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JOB DESCRIPTION AND POSITION REQUIREMENTS
The Office of Science Outreach in the Eberly College of Science is currently seeking enthusiastic applicants for Lead Curriculum Mentor positions for the Science-U summer science camp program.
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. Applications must be submitted electronically and should include a cover letter with a statement of teaching/outreach/supervision experience and a resume. Applicants must supply the names and contact information for at least two references in their cover letter or resume. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until all positions are filled. Please visit Science-U Employment Opportunities for a complete listing off all Science-U positions available.
BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES
This position requires the following clearances in addition to applicable background checks: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and 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.
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Skills Required
- Experience working with K-12 students in a formal classroom or camp setting
- Excellent interpersonal, organizational, verbal and written communication skills
- Attention to detail
- Ability to multi-task and learn on-the-job
- Proactive self-starter with willingness to adapt to changing position requirements
- Provide cover letter with statement of teaching/outreach/supervision experience and a resume
- Supply names and contact information for at least two references
- PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check
- Demonstrated experience with behavior management
- First Aid/CPR certification
Penn State University Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Penn State University and has not been reviewed or approved by Penn State University.
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Retirement Support — Employer contributions to SERS and the TIAA Alternate Plan are described as significant, with supplemental retirement options available. Feedback suggests these choices and contributions create strong long‑term value.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Full‑time employees accrue over 24 sick and vacation days annually, with additional university holidays and a winter break. Feedback suggests this depth of leave supports work–life balance.
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Inclusive Benefits Coverage — A 75% tuition discount extends to employees, spouses, and dependent children up to age 26 across resident instruction, World Campus, and Penn College courses. Feedback suggests this broad eligibility meaningfully enhances total rewards, especially for families.
Penn State University Insights
What We Do
There’s a reason Penn State consistently ranks among the top one percent of the world’s universities. Across 24 campuses, our nearly 88,000 students and 17,000 faculty and staff know the real measure of success goes beyond the classroom—it’s the positive impact made on communities across the world. From access to state-of-the-art resources to interdisciplinary pursuits in collaborative atmospheres, a Penn State degree is more than an education. The experiences and knowledge gained here will form the foundation for the lives our students build. Their contributions to the world begin with a Penn State degree. We Are Penn State.
