Fellow, Center for Agriculture and Food System

The Fellow at Vermont Law and Graduate School will conduct legal and policy research, supervise students, and develop resources for stakeholders in the food system. This two-year grant-funded position requires a Juris Doctor and experience in legislative or policy work. The Fellow will engage with various communities and present at events, contributing to sustainable agriculture and local food systems.
About the position

The Fellow conducts research, supervises students, and develops legal and policy resources and tools. The Fellow is a valued member of the Center’s team who contributes research and develops materials that provide approachable legal and policy information to individuals and entities including farmers, ranchers, and other food producers, as well as technical assistance and service providers, food system stakeholders, local governments, and other supporting organizations. This is a grant-funded two-year position with the possibility of renewal contingent on funding and staffing needs.

Responsibilities
• Conduct legal and policy research and analysis to contribute substantively to existing projects, in collaboration with the Center’s staff and faculty.
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• Research, review, and analyze local and state laws and regulations related to local and regional food systems, institutional procurement, local food retail, and urban agriculture.
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• Supervise JD and master’s students on projects including those in the Food and Agriculture Clinic, summer honors interns or student research assistants.
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• Conduct outreach and present on the Center’s work at national conferences, trainings, and events.
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• Identify and build relationships with grassroots and academic collaborators to identify key food systems issues.

Requirements
• Juris Doctor required, admission to Vermont bar preferred or the ability to waive in.
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• Two to four years of relevant legislative, legal, or policy experience, including judicial clerkships.
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• Demonstrated commitment to sustainable agriculture and local/regional food systems.
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• Strong legal research, writing, interpersonal, and communications skills.
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• Ability to think systemically and develop analysis and recommendations based on thorough research.
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• Ability to effectively interact, collaborate, and develop meaningful relationships with people of various cultural, religious, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
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• Self-motivated, creative, entrepreneurial spirit and ability and desire to work both independently and as part of a team.

Nice-to-haves
• The ability to speak Spanish is not required but will be considered favorably.

Benefits

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