Legal Analyst, NRULPC

Phase2 Technology; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 76,000 - 98,000; Full time

Job summary

The NRULPC Legal Analyst at the University of Arizona in Tucson conducts advanced legal, regulatory, and public policy research to support natural resource users and inform decision-making within the NRULPC. The role requires monitoring legislation, preparing policy analyses, and engaging with stakeholders across government, industry, and communities.

This research-focused position supervises students and fellows, collaborates with agencies, and develops educational resources.

Qualifications

• Extensive knowledge of legislative, regulatory, compliance, and public policy processes, including policy analysis, statutory interpretation, and administrative rulemaking.
• Ability to communicate complex legal, regulatory, scientific, and policy concepts clearly to varied audiences.
• Skill in building collaborative relationships and influencing stakeholders across academic, governmental, industry, and community settings.

Responsibilities

• Regulatory and Policy Research, Analysis, and Compliance Monitoring: conduct advanced research of laws and policy developments; monitor legislation and regulatory actions; develop analyses and recommendations.
• Policy Development and Institutional Guidance: serve as a resource on policy interpretation and regulatory frameworks; prepare reports and presentations.
• Outreach, Education, and Stakeholder Engagement: translate complex information for diverse audiences; develop educational programs and participate in community outreach.
• Program Oversight, Risk Assessment, and Continuous Improvement: assess processes and maintain systems for tracking policy developments.
• Staff Supervision and Mentorship: supervise student researchers and project participants; promote collaboration and professional development.

Skills

Policy analysis

Regulatory monitoring

Legislation tracking

Stakeholder engagement

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or J.D.

Job description

Legal Analyst, NRULPC

Posting Number: req27040

Department: Nat Res Users Law & Policy Ctr

Department Website Link: https://extension.arizona.edu/programs/natural-resource-users-law-and-policy-center-nrulpc

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!

The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services.

Duties & Responsibilities

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.

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

Expected End Date:

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

Special Instructions to Applicant:

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].