The executive director shall possess a combination of educational qualifications, experience and skills that clearly demonstrate the ability to manage a multifunctional agency. The minimum qualifications for the position of executive director are as follows: (a) A master's degree in one (1) of the management functions of the agency, wildlife or fisheries conservation, parks and recreation or related sciences or a master's degree in public or business administration and at least six (6) years' experience in a public or private organization with administrative management functions similar to those of the agency. At least three (3) of the six (6) years' experience must be in a position with administrative management responsibilities, including personnel supervision and budget management; or (b) A bachelor's degree in wildlife or fisheries conservation, biology, parks and recreation, forestry, agriculture or related sciences or a bachelor's degree in public or business administration and at least eight (8) years' experience in a public or private organization with administrative management functions directly related to those of the agency, with four (4) of those years in an administrative management position with personnel supervision and budget management responsibilities. Effective July 1, 1979, the executive director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks shall have the following powers and duties: (a) To supervise and direct all administrative and technical activities of the department; (b) To employ, subject to the approval of the commission, qualified professional personnel in the subject matter or fields, and such other technical and clerical staff as may be required for the operation of the department; (c) To coordinate all studies in the State of Mississippi concerned with the supply, development, use and conservation of wildlife, fisheries and parks; (d) To prepare and deliver to the Legislature and the Governor on or before January 1 of each year, and at such other times as may be required by the Legislature or Governor, a full report of the work of the department, including a detailed statement of expenditures of the department and any recommendations the department may have; (e) To enter into cooperative agreements with any federal or state agency or subdivision thereof, or any public or private institution located inside or outside the State of Mississippi, or any person, corporation or association in connection with studies and investigations pertaining to wildlife, fisheries and parks, provided the agreements do not have a financial cost in excess of the amounts appropriated for such purposes by the Legislature; (f) In his discretion, to enter into an affinity relationship with a credit card issuer and to expend funds derived therefrom to improve wildlife management areas; and (g) To carry out all regulations and rules adopted by the commission and enforce all licenses and permits issued by the commission.
Citation: Miss. Code. Ann. § 49-4-13 (West)