Job Details

Research Associate, WS Stegner Center

Position Number: 6510080
Location: Salt Lake City, UT
Position Type: Law and Legal Studies

Research Associate, WS Stegner Center

Job Summary

The Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources & the Environment invites applications for a staff position as a Law & Policy Fellow. The position begins October 1, 2025, or as agreed. This is an in-person position and subject to a renewable one-year contract. There is a presumption of contract renewal for a second year, subject to satisfactory job performance and continuation of external funding. The position may be extended beyond the second year by agreement of the parties.

The position is within the Wallace Stegner Center for Land, Resources & the Environment's Law and Policy Program, which is part of the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law. Faculty and staff within the Program undertake academic research and scholarly engagement concerning Western public land and the resources those lands contain to support informed policy development and decision-making.

The successful applicant must possess a graduate degree with substantial coursework in natural resource law, policy, management, or science. A law degree is not required and applicants with a background in natural resource management and science are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities
The successful applicant must possess a minimum of two years of professional experience in a relevant field and demonstrate exemplary written communication skills. Ideally, the Fellow will have experience in at least one of the following areas:
(1) development or implementation of environmental and natural resources laws and regulations, including environmental impact analyses and permitting,
(2) hardrock mineral exploration and development,
(3) knowledge of the Pacific Salmon Treaty or management of transboundary rivers, or
(4) development and implementation of voluntary standards (e.g., IRMA standards or the Kimberley Process) incentivizing sustainable production.

Minimum Qualifications

Preferences
Experience working with Tribes or First Nations, familiarity with the Western United States and Canada, and experience disseminating technical experience to a lay audience are also highly valued.

Special Instructions
Applicant must submit a resum or curriculum vitae, a detailed cover letter that addresses how the applicant meets the qualifications and preferences listed above, and contact information (name, email and phone number) for three references. We will notify candidates before contacting references.

The Stegner Center will begin reviewing applications upon receipt and will continue until the position is filled.

The University of Utah is the flagship institution of the Utah System of Higher Education, is a member of the AAU (Association of American Universities), and has been classified by the Carnegie Foundation as among those research universities with the "highest research activity." The University provides numerous opportunities for internal research funding and offers a generous benefits and retirement package: https://www.hr.utah.edu/benefits/.The University is located in Salt Lake City, the center of a metropolitan area with a population of approximately 1.3 million residents. The city's proximity to the Wasatch Mountains, world-class ski resorts, and national parks offers unparalleled opportunities for outdoor recreation. Salt Lake City has extensive arts and cultural activities, and the area has received international recognition for its light rail system, foodie culture, its vibrant downtown, and increasing ethnic diversity.

Requisition Number: PRN42926B
Full Time or Part Time? Full Time
Work Schedule Summary: Work schedule to be arranged by supervisor. Remote work may be considered for an extraordinary candidate.
Department: 00096 - College of Law - Dean
Location: Campus
Pay Rate Range: 70,000 - 75,000
Close Date: 10/31/2025
Open Until Filled:

To apply, visit https://utah.peopleadmin.com/postings/187816