MS Museum of Natural Science (Conservation Educator)

The State of Mississippi is hiring a Conservation Educator for the MS Museum of Natural Science in Jackson, MS. This full-time position involves managing a statewide program on amphibians and reptiles, conducting research, and maintaining the herpetology collection. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree and 4-6 years of experience. The role requires extensive fieldwork, including overnight trips, and offers a salary range of $47,767.87 to $55,680.27.
Salary: $43,509.31 Annually
Location : 25 - HINDS COUNTY, MS
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 9410-0460-20250303hi
Department: 0460 - DWFP-WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES
Opening Date: 03/06/2025
Closing Date: 3/10/2025 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary: $47,767.87
Agency Maximum Salary: $55,680.27
Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree and 4-6 years of experience.
About the Agency: The mission of the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is to conserve and enhance Mississippi's wildlife, fisheries, and parks, provide quality outdoor recreation, and engage the public in natural resource conservation. For questions about this position, please call MDWFP HR at 601-432-2400
About the Position: Located at the Mississippi Museum of Natural Science, this herpetologist position would be responsible for planning, coordination, and management of a state-wide program on the ecology, conservation and management of amphibians, reptiles, and their communities. This includes conducting advanced levels of basic and applied scientific research and maintaining the state herpetology collection according to recognized professional standards.
What you'll need to be Successful: This position will require extensive field work in various weather conditions and will regularly consist of 10-12 hour days. During field season, this position will require overnight trips on a semi-weekly basis with hotel and meals provided during those trips. This position requires knowledge of the techniques and equipment used for monitoring reptiles and amphibians, including venomous species. When not in the field, this position will focus on the curation of the museum's herpetological collection.

Characteristics of Work

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Health/Prescription InsuranceEligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits

Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance

All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances

Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts

Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.

Paid Personal Leave and Sick LeaveFull-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave

In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays

Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs

The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation

State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union

All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training

The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities

Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders

Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
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How many years of relevant experience do you have?
• None
• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 year of experience
• 2 years of experience
• 3 years of experience
• 4 years of experience
• 5 years of experience
• 6 years of experience
• 7 years of experience
• 8 years of experience
• 9 years of experience
• 10 years of experience
• 11 years of experience
• 12 years of experience
• 13 years of experience
• More than 13 years of experience

02

What is the highest level of education (or semester hours of college) you have completed?
• 8th grade
• GED or High School Equivalency Diploma / High School Diploma
• 30 semester hours
• Associate's Degree / 60 semester hours
• 90 semester hours
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• Specialist Degree
• Doctorate Degree
• 9th grade
• 10th grade
• 11th grade

Required Question