with education and experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
• MS in Applied/Agricultural Economics, Economics, or related field.
• Microsoft Excel Certification
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
• Ability to collect, manipulate, interpret, and analyze complex data. Preferred candidates will have a high level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Ability to work independently and/or within a team setting.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
No or very limited physical effort required.
Vision requirements: Ability to see information in print and/or electronically.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Applicants must apply online at https://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu. The application must include a cover letter, resume or CV, current unofficial transcripts (with social security numbers removed prior to submission), names and contact information for at least three professional references. An official transcript will be required if selected for employment. For more information about this position and the Department, contact Sean Fox (sean.fox@msstate.edu) or visit the department website.
Screening Date:
February 12, 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, (662) 325-5839.
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: (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu.
If you have any questions regarding this policy, contact the Department of Human Resources Management at (662) 325-3713 or ada@hrm.msstate.edu. Upon request, sections of this job listing are available in large print, and readers are available to assist the visually impaired.
