Are you're interested in the field of resource conservation?
Or maybe you're interested in parks and outdoor recreation?
Or what about conservation enforcement?
Ask Yourself These Questions
- Do you believe it's important to conserve and protect Mississippi's wildlife and aquatic life?
- Do you like dealing with people, one-on-one and in groups?
- Do you enjoy helping people have a safe and enjoyable time in the outdoors?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you've made an important first step just by viewing this 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:
- Accountant
- Administrator/manager
- Biologist
- Clerk
- Communications operator
- Computer specialist
- Conservation officer
- Construction worker
- Craftsman
- Environmental specialist
- Fisheries manager
- Food service
- Forester
- Graphic artist
- Hatchery manager
- Housekeeper
- Instructor and educator
- Lake manager
- Landscape architect
- Librarian
- Maintenance worker
- Marketing specialist
- Mechanic
- Museum scientist
- Park manager
- Park ranger
- Planner
- Printer
- Public information specialist
- Resource interpreter
- Secretary
- Technician
- Warehouse manager
- Wildlife manager
Education
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.
When To Choose A Career
Career ideas begin to take shape early in life. If you are a junior high, high school or college student, begin now to decide 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.
Career Options
Careers in the MDWFP are in the following fields: Wildlife and fisheries management and research, Museum of Natural Science, conservation enforcement, support services, parks and recreation, public information, marketing and education. Each provides unique career opportunities.
Wildlife and Fisheries Management
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 and 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.
Museum of Natural Science
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 such career opportunities as exhibits specialist, aquarium keeper, conservationist, biologist, educator and librarian.
Conservation Enforcement
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 a 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.
Support Services
This field represents the nuts-and-bolts area of support operations in MDWFP. Employees in this field provide important logistical support for all 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.
Parks and Recreation
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.
Marketing, Communications, and Media
People who pursue this field will find themselves serving as the communications link between the MDWFP and the public.
This field is dedicated to protecting the department's image, informing the public about department activities and keeping people up to date with events, programs, and more.
MDWFP marketing, communications, and media employees produce newsletters, magazines, videos, television programs, podcasts, outreach material, answer inquiries from the public, participate in promotional trade shows and create outreach initiatives to engage the public in learning more about the outdoors.
Career opportunities in this field include writers, editors, photographers, videographers, video producers, graphic artists, and marketing professionals.
Internship Opportunities
This is work performed by college/university undergraduate or graduate students in the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks' Internship Program. Interns may perform a variety of duties designed to provide skills and experience in one of the diverse career fields within the Agency. Work assignments are performed in a specific career field related to the student's major or minor course of study. Supervision is received from a bureau advisor who assigns projects, gives preliminary instructions, reviews work accomplishments, and correlates his/her supervisory work with the institution's internship facility advisor. Internships are available for spring, summer, and fall semesters.
Application
For Detailed Information
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:
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.