Under the direction of the Clinic Director, the Fellow shall engage with small farmers or farmer coalitions to discuss groundwater allocations and markets. The Fellow will research specific Groundwater Sustainability Agency (GSA) proposals for allocation and/or groundwater market development. Subject to the Director's review and approval, the Fellow shall provide legal analysis and assistance to ensure that small farmers are informed of legal issues and options associated with any ongoing or contemplated groundwater adjudications. Subject to the Director's review and approval, the Fellow shall develop a comprehensive collection of groundwater markets in California, research them, and present a summary of the best market practices to assist the underrepresented small farmer community. With the Director's approval, the Fellow shall provide an overview of legal options for groundwater allocation or markets for small farmers to discuss with their separate legal counsel.
Apply By Date
March 12, 2026 at 11:59pm
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position
- Required to hold a valid California driver's license, have a driving record that is in accordance with local policies/procedures, and/or enroll in the California Employer Pull Notice Program
- JD Degree required. Candidates must either apply for admission to the California bar by registering to take the July 2026 bar exam or be currently admitted to the California bar.
- Demonstrated commitment to public interest law.
- Commitment to working with students and small farmer clients.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrated ability in legal research and writing; strong organizational and planning skills.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in community-based advocacy, community organizing, teaching, or rural legal services.
- Experience in environmental law or transactional law.
- Fluency in Spanish.
Key Responsibilities
- 85% - Research, Analysis & Legal Representation
- 15% - Outreach and Campus Activities
Department Overview
The Small Farmer Water Justice Clinic Fellowship allows one fellow the opportunity to spend 1-2 years in residence working with the clinic.
The Clinic provides legal assistance to underrepresented communities related to the implementation of the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act. In collaboration with the Community Alliance with Family Farmers and other project partners, the Clinic provides: (1) legal analysis and assistance to small farmers to help them understand the implications of Groundwater Sustainability Plans, prepared by local GSAs, on the farmers' groundwater use and water rights; (2) general legal analysis and assistance to small farmers in areas where groundwater allocation litigation is contemplated or present (however, the Clinic will not enter into any attorney-client relationship and will not engage in any litigation); and (3) legal analysis and assistance to small farmers concerning groundwater allocation as it relates to water market proposals by GSAs.
POSITION INFORMATION
- Salary or Pay Range: $63,900 /yr. - $112,100 /yr.
- Salary Frequency: Annual
- Salary Grade: Grade 20
- UC Job Title: LEGAL SVC ADVISOR 2
- UC Job Code: 007206
- Number of Positions: 1
- Appointment Type: Staff: Contract - 1 year contract with possibility of extension or conversion to career, based on funding
- Percentage of Time: 100%
- Shift (Work Schedule): Monday - Friday, 8:00AM - 5:00PM
- Location: Davis, CA
- Union Representation: 99 - Non-Represented (PPSM)
- Benefits Eligible: Yes
- This position is hybrid (mix of on-site and remote work)
Benefits
Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility rules by visiting either our handy Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees and our Benefits Page.
If you are represented by a union, benefits are negotiated between the University of California (UC) and your union and finalized in a contract. Read your bargaining unit's employment contract, stay abreast of current negotiations and learn about collective bargaining at UC: https://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/labor/bargaining-units/index.html
- High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
- UC pays for Dental and Vision insurance premiums for you and your family
- Extensive leave benefits including Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave
- Paid Holidays annually as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Education Reimbursement Program as stipulated in the UC Davis Health Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
- WorkLife and Wellness programs and resources
- On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
- Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance and legal coverage
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSFL) Qualified Employer & Student Loan Repayment Assistance Program for qualified roles
- Retirement benefit options for eligible roles including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans. More information on our retirement benefits can be found here
Physical Demands
- Standing - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Walking - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Sitting - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Lifting/Carrying over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 0-25 Lbs - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling 26-50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Pushing/Pulling over 50 lbs - Never 0 Hours
- Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Never 0 Hours
- Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Environmental Demands
- Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes - Never 0 Hours
- Loud noise levels - Never 0 Hours
- Marked changes in humidity or temperature - Never 0 Hours
- Microwave/Radiation - Never 0 Hours
- Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment - Never 0 Hours
- Extreme Temperatures - Never 0 Hours
- Uneven Surfaces or Elevations - Never 0 Hours
Mental Demands
- Sustained attention and concentration - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Complex problem solving/reasoning - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Ability to organize & prioritize - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Communication skills - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Numerical skills - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
- Constant Interaction - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Customer/Patient Contact - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
- Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
Work Environment
UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.
Special Requirements - Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position
- This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.
A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging
At UC Davis, we're committed to solving life's most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.
As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.
To view the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere
To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks
#CA-SE
University of California - Davis
vision insurance, parental leave, paid time off, paid holidays, sick time, long term disability, tuition reimbursement, remote work
Feb 27, 2026