WSLCB Vision

Safe communities for Washington State.

Mission

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

This position is currently eligible to telework. This position is required to work in the office 2 days per week. This may change based on business needs. 

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 and Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network.

Your opportunity at a glance

The WSLCB Licensing and Regulation Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Cannabis Licensing Specialist Senior position located in Olympia, WA. This non-permanent position will report to a Licensing Specialist Supervisor in the WSLCB’s Licensing and Regulation Division. This non-permanent position serves and complements the WSLCB’s mission and goals by providing the highest level of public safety by assessing, analyzing, and enforcing laws, regulations, and policies. You will be responsible for determining whether the criteria and regulations are met so that licenses and permits are issued to qualified businesses and individuals.

If you have an interest in assessing and analyzing regulations and policies with a focus on process improvement, we encourage you to apply to be a part of the WSLCB team!

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

• Independently manages an assigned caseload of non-routine, tribal and multi-level entity structure liquor license investigations.
• Conduct in-depth interviews to determine eligibility and assess document requirements.
• Requests documentation needed to conduct investigation and ensure eligibility.
• Communicates with applicants on the phone and in person regarding questions and challenges.
• Analyze legal documentation and financial material, including but not limited to financial statements, loan documents, bank statements, leases, sale agreements, management agreements, closing documents and tax statements to determine true party of interest and rule our illegal funds, hidden ownership or other disqualifying factors.
• Ensures that established criteria and regulations are met so that licenses are issued to qualified businesses and individuals.
• Examines non-routine liquor license applications and accompanying legal documents referred by staff and depending on complexity of the transaction or nature of the issue, completes the process or provides specific or general instructions to lower-level Licensing Specialist staff.  Issues liquor licenses as appropriate or sends detailed report forward for threshold decision applications.
• Reviews alcohol operating plans for Sports Entertainment Facility (SEF) applicants.  Processes and approves Amateur SEF license applications.
• Provide oral and written qualification assessment and licensing information to applicants, staff, business professionals, the public and local, state, and federal agencies.
• Provide training and other presentations to agency staff, state agencies, and/or the public.

Experience for required qualifications can be gained through various combinations of formal professional employment and educational experience. See below for how you may qualify.

Option 1: 

Two (2) years of lead experience that includes analyzing and/or interpreting financial documents, or laws and regulations for license qualification issuance, or interviewing and/or research/review duties involving public contact.

Option 2:

An Associate’s of Arts degree or above.

Option 3:

Three (3) years of experience analyzing and/or interpreting financial documents, or laws and regulations for license qualification issuance, or interviewing and/or research/review duties involving public contact.
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.

1. Completed online application.
2. Current Resume.
3. Letter of Interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
4. Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with email addresses and phone numbers.

Please Note: As part of our hiring process, we require an employment reference for the preferred candidate from their current or most recent supervisor. If the preferred candidate is a current or recent state employee, we will also review the personnel file as part of our process. References are typically conducted after interviews.

**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.

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 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 board and no employee of the 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 hr****@****wa.gov or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.