Legal Analyst, NRULPC

The University of Arizona•Tucson, AZ

8d•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.