Ag Law Research Specialist

Ag Law Research Specialist

Ames, IA
Full Time
R18664

Position Title:
Ag Law Research Specialist

Job Group:
Professional & Scientific

Required Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree and 5 years of related experience

Special Required Qualifications
Juris Doctor

Preferred Qualifications:
Experience advising agricultural clients in agricultural law, taxation, business entity, or estate / transition planning matters.

Demonstrated experience with legal research and writing.

CPA, LLM, or M.S. or B.S. in accounting, taxation, agricultural economics, or
related field.

Teaching experience.

Job Description:

The Center for Agricultural Law & Taxation (CALT) at Iowa State University is seeking an Ag Law Research Specialist to join our team in supporting the agricultural community through education and outreach in the areas of agricultural law, taxation, business entities, and estate and transition planning. This role involves creating and delivering practical, research-based legal resources and programming for agricultural producers and their advisors.

Position Responsibilities:

• Research, develop, and write educational materials focused on agricultural law, taxation, business structures, and estate/transition planning. These materials will be used in print publications, online resources, webinars, and seminar presentations.
• Present legal education and training through workshops, webinars, and conferences to a broad range of stakeholders, including producers, attorneys, tax professionals, and other agricultural advisors.
• Analyze and interpret federal and state laws, regulations, and legal developments affecting agriculture.
• Collaborate with CALT staff to evaluate the impact of legal and policy changes and ensure timely, accurate information is shared with the agricultural community.
• Conduct legal research and review relevant legal documents to support educational and outreach efforts.
• Engage with partners, including policymakers, industry leaders, and university collaborators, to support CALT’s mission of providing trusted, objective legal education across the agricultural sector.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in legal research and writing, with a keen eye for detail and accuracy. This individual will also possess excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex legal concepts into clear, practical guidance for agricultural producers and the professionals who support them. A passion for continuous learning and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the agricultural sector are essential.

If you are curious, self-motivated, and eager to learn, this position offers a unique opportunity to expand your knowledge of agricultural law and taxation-and even become a recognized expert in the field. You’ll get paid to research, write, and teach about important legal issues that directly affect agricultural producers and the professionals who serve them. This is not a billable-hours job, there’s no time tracking or punching a clock. Instead, you’ll work with a supportive team and connect with an interesting, engaged audience, including farmers, attorneys, tax professionals, and ag industry experts. The work is meaningful and will provide practical education that helps people, drives positive change, and makes a real difference in the agricultural community.

Although this is a term position, we expect it to provide a long-term opportunity, with a renewable term option.

The candidate will be hired as an Industry Extension Specialist III.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an on-going basis without sponsorship.

This posting will remain open until filled.

Level Guidelines

Senior-level position possessing high-level professional and/or technical skills working independently under minimal supervision to support ISU’s mission and department or work unit goals

Applies senior-level professional knowledge and expertise to work requiring greater latitude

Solves moderately complex problems and regularly exercises judgment to determine appropriate action

Regularly exercises judgment to resolve problems and determine appropriate action on a broad set of issue and problems. May provide recommendations regarding problems/issues outside the bounds of defined procedures and practices

Responds to complicated inquiries, provides training, and provides direction to lower-level staff

May provide supervision for one to two other staff (i.e., leads a small work team)

May lead projects for which well-defined practices and procedures may not exist

Provides guidance to students

Appointment Type:
Regular with Term Appointment (Fixed Term)

Proposed End Date or Length of Term:

March 29, 2029

Number of Months Employed Per Year:
12 Month Work Period

Time Type:
Full time

Pay Grade:
PS810

Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following: 1) Resume/Curriculum Vitae 2) Letter of Application/Cover Letter If you have questions regarding this application process, please email employment@iastate.edu or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485. Why Choose ISU? Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental; as well as:

Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans

Generous vacation, holiday and sick time and leave plans

Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)

Life insurance and long-term disability

Flexible Spending Accounts

Various voluntary benefits and discounts

Employee Assistance Program

Wellbeing program

Iowa State offers WorkFlex options for some positions. WorkFlex offers flexibility on when, where, and how you do your work. For more information, please speak with the Hiring Manager.

Original Posting Date:
February 26, 2026

Posting Close Date:

Job Requisition Number:
R18664

To apply, visit https://isu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/IowaStateJobs/job/Ames-IA/Ag-Law-Research-Specialist_R18664?jobFamilyGroup=ad349100dff40101ccb31c0b060a26e3&jobFamilyGroup=ad349100dff401fbb287010b060a24e3&jobFamilyGroup=ad349100dff40106d453320b060a30e3&jobFamilyGroup=ad349100dff4012cd16be00a060a20e3

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