Job Description

Posting number: 2026-3041-07604

Department: Liquor and Cannabis Board

Division: Enforcement and Education

Job classification: PROGRAM SPECIALIST 3

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Code Enforcement, Safety, Human Services, Customer Service

Summary

WSLCB Vision

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 September 29th, 2026. Please submit an application on or before September 28th, 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 for telework. This position is required to work in the office a minimum of 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, 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 Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Enforcement and Education Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Program Specialist 3 (Criminal History Record Information Team Member) position in Olympia, WA. The Enforcement and Education Division is comprised of over 185 employees statewide, the division is comprised of seven major units, which are: Headquarters/Director’s Office, Retail, Non-Retail, Cannabis, Tobacco Tax, Vapor Products, and FDA Tobacco.

Ensures the Special Investigations Unit is supported in investigating complex criminal and administrative cases, which prevents ineligible candidates from operating any legally licensed liquor, tobacco, vapor, or cannabis business within Washington State.

This position is responsible for facilitating criminal background investigations for the Licensing Division regarding cannabis and liquor license applications. This position will provide summaries of criminal threshold discoveries to the Division’s Compliance and Policy Manager, Cannabis and Liquor Licensing and Regulation Managers, and/or other Division Management staff that are responsible for making license application denial threshold decisions. This position is responsible for facilitating criminal background investigations for the Licensing Division regarding cannabis and liquor license applications. This position will provide summaries of criminal threshold discoveries to the Division’s Compliance and Policy Manager, Liquors Licensing and Regulation Manager and/or other Division Management staff that are responsible for making license application denial threshold decisions. This position is responsible for facilitating criminal background investigations and processing Liquor, Cannabis, Tobacco and Vapor applications. Further, this position will provide tobacco and vape threshold summaries to the WSLCB Enforcement Director for threshold decisions. This position assists the Enforcement Division in support of investigations that require criminal background research and information.

This position will maintain strict confidentiality of all information and records as described in the Memorandum of Understanding with the Washington State Patrol and the Federal Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Security policy. Including, the proper safeguarding and storage of said information. This position will also comply with policies regarding the dissemination of criminal record information.

They function as a liaison of the Criminal History Record Information program between Licensing Specialists, LCB Enforcement Officers, licensing applications, the Attorney General’s Office, the Department of Licensing, various police departments, and the general public.

They function as the Assistant Technical Agency Coordinator (TAC) between the WSLCB and the Washington State Patrol.

They assist in developing policies and procedures for those that pertain to Cannabis, Liquor, Tobacco/Vape licensing background checks and threshold decisions, WSLCB employment background checks, and all other CHRI CJIS compliance policy and procedural requirements.

If you have an interest in running multiple backgrounds and can maintain a high-level of confidentiality, we encourage you to apply to be a part of the WLSCB team!

Examples of duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• License (cannabis and liquor) Background Checks for both new applicants and yearly renewals.
• Process fingerprint/background inquiries through the application and license renewals working with Field Print, JABS, WSP, and FBI. Update fingerprint database and compose letters as needed to investigators, applicants, and licensees. Update, maintain, and review monthly: send out these notifications/updates to renewal licensees, licensing, and enforcement as needed for all licenses. Maintain/update daily data into the Agency System (to include holds and projects) and Laserfiche. Maintain/update daily Licensee's BLS accounts and renewal spreadsheets on the P drive and daily track the renewal licensee as they pass all standards required for the renewal process. Write threshold files as needed.
• Enforcement Investigational Aid and Assistant Technical Agency Coordinator, including utilizing OMNIXX (CJIS) system, the Department of Licensing (DOL) Drives system, the WA State Department of Revenue (DOR) system, the Employment Security Department (ESD) system, and JABS system to accomplish results.
• Obtaining criminal reports, summarizing, and sharing findings with enforcement officers.
• Manages the systems and user certifications. Performing audits with DOL, WSP & FBI for both business and technical sides for three WSLCB ORIs.
• Provide backup support to peer team member in processing background checks for new license applicants in Cannabis, Tobacco, Cigarette, and Vapor Background Checks.
• Assist license applicants’ background checks by working with the WA State Judicial Access Browser System (JABS), which also includes writing up all threshold files as needed or clearing the applicant in the Agency system. Cannabis, Tobacco, Cigarette, and Vapor Background Checks.
• Reporting findings of applicant positions applied for at the WSLCB and writing summary reports. This task differs for all Criminal Justice applicants (all commissioned staff).
• Research criminal history information for applicants for positions within the WSLCB and submit summary reports as needed.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

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

Six (6) years of combined relevant professional experience and education reviewing and processing criminal records, licensing, or performing in a regulatory environment, including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.

AND

Working level knowledge and experience in the following:

• Basic Microsoft Office experience in Outlook and Word, moderate experience in Excel.
• Skilled in oral and written communication.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply complex laws, policies, and procedures.

Requirements/Condition of Employment:

• Ability to pass a criminal records background check.
• Ability to pass certification requirements to serve as the Terminal Agency Coordinator between the WSLCB and Washington State Patrol.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

Six months' experience working in a court or law enforcement agency using the JIS (Justice Information System)

Six months' experience working in the area of fingerprinting and background checks for local and/or State government.

Required Competencies:

The ability to take action to learn and grow

This equity competency identifies people who are curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others

This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

Competencies:

• Accountability: Accepts personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work. Can be relied upon to achieve excellent results with little need for oversight. Effectively organizes multiple assignments, sometimes of a complex nature or involving competing priorities, to produce work products that are accurate, thorough, and on time. Accept own role when expectations are not met, and respond quickly to resolve issues with others.
• Analysis: Uses data and information in a clear and rational thought process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form accurate conclusions, and make decisions. Identify key facts in an array of data. Recognizes when pertinent facts are incorrect, missing, or require supplementation or verification. Distinguishes information that is not pertinent to a decision or solution. Breaks down data into component parts to understand the nature and relationship of the parts. Recognizes underlying principles, patterns, or themes in an array of related information, and determines whether additional information would be useful or necessary. Judges or infer appropriate responses to a set of information on the basis of clear guidelines or procedures. Form accurate conclusions regarding actions to be taken.
• Build and Maintain Relationships: Earn the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent, honest, and professional interactions. Build and maintain working relationships characterized by mutual acceptance and cooperation. Contribute to an environment that honors diversity, and uses diverse perspectives to meet the agency’s mission and goals.
• Computer Skills: Displays working knowledge of program or agency computer system(s) which include Microsoft Office suite programs. Ability to utilize electronic resources including the internet and SharePoint. Accurately document and/or update information in electronic form to maintain complete records.
• Customer Focus: Listens attentively, identifies issues, provides options, fulfills services, and/or exercises knowledge of laws and regulations to assist others and/or resolve complaints or conflicts. Build and maintain internal and external customer satisfaction with the products and services offered by the organization. Treats customers with courtesy and sensitivity. Builds positive rapport. Makes extra effort to satisfy customer needs. Regularly follows up with customers to ensure needs have been fully met. Proactively keeps customers informed by giving timely and appropriate feedback. Assesses problem situations and initiates effective service interventions that result in customer satisfaction. Coordinates with staff in other areas in order to effectively meet customer service needs.
• Effective Communications, General: Conveys clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others. Effectively expresses ideas and information through the written and spoken word using language that is appropriate to both the complexity of the topic and the knowledge and understanding of the reader or audience (“plain talk”). Keeps supervisor and co-workers informed while sharing complete and accurate information with others including staff and people outside the organization. Practices active listening by concentrating on the person or caller; listens without interrupting; and asks questions to clarify and verify information.
• Effective Communications, and Writing Skills: Composes clear, straightforward, and technically correct documents. Proofreads and edits information to improve clarity, organization, content, and corrects errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling. Independently composes written responses to emails and letters from customers, answering questions, providing information, and/or explaining decisions made regarding eligibility for services or compliance with rules. Extracts and compiles data to prepare narrative, statistical or other reports for review, analysis, documentation, etc. (e.g., financial, payroll, labor distribution, purchasing, inventory, registration, patient or student information)
• Ethics & Integrity: Earns the trust, respect, and confidence of coworkers and customers through consistent honesty, forthrightness, and professionalism in all interactions. Follows through on commitments.
• Initiative: Seeks and assumes additional responsibilities and tasks when appropriate.
• Interpersonal Skills: Establishes effective relationships. Displays a positive outlook and pleasant manner. Contributes to building team spirit. Interacts appropriately with coworkers and in a manner that encourages cooperation and teamwork. Gives and welcomes feedback. Employs expertise, credibility, and effective partnering to help clients identify, evaluate, and resolve complex or sensitive issues, problems, and service needs. Effectively influences others to achieve understanding, acceptance, and commitment to act in support of ideas, programs, or causes. Effectively persuades others to voluntarily accept recommendations or advice for the purpose of bringing them into compliance with regulations or policy. Diffuses sensitive or difficult customer situations and creates a climate for mutual problem-solving.
• LEAN Expectation: Have the ability to work in a continuous process improvement environment, continually seeking ways to eliminate waste and improve quality.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to organize self and others. Ability to handle multiple priorities and work under short timeframes. Manage time effectively to complete the tasks required.
• Research Skills: Can integrate multiple lines of data; contrast conflicting data; analyze and evaluate the accuracy of data; can create data gathering processes; can propose/formulate new processes; able to design new organizational systems; can logically defend outcomes/results.
• Stress Tolerance: Performs well under pressure. Demonstrates good judgment. Handles unexpected situations with composure. Respond to difficult, stressful, or sensitive situations in ways that reduce or minimize potential conflict and maintain good working relationships among internal and external customers.
• Safety: Understands and follows agency safety policies and other standards established to maintain a safe work environment. Carefully organizes the personal workspace to minimize the likelihood of an accident or other unsafe incidents. Reports injuries, accidents, or hazards to supervisor.

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.

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, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

1. Completed on-line application which includes current phone numbers and valid email addresses. You can create and application profile on www.careers.wa.gov by clicking on the "Apply Now" button on top of this page.
2. Letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
3. Resume, detailing experience and education as it relates to the position.
4. 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 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 hrjobs@lcb.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.