Legal Analyst, NRULPC

UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA; Tucson (AZ); Hybrid; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits

Tuition reduction

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

University of Arizona's NRULPC Legal Analyst role focuses on applied legal, regulatory, and public policy research for natural resource sectors across Arizona. The position monitors legislation, regulations, and judicial decisions, developing analyses and outreach materials while supervising researchers and collaborating with agencies and communities.

The role emphasizes education, public policy guidance, and risk assessment, with occasional travel within Arizona and the Western region.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field or extensive professional experience.
• Minimum five years of relevant work experience, or an equivalent education/experience combination.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct advanced research on laws, regulations, and policy developments affecting natural resource users.
• Monitor proposed legislation and regulatory actions to assess potential impacts.
• Develop policy analyses, regulatory summaries, and compliance assessments.
• Communicate complex policy information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Supervise student researchers, fellows, interns, and project participants.

Skills

Regulatory analysis

Policy research

Legislative tracking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication of complex concepts

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Master's degree or J.D. preferred

Job description

Location

Tucson Campus

Address

1140 E South Campus Dr, Tucson, AZ 85721 USA

Position Highlights

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!

Duties & Responsibilities

Regulatory and Policy Research,Analysis, and Compliance Monitoring:

• Conduct advanced research andanalysis of federal, state, tribal, and local laws, regulations, administrativedecisions, litigation, and policy developments affecting natural resource usersand 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 supportinformed decision-making and risk mitigation strategies.
• Identify emerging legal andregulatory trends and establish research priorities through engagement withstakeholders, agencies, and community partners.

Policy Development andInstitutional Guidance:

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

Outreach, Education, andStakeholder Engagement:

• Translate complex legal,regulatory, and policy information into clear, practical, and accessibleresources for different audiences.
• Develop and deliver educationalprograms, presentations, workshops, webinars, and community outreach activitiesthat promote awareness of regulatory requirements and policy issues.
• Foster relationships withgovernment agencies, industry organizations, community groups, and otherstakeholders to support collaboration and information sharing.
• Represent the Center at meetings,conferences, and public forums related to regulatory and policy initiatives.

Program Oversight, RiskAssessment, and Continuous Improvement:

• Assessthe effectiveness of existing processes, and recommend improvements tostrengthen accountability and program outcomes.
• Maintain systems for trackinglegislative, regulatory, and policy developments and supporting accuratereporting and documentation.
• Contribute to program planning and assessment.

Staff Supervision and Mentorship:

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

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities(KSAs):

• Extensive knowledge oflegislative, regulatory, compliance, and public policy processes, includingpolicy analysis, statutory interpretation, and administrative rulemaking.
• Skill in researching, analyzing,and evaluating complex legal, regulatory, and policy information andtranslating findings into actionable recommendations.
• Ability to communicate complexlegal, 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 thatsupport organizational objectives and stakeholder understanding.
• Skill in building collaborativerelationships 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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

FLSA

Exempt

Full Time/Part Time

Full Time

Number of Hours Worked per Week

40

Job FTE

1.0

Work Calendar

Fiscal

Job Category

Legal Compliance

Benefits Eligible

Yes - Full Benefits

Rate of Pay

$75,540 - $98,201

Compensation Type

salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)

Grade

10

Compensation Guidance

The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.

The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator .

Career Stream and Level

PC3

Job Family

Compl & Regulatory Affairs

Job Function

Legal & Compliance

Type of criminal background check required:

Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)

Number of Vacancies

1

Target Hire Date

10/26/2026

Contact Information for Candidates

Jennifer Gardner Smith, Business Manager, Senior

[e-mail]

Open Date

9/16/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Documents Needed to Apply

Resume and Cover Letter

Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report

In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University’s campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.

Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at [e-mail].