Thomas More University, a primarily undergraduate institution in the Greater Cincinnati area, is seeking a full-time Station Manager to serve at the University’s Ohio River Biology Field Station, in Northern KY (8330 Mary Ingles Highway, California, KY 41007).
The primary responsibilities of the Station Manager are to:
• oversee the laboratory research, particularly with undergraduate students (~50%),
• co-coordinate the STEM Outreach programs for K-12 schools and the public (~25%), and
• assist the Director in the overall maintenance and operations of the Field Station (~25%).
The lab research is in the field of aquatic ecology and focuses on two main areas: the conservation of aquatic species, including mussels and hellbenders, and water quality monitoring for ecological and human health uses. Other research projects include harmful algal bloom monitoring, community assessments, and eco-toxicology. The STEM outreach programs include day-long grade school field trips, teacher workshops, summer camps for high school students, and events for the public. Additional opportunities to assist with the field research and teach courses on the main campus are available. Further, the Director will involve the Manager in as much of the maintenance and operations of the Station in which the person is interested.
Requirements
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in biology, environmental science, or a related field
Previous work experience in related areas; Experience with animal husbandry techniques and basic laboratory skills; Knowledge of computer software applications including, MS Office; excellent communication skills
Workload
The expected workload is 37.5hrs/week. There is variation throughout the year with the busier field season (April-May) and the slower off season (Nov-March).
Timeline
A review of the applications and subsequent interviews will begin in February 2023 and
continue until the position is filled. Expected start date: April or May 2023
To Apply
Email a cover letter and CV/resume, including references, to H.R. Director, Laura Custer
at hr@thomasmore.edu, or mail to Laura Custer, Director of Human Resources, Business Office, Thomas More University, 333 Thomas More Parkway, Crestview Hills, KY 41017.
For further information or for any questions, please contact the Field Station Director, Chris Lorentz at lorentc@thomasmore.edu or 859-344-3373.
Responsibilities & Related Tasks
• Perform all animal husbandry tasks within the labs
• Schedule field trips, camps, and other school-based events for the outreach programs
• Maintain all life support systems of the aquaculture systems
• Schedule seminars and other events for the public
• Implement a chemical monitoring program for the aquaculture systems
• Review current programs and develop a consistent format for all of them
• Revise and update aquaculture SOPs, as needed
• Distribute background materials and evaluation forms for teachers
• Train and supervise research and work-study students in laboratory techniques
• Ensure each educational program is aligned with national & state educational standards
• Maintain compliance of laboratories with federal, state, and local regulations and IACUC protocols
• Teach hands-on lessons during grade school field trips and summer camps
• Provide routine maintenance of instruments and oversee maintenance performed by third parties
• Assist in the training of student instructors and volunteers and in the recruitment of participants
• Inventory and maintain lab supplies and equipment
• Assist in seeking external funding opportunities
• Oversee storage of hazardous waste and annual removal
• Perform related administrative, clerical, and custodial duties
• Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the buildings
• Maintain effective communication with the Station Director
• Present a professional manner throughout
Brief Overview of the Thomas More University Ohio River Biology Field Station
The Ohio River Biology Field Station is a 25-acre teaching and research facility, situated along the banks of the Ohio River in Campbell County, Kentucky and just upstream from Cincinnati, Ohio. The Station was the previous site of the U.S. Government Lock and Dam 35, built in 1919, and one of 51 wicket dams along the Ohio River.
The Field Station includes classrooms, research and teachings labs, a STEM outreach center, a conference center & lodge, four houses, an interpretive nature trail and a fleet of research boats. Since acquiring the property in 1967, the Department of Biological Sciences has been conducting aquatic biology and ecological research and teaching field courses for undergraduate students. In addition, the Station offers an array of STEM outreach programs for K-12 schools and the public.
Following major renovations to the Field Station, the Center for Ohio River Research and Education at the Biology Field Station was established in 1998. Since then, a significant increase in our teaching, research and outreach programs has occurred, and a strong increase in external funding has been obtained during this same period to support the programs. The Center has become a regional resource for environmental education, research, consulting. and community service. Students and faculty have worked with a diverse group of professionals with backgrounds in science, engineering, education, and other similar disciplines and with extensive work experience in consulting, government, private industry, teaching, and research.
Some of the current research projects include bioassessments and fish surveys in the Ohio River and nearby systems and the propagation of FW mussel populations, among others. The STEM outreach programs for K-12 schools varied in nature and range from daylong field trips, weeklong summer camps for high schoolers, and workshops/professional development opportunities for teachers. Seminars and other events are offered for the public.
Collaborations
Thomas More University is a primarily undergraduate institution, and the programs at the Biology Field Station are geared towards undergrads, K-12 schools, the campus community, and the public. In addition, the Station maintains collaborative projects with several federal and regional agencies, including the: Boone, Campbell, and Kenton Conservation Districts; Greater Cincinnati Water Works; KY Fish & Wildlife Services; Northern Kentucky Water District; ORSANCO; Sanitation District No. 1; and the USEPA Office of Research and Development in Cincinnati, OH. Further, the Station is a member of Organization of Biological Field Stations, Ohio River Basin Alliance, Ohio River Basin Consortium for Research & Education, and the Ohio River Way.