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 required to work in the office 2-3 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 Licensing Specialist Senior located in Olympia, WA. This position reports to a Licensing Specialist Supervisor in the WSLCB’s Licensing and Regulation Division. This 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.

The WSLCB is committed to a pro-active approach in support of diversity, equity, inclusion and is actively working towards the success of the social equity program. This effort will be strengthened by participating in effective dialogue, showing commitment to change through actions, and building trust through transparency, with a shared goal of ensuing change for social equity applicants and licensees. This Licensing Specialist Senior position has an emphasis on Social Equity.

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 manage an assigned caseload of cannabis license investigations to include processing social equity applications.
• Conduct in-depth interviews to determine eligibility and assess document requirements. Request documentation needed to conduct investigation and ensure eligibility.
• Analyze legal and financial documents (including but not limited to financial statements, loan documents, bank statements, leases, personal funds, corporate funds, sale agreements, management agreements and closing documents) as well as the insurance documents, verification of taxes, lease agreements by landlord, communication from local authorities, and all other contracts associated with the cannabis business.
• Monitor and coordinate activities and processes of a licensing program(s); approve or disapprove selected license transactions for issuance of new, renewal, and change licenses and recommend approval/denial of other license types.
• Handle questions regarding thresholds, denial of a license, due process and appeal rights pertaining to licensing from authorized representatives, the public and other agencies; consult with, assist, and provide expertise to staff, license applicants, the public, attorneys, and other technical matters involving applicable statutes, regulations, laws, policies, and procedures.
• Gather and verify bankruptcy, receivership, and estate documents. Coordinate with assigned manager for further instruction on processing of the file.
• Evaluate qualifying criteria to determine eligibility for cannabis applicants. This includes criminal history, operating plans, suspected ownership issues, corporate structures, changes in ownership, multiple locations, public protests, restricted entities, violation history, sources of funding, civil records, court records, and any other applicable documents that could adversely affect the license or result in a violation of WAC 314-55.
• Collaborate with Enforcement on investigations, final inspections, and other inquiries as requested. Coordinate with intra-agency Divisions such as Enforcement, Finance, Examiners, Information Technology (IT), the Board Office, Communications and Public Records.
• Determine eligibility for approval or withdrawal. For approvals, review completed work and prepare application for build out, final inspection, and/or final approval. For withdrawals, complete the withdrawal checklist and distribute accordingly.
• 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’ 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.

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.

**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****@lc*.gov or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.