Learn about the varied careers offered by the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, as well as the benefits of working for the MDWFP and how you can apply for a position.
So you're interested in the field of resource conservation. Or maybe you're interested in parks and outdoor recreation, or conservation enforcement. Ask yourself the following questions:
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you've made an important first step just by visiting our site.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks offers a variety of career opportunities. All are dedicated to or support the conservation of Mississippi's natural resources and the enhancement of outdoor recreation. These jobs require varied levels of education and experience. Some of the career opportunities available include, but are not limited to:
Thinking of entering the field of resource management and outdoor recreation? There's no way to find out if it's right for you until you try it. There are some summer jobs available for persons over 16. People taking these jobs will receive training not taught in classrooms, and the MDWFP considers on-the-job training to be a valuable asset.
Seasonal general service job opportunities are available, primarily through the parks system. Anyone seeking these positions should apply directly to the park where employment is sought.
There are more than 100 varied positions in the MDWFP across the state. It should be noted that some career opportunities are limited unless education requirements are met. Most positions require a high school diploma or GED. Many require a college degree or specialized degree.
Career ideas begin to take shape early in life. If you are a junior high, high school, or college student, start deciding what you plan to do as your life's work. Find what interests you and learn as much as possible about what the actual work involves. Discuss your plans for a career with your school counselor and make sure you are taking the courses that will benefit you. Whether you decide to pursue a career with the MDWFP or in some other field, education is always an advantage.
Careers in the MDWFP are categorized into the following fields, with each field providing unique career opportunities: wildlife and fisheries management and research, Museum of Natural Science, conservation enforcement, support services, parks and recreation, public information, and marketing and education.
Management and monitoring of Mississippi's wildlife and fisheries resources are important tasks in ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy our valuable natural resources. The men and women who work in this field conduct research and surveys, manage land and timber, construct and maintain boat launching ramps and fishing piers on public lakes and streams, and oversee hunting and fishing on public areas.
Job opportunities in this area include research and management biologists, technicians, managers for the agency's wildlife management areas, fish hatcheries, state and park lakes, land and timber managers, and construction crews.
The Museum of Natural Science serves as an educational outreach for the department, reaching school children, their teachers, and others throughout the state. The museum also serves as headquarters for the department's non-game and endangered species research.
The museum houses more than 250,000 specimen collections, including birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, mollusks, and fish.
At the museum, a person may find career opportunities such as exhibits specialist, aquarium keeper, conservationist, biologist, educator, and librarian.
The men and women who work in this field are probably the most visible of all MDWFP employees. Conservation officers, of course, help ensure compliance with the state's game and fish laws, but that is just one part of their job. They also serve as public relations representatives and teachers in the field because they have direct contact with hunters, fishermen, and other outdoor participants and field observers.
Included in this field are the MDWFP hunting and boating safety programs. Employees in the hunter safety program are responsible for educating people on the ethical use of the outdoors, game and fish laws, firearms safety, and woodsmanship.
Employees in the boater education program instruct people on the safe handling of boats, laws and regulations pertaining to use of public waters, and boating ethics.
This field represents the nuts-and-bolts area of support operations in MDWFP. Employees in this field provide important logistical support for all of the department's programs. This division enables employees in other areas to concentrate their efforts on their respective goals.
In support services, you will find accountants, personnel specialists, fleet managers, secretaries, licensing and boat registration personnel, clerks, property officers, planners, computer specialists, purchasing agents, and warehouse personnel.
Careers in this field are dedicated to providing safe, family-oriented outdoor recreational and educational experiences to Mississippi's residents and visitors to our beautiful state parks.
In this field, a person may find career opportunities in park management, construction, skilled crafts, maintenance, park security, food service, historical interpretation, and housekeeping.
People who pursue this field will serve as the communications link between the MDWFP and the public.
This field is dedicated to projecting the department's image, informing the public about department activities, and keeping people up to date on laws and regulations.
MDWFP public relations employees compose news releases, write and edit magazines and newsletters, produce videos and television programs, answer inquires from the public, participate in promotional trade shows, and operate the agency's print shop.
Career opportunities in this field include writers, editors, photographers, videographers, video producers, graphic artists, and press operators.
The qualifications for positions with the MDWFP are detailed in job descriptions available through the State Personnel Board and local state Employment Service offices. Additionally, the MDWFP has publications outlining general qualifications for some wildlife and fisheries jobs. These may be obtained by writing to:
MDWFP Personnel Office
P.O. Box 451
Jackson, MS 39205-0451
The MDWFP is an equal opportunity employer and provider of programs and services. If anyone believes they have been subjected to discrimination on the basis of political affiliation, race, color, national origin, marital status, sex, religion, creed, age, or disability, they may file a complaint with either the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks, Human Resources, P.O. Box 451, Jackson MS 39205-0451, or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, 1801 L. Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20507.
Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is responsible for the conservation and enhancement of Mississippi's wildlife, fisheries, and parks to provide quality outdoor recreation for present and future generations. This mission allows us to offer an array of employment advantages with many diverse careers in Wildlife, Fisheries, Law Enforcement, Museums, Parks, Administrative Services, and Human Resource Management.
Listed below are just a few of the advantages we offer:
For more information, contact Human Resources at (601) 432-2136 or (601) 432-2137.
The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks (MDWFP) welcomes you to apply for vacancies in our agency that are of interest to you. We ask each individual who is applying for employment opportunities with us to submit their application electronically. However, if you are unable to submit the electronic version, please download a copy of the PDF application and submit it along with the supplemental questions to the Mississippi State Personnel Board (MSPB) via the following process:
Note: To ensure that your application is received, please submit your application before 11:59pm Central Time (CT) of the closing date. A separate application must be submitted for each job vacancy.