2026 Science-U Lead Curriculum Mentor - Eberly College of Science

The Pennsylvania State University; Ferguson Township (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Pennsylvania State University is seeking a Lead Curriculum Mentor to help guide staff and engage K-12 youth in hands-on science experiences at University Park, PA. You will supervise program staff, campers, and volunteers, and act as the liaison with the Office of Science Outreach to ensure smooth operations.

Ideal candidates will have strong communication, organization, and behavior management skills, plus a proactive, adaptable mindset to handle evolving camp requirements.

Qualifications

• Experience with K-12 students in a formal classroom or camp setting.
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills.
• Proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements.
• First Aid/CPR certification and demonstrated experience with behavior management is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide supervision, instruction, and ongoing assistance to program staff, campers, and volunteers during programs.
• Act as liaison between the Office of Science Outreach and other summer positions.
• Lead classroom behavior management and keep activities on schedule.
• Support camps with up to 6 curriculum mentors and 24 campers per classroom.
• Provide input on the effectiveness of behavior protocols to Office of Science Outreach staff.

Skills

K-12 teaching experience

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Multi-tasking

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Successful applicants will help lead staff to engage and educate K-12 youth in high-energy, hands‑on science experiences for our campers during the camp season at the University Park, PA campus.

Applicants must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills and be prepared to fulfill all job duties related to the Lead Curriculum Mentor position which include:

• Providing supervision, instruction, and ongoing assistance to program staff, campers, and volunteers during programs.
• Is the liaison between the Office of Science Outreach team and the other summer positions.
• Leading the classroom behavior management and staying on schedule.
• Each camp includes up to 6 curriculum mentors and 24 campers per classroom.
• Follow protocol regarding handling of behaviors and special needs of Science‑U participants, give Office of Science Outreach staff input and feedback on effectiveness of behavior protocols.
• Other duties as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS

• Demonstrated success and enthusiasm with K-12 students in a formal classroom or camp setting, excellent interpersonal, organizational, and verbal and written communication skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multi‑task and learn on‑the‑job.
• Must be a proactive self‑starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements.
• Schedule will be communicated well in advance.
• First Aid/CPR certification and demonstrated experience with behavior management is preferred.

COMPENSATION

A typical work week for most camps is 40 hours per week and the hourly wage starts at $18.70 per hour.

BACKGROUND CHECKS AND CLEARANCES

• PA State Police Criminal Background Check
• PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form
• Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check

CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473. Penn State is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university’s teaching, research, and service mission.

FELD

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VALUES

Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community.

BENEFITS

At Penn State, passion is met with collaboration in an environment that is rooted in shared pride for the accomplishments of our fellow students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Penn Staters cheer each other on to build a culture committed to service and engagement. Our University values represent our core ethical aspirations for all our daily activities and actions as students, faculty, staff, and volunteers at Penn State. Our values are as follows; Integrity, Respect, Responsibility, Discovery, Excellence, and Community. We Are Penn State. One Community. Impacting Many.