Position Function:
This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position consisting of a 100% Extension appointment. This position is located at the Crosby Arboretum in Picayune, MS, and is administratively housed within the Coastal Research and Extension Center. The academic home of the successful candidate will be the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The primary function of this position will be to oversee the daily operations of the Crosby Arboretum including facilities, staff and programs. Extension efforts will be focused on the development of educational programs for both adult and youth related to the mission of Crosby Arboretum and Mississippi State University Extension. Efforts will also focus on development of site infrastructure and supervision of a staff that currently consists of 7 individuals. Development of programs for the public, Extension employees and collaboration with other scientists within the University will be considered an important aspect of the position.
Salary Grade: UC
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 Coastal Research and Extension Center serves as the coastal arm of Mississippi State University’s Research and Extension Programs. The Crosby Arboretum is dedicated to educating the public about their environment. The MSU Crosby Arboretum was ranked 7th out of 50 of the best college arboretums.
Area of Specialization:
Landscape Architecture/Environmental Design/Botany/Environmental Horticulture/Public Garden Administration
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 1, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
Non-Tenure.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Duties will include the development of an Extension program targeting native plant ecosystems as demonstrated at The Crosby Arboretum and addressing native plant restoration, management, and environmental design. The successful candidate will facilitate technology, research and educational transfer through appropriate training presentations, workshops, and in-service training sessions. The successful candidate will interact regularly with relevant stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies and organizations, who represent all facets of native plant restoration and management to identify and facilitate timely applied research and Extension efforts addressing specific problems encountered by clientele. The successful candidate will maintain programmatic ties with other Extension State Specialists and other faculty in the Coastal Research and Extension Center and in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design to implement innovative disciplinary and interdisciplinary educational programs as appropriate.
The successful candidate, as Director, will pursue outside funding opportunities through grants and fundraising efforts in support of the Crosby Arboretum, and also be tasked with the supervision of Crosby Arboretum staff and facilities including construction activities and natural resource management, along with the development and implementation of all educational programs featuring both internal and guest lecturers. The role also includes the development and implementation of exhibits and interpretive displays, as well as establishing and carrying out short- and long-term goals for the Crosby Arboretum. Additional responsibilities involve providing indirect supervision of volunteers, and overseeing the publication of a quarterly newsletter. The position will require close collaboration with other MSU employees throughout the Mississippi State University system to develop viable statewide programs, working effectively with the Crosby Arboretum Foundation, and performing other duties as necessary.
The successful candidate will facilitate, coordinate and participate in Extension projects, demonstrations and other Extension activities in collaboration with Extension and government and non-government agency and organization scientists. The individual member will be expected to pursue and procure extramural funding in support of their Extension program. Furthermore, the successful candidate will demonstrate and present information and updates through effective program delivery by planning and participating in local, statewide, regional, national and international meetings. In accordance with expectations for a faculty appointment, appropriate scholarly publications (print and web based) including: web-based information sheets, popular articles in trade magazines and newsletters, refereed journal articles, and press releases will be published where appropriate. Service to relevant professional organizations and Mississippi State University is also expected. The successful candidate will actively participate in professional societies/organizations as well as appropriate CREC and academic home department committees. These activities should include involvement in coordinating ecological goals/objectives through collaborative "team" efforts with Specialists, Agents and research scientists. The successful candidate will have an active voice and display leadership in professional organizations and committees.
Minimum Qualifications:
An earned terminal degree in a discipline addressing Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Botany, Environmental Horticulture, Public Garden Administration, or related discipline. Acceptable candidates must have outstanding verbal and written communication skills and the knowledge, and expertise required to develop and deliver a nationally recognized Extension program to fulfill job responsibilities.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
Yes.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications. Demonstrated record of extramural funding. Willingness to address critical and emerging public garden management issues as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team. Those with expertise and experience with public garden administration or other administrative experience will be given preference.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The individual should be self-motivated, fit well in a multidisciplinary team environment, and exhibit excellent oral and written communication skills.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The work schedule for this position may vary. Supervision of weekend programs may be frequently required. Ability to work indoors and outdoors in a range of weather conditions.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
Apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu by submitting a cover letter, vitae, statement of research and Extension philosophy (statement should address candidate’s research and Extension philosophy, background, and vision for the position), copy of your transcripts with social security numbers redacted (redacted official transcripts will be required from the successful candidate), and names and contract information for three references.
If you have questions about the application process, please contact:
Tricia Knight, Research Professor & Director, Coastal Horticultural Research, prk3@msstate.edu, (601) 795-4525
Dan Jost, Assistant Professor of Landscape Architecture, djost@lalc.msstate.edu, (662) 325-3012
Screening Date:
April 13, 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.
