Legal Analyst, NRULPC

The NRULPC Legal Analyst leads applied legal, regulatory, and public policy research that supports Arizona's natural resource users and advances the mission of the Natural Resource Users Law and Policy Center (NRULPC) within University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. This position monitors and analyzes legislation, regulations, judicial and administrative decisions, litigation, and emerging policy issues affecting agriculture, mining, forestry, water, public lands, environmental regulation, energy, land use, and other natural resource sectors. Working at the intersection of law, science, economics, public policy, and community engagement, the position develops objective research, policy analyses, educational resources, and outreach programs that inform stakeholders and support sound decision-making. The position supervises employees, fellows, interns, project participants and student researchers engaged in research, publications, outreach, and educational programming, while fostering collaboration with government agencies, community organizations, industry partners, and underserved communities throughout Arizona.

Note: This is a research, policy analysis, and educational position. The incumbent does not represent clients, establish attorney-client relationships, practice law on behalf of the University, or provide legal advice to the University or members of the public.

This position may require some travel within Arizona and the greater Western Region, including rural communities, and occasionally work outside standard business hours for public meetings or educational events.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

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Regulatory and Policy Research,
Analysis, and Compliance Monitoring:

• Conduct advanced research and
  analysis of federal, state, tribal, and local laws, regulations, administrative
  decisions, litigation, and policy developments affecting natural resource users
  and related stakeholders.
• Monitor proposed legislation,
  regulatory actions, and emerging compliance issues to assess potential impacts.
• Develop policy analyses,
  regulatory summaries, compliance assessments, and recommendations that support
  informed decision-making and risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify emerging legal and
  regulatory trends and establish research priorities through engagement with
  stakeholders, agencies, and community partners.

Policy Development and
Institutional Guidance:

• Serve as a subject matter resource
  on policy interpretation, regulatory frameworks, and compliance considerations
  affecting natural resource management and use.
• Prepare reports, policy briefs,
  presentations, and recommendations for leadership and stakeholder groups.

Outreach, Education, and
Stakeholder Engagement:

• Translate complex legal,
  regulatory, and policy information into clear, practical, and accessible
  resources for different audiences.
• Develop and deliver educational
  programs, presentations, workshops, webinars, and community outreach activities
  that promote awareness of regulatory requirements and policy issues.
• Foster relationships with
  government agencies, industry organizations, community groups, and other
  stakeholders to support collaboration and information sharing.
• Represent the Center at meetings,
  conferences, and public forums related to regulatory and policy initiatives.

Program Oversight, Risk
Assessment, and Continuous Improvement:

• Assess
  the effectiveness of existing processes, and recommend improvements to
  strengthen accountability and program outcomes.
• Maintain systems for tracking
  legislative, regulatory, and policy developments and supporting accurate
  reporting and documentation.
• Contribute to program planning and assessment.

Staff Supervision and Mentorship:

• Supervise and mentor student researchers, fellows, interns, and project participants.
• Support professional development
  and ensure consistency in research, outreach, educational programming, and
  policy analysis activities.
• Promote collaborative and
  interdisciplinary approaches to problem-solving and stakeholder engagement.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
(KSAs):

• Extensive knowledge of
  legislative, regulatory, compliance, and public policy processes, including
  policy analysis, statutory interpretation, and administrative rulemaking.
• Skill in researching, analyzing,
  and evaluating complex legal, regulatory, and policy information and
  translating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to communicate complex
  legal, regulatory, scientific, and policy concepts clearly and effectively to various audiences through written, verbal, and presentation formats.
• Ability to develop policies,
  procedures, educational materials, and compliance-related resources that
  support organizational objectives and stakeholder understanding.
• Skill in building collaborative
  relationships and influencing stakeholders across academic, governmental,
  industry, and community settings to achieve strategic goals.

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience required.
• Five (5) years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.
• Must have a valid driver's license and ability to drive according to the University Fleet Safety Policy.

• Master's degree in public policy, public administration, law, environmental policy, natural resources, or a related field, or Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an accredited institution.
• Active membership in good standing with the State Bar of Arizona.
• Experience with natural resource, environmental, agricultural, water, public lands, energy, or related regulatory and policy matters.
• Experience developing and delivering policy, compliance, or regulatory education and outreach programs for different stakeholder groups.
• Experience managing interdisciplinary projects, supervising staff or student researchers, and collaborating with governmental agencies, community organizations, or higher education institutions.