Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby
Not Disclosed•Full-TimeOn-site
location_onLawrence Wells Road, Pearl River County, Mississippi, 39426, United States
About the Team
The Crosby Arboretum is an award-winning 104-acre interpretive site located in Picayune, Mississippi, just 50 minutes from New Orleans. As a unit of Mississippi State University's Coastal Research and Extension Center, the Arboretum is dedicated to educating the public about the Pearl River Drainage Basin ecosystem. It preserves, protects, and displays native plants while offering cultural, scientific, and recreational programs. The site features savanna, woodland, and aquatic exhibits, alongside 700 acres of off-site natural areas preserved for scientific study. Ranked as the 7th best college arboretum, it serves as a vital hub for environmental research and community engagement.
This position is administratively housed within the Coastal Research and Extension Center, with an academic home in the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Design. The role involves leading a multidisciplinary team of seven staff members, volunteers, and external partners to advance the mission of native planting, restoration, and environmental design.
About the Role
As the Director, you will oversee the daily operations of the Crosby Arboretum, managing facilities, staff, and programs. Your primary focus will be developing educational initiatives for both adults and youth that align with the Arboretum's mission and the Mississippi State University Extension. You will guide the development of site infrastructure and lead the planning and construction of new landscape exhibits and interpretive displays.
The role requires a strong vision for Extension programming. You will oversee the creation of a quarterly newsletter, press releases, and various print and web-based publications, including online videos and webinars. These efforts may contribute to the Smart Landscapes program or establish new statewide extension initiatives. You will also play a leading role in securing extramural funding through grant writing, fundraising, and soliciting donations to achieve short- and long-term goals.
Collaboration is central to this position. You will work closely with MSU employees, the Crosby Arboretum Foundation, and relevant stakeholders, including government and non-government agencies. Your work will involve facilitating technology and research transfer through workshops, training sessions, and presentations at local, regional, and national meetings. You will also interact with clients to identify applied research and extension efforts that address specific challenges in native planting design and management.
Hiring Process
Applications are accepted until the position is filled, with a screening date of May 29, 2026. To apply, submit a cover letter, vitae, vision statement (addressing your Extension philosophy, background, and vision for the position), redacted transcripts, and the contact information for three references via the MSU jobs portal.
For questions regarding the application process, please contact Dr. Tricia Knight or Mr. Dan Jost.
Equal Opportunity
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 protected by applicable law. The university is committed to providing accommodations for applicants with disabilities in compliance with the ADA Amendments Act.
Work location
Work model: On-site
Lawrence Wells Road, Pearl River County, Mississippi, 39426, United States
Mississippi
Key Responsibilities
- check_circleOversee daily operations of the Crosby Arboretum including facilities, staff, and programs
- check_circlePlan and construct new landscape exhibits and interpretive displays
- check_circleFacilitate technology and research transfer through training presentations, workshops, and in-service sessions
- check_circleRepresent the arboretum at local, statewide, regional, and national meetings
- check_circleDevelop and implement educational programs for adults and youth related to native planting and environmental design
- check_circleSecure extramural funding through grant writing, fundraising, and soliciting donations
- check_circleParticipate in professional organizations and university committees to coordinate ecological goals
- check_circleSupervise a staff of 7 individuals and provide indirect supervision of volunteers
Requirements
- verifiedMaster's degree in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Horticulture, Public Garden Administration, Ecological Restoration, Restoration Ecology, Botany, or related discipline
- verifiedMaster's degree in Museum Studies, Environmental Education, Education, or similar with at least two years of experience in relevant educational programming
- verifiedOutstanding verbal and written communication skills
Nice to Have
Experience with public garden administration or other administrative experience. Demonstrated record of grant writing or non-profit fundraising or verbal and written communication that suggests a capacity for grant writing and fundraising. Willingness to address critical and emerging public garden management issues as part of a collaborative multidisciplinary team.
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Skills, education and keywords
Skills: Landscape Architecture, Environmental Design, Botany, Environmental Horticulture, Public Garden Administration, Ecological Restoration, Restoration Ecology, Museum Studies, Environmental Education, Grant Writing.
Education: Master's degree in Landscape Architecture or related field required; Master's in Museum Studies or Education preferred with 2 years experience.
Frequently asked questions about Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union
What does a Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union do?expand_more
Day-to-day, the Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union will oversee daily operations of the crosby arboretum including facilities, staff, and programs; plan and construct new landscape exhibits and interpretive displays; facilitate technology and research transfer through training presentations, workshops, and in-service sessions; and represent the arboretum at local, statewide, regional, and national meetings.
What are the requirements for this Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby role?expand_more
To qualify for the Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union position, applicants should have: Master's degree in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Horticulture, Public Garden Administration, Ecological Restoration, Restoration Ecology, Botany, or related discipline; Master's degree in Museum Studies, Environmental Education, Education, or similar with at least two years of experience in relevant educational programming; and Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
Where is the Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby role at MSU Federal Credit Union located?expand_more
Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union is based in Lawrence Wells Road, Pearl River County, Mississippi, 39426, United States. This is a on-site role.
Is this Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more
MSU Federal Credit Union has listed this Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby role as on-site.
How much experience is required for this Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby role?expand_more
Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union typically requires 2+ years of relevant experience at the lead level.
What skills do you need for the Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby role at MSU Federal Credit Union?expand_more
Key skills for Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union include Landscape Architecture; Environmental Design; Botany; Environmental Horticulture; Public Garden Administration; Ecological Restoration; Restoration Ecology; and Museum Studies.
What education is required for Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union?expand_more
Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree in Landscape Architecture or related field required; and Master's in Museum Studies or Education preferred with 2 years experience.
What category does the Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby role belong to?expand_more
Extension Instructor/Director, Crosby at MSU Federal Credit Union is part of the scientific & qa job category on Recrutus.