Program Specialist 3 (Project, FDA Inspector)

Thurston County, WA - USA

Yearly Salary: $ 56880 - 76608

Posted on: 12 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

WSLCB Vision

Safe communities for Washington State.

Mission

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

This recruitment is open until filled. First review of applications will be January 30th 2026.Please submit an application on or before January 29th 2026. 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 6 inspectors statewide. The FDA Inspector is afull-timeproject 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 theWashington 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 promoteDiversity 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 NetworkBlacks United in Leadership and DiversityDisability Inclusion NetworkWashington Immigrant Network Hawaiians Asians Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network Supporting our Voices Empowering Rights and Engaging Indigenous Governanc eand 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 employees 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 a Program Specialist 3position in Olympia WA. This project position 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 retailers 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 addition the Inspector will assist in the recruitment onboarding and training of underage persons (ages 16-20) 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.

Duties

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 18-20) 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

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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

An Associates degree and four (4) years ofexperience including planning policy analysis coordination and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies organizations and/or levels of government
OR
A Bachelors degreeand 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 weencourage 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.

Supplemental Information

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 youMUSTinclude 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 applicants 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 66.08.080 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 69.50.351 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 (360) 664.1720. For TTY service please call theWashington Relay Serviceat 7-1-1 or 1-.

Required Experience:

DescriptionWSLCB VisionSafe communities for Washington State.MissionPromote public safety public health and trust through fair administration education and enforcement of liquor cannabis tobaccoand vapor laws.This recruitment is open until filled. First review of applications will be January 30th 20...