Program Specialist 3

WSLCB Vision

Safe communities for Washington State.

Mission

Promote public safety, public health and trust through fair administration, education, and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws.

This recruitment is open until filled. First review of applications will be October 28th, 2025. Please submit an application on or before October 27th, 2025. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible.

This position is currently eligible to telework.

Established in 2010, the FDA Tobacco Inspection Program is comprised of 9 inspectors statewide. The FDA Inspector is a full-time project position, tied to contractual funds through May 2030, with eligibility for continued federal funding through a non-competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process.

Who we are:

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety, public health and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement.

Our commitment to DEIB

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders.

It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve. We are committed to maintaining a thriving culture where employees and those we serve feel safe and accepted regardless of education, background, or beliefs. As a WSLCB team member, you will have opportunity to join statewide business resource groups (BRGs) such as, Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network, Veteran Employee Resource Group, Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity, Disability Inclusion Network, Washington Immigrant Network, Hawaiians, Asians, Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network, Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights, and Engaging Indigenous Governance and Interagency Committee of State Employed Women.

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including:

• A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
• Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
• Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees)
• Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee's career development with the WSLCB)
• Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning)
• A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible)
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees
• Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
• Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia)
• Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development. Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work.
• Free parking

Your opportunity at a glance:

The WSLCB Enforcement and Education Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for two Program Specialist 3 positions, one inPasco, WA and the other in Mount Vernon, WA. These are project position that is funded through May, 2030, with eligibility for continued funding through a federal request for proposal application process.

This position reports directly to the FDA Program Coordinator or designee and is assigned to a primary area to conduct field inspections at tobacco retail locations. The Inspector, routinely, conducts undercover buys of tobacco and vapor products and conducts compliance checks in order to determine a retailer's compliance with age verification requirements; and performs advertising and labeling inspections in accordance with the Federal Tobacco Control Act.

Inspectors are also responsible for assessing the Investigative Aide participants' needs and being responsive to those needs. This includes developing specialized training for the Investigative Aides unique to the FDA program. In addition, the Inspector will assist in the recruitment, onboarding, and training of underage persons (ages to participate in undercover buys for all units in the Enforcement and Education Division.

The FDA Inspector works remotely and is assigned to a field enforcement office to conduct this daily work. FDA Inspectors are issued vehicles, laptop computers, GPS systems, and iPhones for data collection.

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Analyze and interpret written and oral information including statements and other documents accurately, using the knowledge and understanding of applicable statutes, rules, policies, and industry practices in order to plan and conduct tobacco inspections as required and in compliance with state and/or federal guidelines.
• Anticipates potential conflict and attempts resolution before problems occur; plans, evaluates, and consults with staff and outside entities to identify problems, researches solutions and alternatives, and recommends resolutions designed to meet the goals and objectives of the program.
• Assist in recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and scheduling underage purchasers in their assigned area (Investigative Aides to assist with tobacco, vapor, liquor, and cannabis compliance checks for the Division. Monitors and tracks participant eligibility and participation in the Investigative Aide program activities.
• Exclusively manage the recruitment, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, training, and scheduling of underage purchasers in their assigned area (Investigative Aides 16-17), specifically for the FDA Program. Monitors and tracks participant eligibility and participation in program activities. Supervises Investigative Aides during compliance checks and ensures safety protocols are followed.
• Access and utilize computer software programs and applications to review information as pertinent to proceed with each step of an inspection assignment – such as the use of Microsoft Office applications, the Tobacco Inspection Management System (TIMS), DocuSign, and state software such as the electronic notebook and the Department of Revenue business licensing system.
• Demonstrate through oral and written communication a working knowledge of the principles and practices in areas related to tobacco retailers so that reports, letters, and testimony result in accurate dissemination of information and properly informed parties.
• Collect, process, and securely store all evidence obtained while conducting compliance checks.
• Organize inspection workload in order to maximize efficiencies and resources through the TIMS database, while ensuring inspections are completed within the established timelines.
• Independently manages and schedules resources needed to conduct inspections including coordinating Investigative Aides, other FDA Inspectors, or other commissioned staff availability.
• Provides communication with divisional field management to secure cooperative, streamlined efforts in the tobacco inspection activities.
• Maintains a working knowledge of federal and state legislative issues and, working under the direction of the FDA Program Coordinator, develops or coordinates changes to RCW and WAC rules specific to the program.
• Manage routine and/or scheduled maintenance, including monthly safety checks, car washes, mileage reporting, and damage control of state-assigned vehicle

Required Qualifications:

• Six (6) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

OR

• An Associate's degree and four (4) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

OR

• A Bachelor's degree and two (2) years of experience including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. At the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

HOW TO APPLY:

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDERED.

IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

• Completed on-line application which includes current phone numbers and valid email addresses. You can create and application profile on by clicking on the "Apply Now" button on top of this page.
• Letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
• Resume, detailing experience and education as it relates to the position.
• Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with current contact numbers and email addresses.

**A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application.

The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

Please Note: The use of Generative AI (like chat GPT) is not allowed on the application.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position.

Other:

Applicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW , which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.

RCW , no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers with diverse backgrounds. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. You are welcome to include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email or call For TTY service, please call theWashington Relay Serviceat 7-1-1 or