Position Function:
The management and operation of the Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station (MAFES) Horse Unit located at the H.H. Levick Animal Research Center. Teach advanced equine training and riding courses and leadership of the nationally recognized MSU IHSA Equestrian Team.
Salary Grade: 14
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 Animal and Dairy Sciences Department currently houses approximately 625 undergraduate students, 40 graduate students, and 26 faculty, both on the main campus and at Research and Extension Centers throughout Mississippi. The Department offers a Bachelor of Science degree with concentrations in Pre-Vet/Science, Pre-Vet Med Tech, Production Management, Business and Industry and newly approved Food Science. Master of Science, Master of Agriculture, and Ph.D. degrees are offered in Animal and Dairy Sciences through the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The Department conducts teaching, research, and extension activities on the 1,200 acre H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center and 1,200 acre Bearden Research Dairy. The Department’s 15,000 sq. ft. Meat Science and Muscle Biology Laboratory was completed in 2018 and houses state of the art equipment to harvest and fabricate carcasses and process into wholesale and retail cuts. The new Animal and Dairy Sciences building opened in 2019. This 38,000 square foot facility houses three teaching areas including a teaching laboratory and distance education equipped classrooms as well as research laboratories and animal rooms for teaching and research needs. The South Farm is home to our new Livestock Evaluation Laboratory opening in Fall 2025. Our research and teaching herds include dairy, beef, horses, sheep, goats, rabbits and swine on the Mississippi State University main campus.
Area of Specialization:
Horse Unit
Anticipated Appointment Date:
July 16, 2026.
Tenure Track Status:
N/A.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
1. Supervise and complete activities associated with the care of the horse herd including general management of breeding animals.
2. Responsible for the care of the horse herd including feeding, foaling, health and foot care, record keeping, registration, billing, horse donation and sales, ordering of supplies, maintenance of pastures, fences, buildings and minor repair of equipment.
3. Supervise students and be responsible for hiring of student employees and for time reports and records of the personnel under his/her supervision.
4. Assist and support faculty with instructional courses and research activities.
5. Coordinate with the H.H. Leveck Animal Research Center Facilities Manager to perform duties in other areas as needed.
6. Teach advanced equine training and riding courses.
7. Duties include serving as an equestrian team coach including holding practice with undergraduate students, traveling to competitions, and hosting equestrian contests.
8. This position will be under the direct supervision of the faculty liaison for the Horse Unit and the Department Head.
Shifts will vary. The successful candidate will be expected to work weekends and holidays as needed, and job requires flexible scheduling.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Masters degree in animal and dairy science or closely related field.
Licensure: Valid driver's license.
ABDs or degree pending considered (all but DISS):
N/A.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience riding and handling young horses. Experience instructing undergraduate courses and coaching students. Ability to palpate, ultrasound, and artificially inseminate mares.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Candidates must have excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills and the ability to foster a collaborative and collegial atmosphere. Knowledge of equine farm operation and the ability to manage people.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Considerable physical activity. Requires heavy physical work; heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling required of objects up to 50 pounds. Work may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements, such as extreme temperatures, dirt, dust, fumes, smoke, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises.
Instructions for Applying:
Link to apply: http://explore.msujobs.msstate.edu/
All applicants must apply online at www.jobs.msstate.edu to be considered for this position. Attach to the online application college transcripts, resume, and cover letter. Any social security numbers included on requested transcripts should be redacted prior to submitting online. Three names of reference along with contact information should be submitted with the application.
Screening Date:
May 20, 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.
