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Program Specialist 3 (Project, FDA Inspector)

  2026-01-26     State of Washington     all cities,AK  
Description:

Salary : $56,880.00 - $76,608.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2026-P0031-00600
Department: Liquor and Cannabis Board
Division: Enforcement and Education
Opening Date: 01/23/2026
Closing Date: 2/13/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

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, tobacco, and 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 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, transparencyand 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, and .

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 a Program Specialist 3 position 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 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 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 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.

Supplemental Information
HOW TO APPLY:PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDEREDIMPORTANT: 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 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 or call (360) ###.####. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-###-####.
More than Just a Paycheck!
Employee benefits are not just about the kind of services you get, they are also about how much you may have to pay out of pocket. Washington State offers one of the most competitive benefits packages in the nation.

We understand that your life revolves around more than just your career. Like everyone, your first priority is ensuring that you and your family will maintain health and financial security. That's why choice is a key component of our benefits package. We have a selection of health and retirement plans, paid leave, staff training and other compensation benefits that you can mix and match to meet your current and future needs.

Read about our benefits:
The following information describes typical benefits available for full-time employees who are expected to work more than six months. Actual benefits may vary by appointment type or be prorated for other than full-time work (e.g. part-time); view the job posting for benefits details for job types other than full-time.

Note: If the position offers benefits which differ from the following, the job posting should include the specific benefits.

Insurance Benefits
Employees and their families are covered by medical (including vision), dental and basic life insurance. There are multiple medical plans with affordable monthly premiums that offer coverage throughout the state.

Staff are eligible to enroll each year in a medical flexible spending account which enables them to use tax-deferred dollars toward their health care expenses. Employees are also covered by basic life and long-term disability insurance, with the option to purchase additional coverage amounts.

To view premium rates, coverage choice in your area and how to enroll, please visit the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) website. The Washington Wellness program from the Health Care Authority works with PEBB to support our workplace wellness programs.

Dependent care assistance allows the employee to save pre-tax dollars for a child or elder care expenses.

Other insurance coverage for auto, boat, home, and renter insurance is available through payroll deduction.

The Washington State Employee Assistance Program promotes the health and well-being of employees.

Retirement and Deferred Compensation
State Employees are members of the Washington Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS). New employees have the option of two employer contributed retirement programs. For additional information, check out the Department of Retirement Systems' web site.

Employees also have the ability to participate in the Deferred Compensation Program (DCP). This is a supplemental retirement savings program (similar to an IRA) that allows you control over the amount of pre-tax salary dollars you defer as well as the flexibility to choose between multiple investment options.

Social Security
All state employees are covered by the federal Social Security and Medicare systems. The state and the employee pay an equal amount into the system.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness
If you are employed by a government or not-for-profit organization, and meet the qualifying criteria, you may be eligible to receive student loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program.

Holidays
Full-time and part-time employees are entitled to paid holidays and one paid personal holiday per calendar year.

Note: Employees who are members of certain Unions may be entitled to additional personal leave day(s), please refer to position specific Collective Bargaining Agreements for more information.

Full-time employees who work full monthly schedules qualify for holiday compensation if they are employed before the holiday and are in pay status for at least 80 nonovertime hours during the month of the holiday; or for the entire work shift preceding the holiday.

Part-time employees who are in pay status during the month of the holiday qualify for the holiday on a pro-rata basis. Compensation for holidays (including personal holiday) will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status in the month to that required for full-time employment, excluding all holiday hours. Pay status includes hours worked and time on paid leave.

Sick Leave
Full-time employees earn eight hours of sick leave per month. Overtime eligible employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month, earn a monthly proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Overtime exempt employees who are in pay status for less than 80 hours per month do not earn a monthly accrual of sick leave.

Sick leave accruals for part-time employees will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment. Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

Vacation (Annual Leave)
Full-time employees accrue vacation leave at the rates specified in (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA). Full-time employees who are in pay status for less than 80 nonovertime hours in a month do not earn a monthly accrual of vacation leave.

Part-time employees accrue vacation leave hours in accordance with (1) or the applicable collective bargaining agreement (CBA) on a pro rata basis. Vacation leave accrual will be proportionate to the number of hours in pay status, in the month to that required for full-time employment.

Pay status includes hours worked, time on paid leave and paid holiday.

As provided in , an employer may authorize a lump-sum accrual of vacation leave or accelerate the vacation leave accrual rate to support the recruitment and/or retention of a candidate or employee for a Washington Management Service position. Vacation leave accrual rates may only be accelerated using the rates established WAC 357-31-165.

Note: Most agencies follow the civil service rules covering leave and holidays for exempt employees even though there is no requirement for them to do so. However, agencies are required to adhere to the applicable RCWs pertaining holidays and leave.

Military Leave
Washington State supports members of the armed forces with 21 days paid military leave per year.

Bereavement Leave
Most employees whose family member or household member dies, or for loss of pregnancy, are entitled to five (5) days of paid bereavement leave. In addition, the employer may approve other available leave types for the purpose of bereavement leave.

Additional Leave
Leave Sharing

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Leave Without Pay

Please visit the State HR Website for more detailed information regarding benefits.

Updated 01-07-2026
01

Which of the following best describes your highest level of education?
  • I have a High School diploma or GED
  • I have an Associate's Degree
  • I have a Bachelor's Degree
  • I have a Master's Degree or higher
  • None of the above

02

Please list your degree(s) and major(s) of study.
03

Which best describes your experience with policy analysis, including planning, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government?
  • I have at least one (1) year of experience.
  • I have at least two (2) years of experience.
  • I have at least three (3) years of experience.
  • I have at least four (4) years of experience.
  • I have at least five (5) years of experience.
  • I have at least six (6) years of experience.
  • None of the above statements apply

04

Do you live within 45 miles of the assigned location (Olympia) or are you willing to move (at your expense) as a condition of employment?
  • Yes
  • No

05

Do you have a valid unrestricted Washington State driver's license or the ability to obtain one upon appointment?
  • Yes
  • No

06

Which one of the following best describes your highest level of Microsoft Excel skills? (To qualify for the Intermediate level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic level; to qualify for the Advanced level, you must also be able to perform the functions at Basic and Intermediate levels; to qualify for the Expert level, you must also be able to perform the functions at the Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels.)
  • BASIC: Create basic worksheets; create basic formulas; use basic functions; modify and format a worksheet; print workbooks.
  • INTERMEDIATE: Use advanced formulas; organize tables and worksheets; create and modify charts; analyze data using Pivot tables and Pivot Charts; insert and modify graphic objects in a worksheet.
  • ADVANCED: Create and edit macros; conditional formatting; apply data validation criteria; able to protect, share and merge files; trace cells and troubleshoot formula errors; uses data list outline; consolidate data and link workbooks; export and import text files and XML data; import data from the Web and create Web queries; analyze data using trend lines, Sparklines and scenarios.
  • EXPERT: Able to use and train others in all Excel functions listed above and uses advanced formulas, functions and arrays; uses information, date and time functions; uses advanced editing and formatting; advanced chart formatting; runs solver models and reports; embed and link information; set up customization including automation.
  • None of the above

07

Which of the following best describes your proficiency level with Microsoft Word?
  • Beginner (little or no experience, but interested and willing to learn).
  • Developing (working knowledge).
  • Intermediate (Skilled, working-level knowledge, uses software frequently).
  • Expert (exceptional knowledge, recognized as expert user).

08

Are you 21 years of age or older?
  • Yes
  • No

09

Are you willing to drive or sit in a car for long periods of time?
  • Yes
  • No

10

As a condition of employment, you must have the physical ability to employ the senses of sight (both day and night), touch, smell, and hearing while performing various job requirements. Do you have this physical ability?
  • Yes
  • No

11

Are you willing to submit a full criminal background check, credit check, fingerprinting and drug/alcohol test?
  • Yes
  • No

12

Some weekend, evening and overnight work will be required depending on the nature of the investigations and availability of youth (investigative aides). Are you willing and able to work evenings and weekends?
  • Yes
  • No

13

Are you willing and able to take responsibility for the maintenance of equipment, including a motor vehicle, computer and iPhone?
  • Yes
  • No

14

Describe your experience with time management skills and the ability to handle multitasking. What were your most common problems and why? How did you handle them? Be specific as to name(s), date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
15

Describe your experience using a smart phone during your regular daily work activities?
  • I have one (1) year of this experience.
  • I have two (2) years of this experience.
  • I have three (3) years of this experience.
  • I have four (4) years of this experience.
  • I have five (5) years of this experience.
  • I have six (6) years of this experience.
  • I do not have this experience.

16

Which of following best describes your experience where you performed basic math calculations for record keeping?
  • I have at least one (1) year of this experience
  • I have at least two (2) years of this experience
  • I have at least three (3) years of this experience
  • I have at least four (4) or more years of this experience
  • I do not have this experience

17

Which of the following best describes your experience in consulting and/or interviewing to collect data and/or obtain statements?
  • I have at least one (1) year of this experience
  • I have at least two (2) years of this experience
  • I have at least three (3) years of this experience
  • I have at least four (4) years or more of this experience
  • I do not have is experience

18

Which of the following best describes your experience in gathering and organizing documentary and evidence?
  • I have at least one (1) year of this experience
  • I have at least two (2) years of this experience
  • I have at least three (3) years of this experience
  • I have at least four (4) years or more of this experience
  • I do not have this experience

19

Describe your work experience and role providing direct supervision to minors in a working, mentoring or coaching environment. Be specific as to name(s), date(s) of employment, titles/roles, and specific duties performed. If you do not have this experience, please indicate N/A. "See Resume" will be considered an incomplete answer.
20

Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g. H-1B visa status or F1 OPT etc.)?
  • Yes
  • No

21

Are you a current WSLCB employee?
  • Yes
  • No

22

LCB - How did you learn about this job posting?
  • Careers.wa.gov
  • WSLCB website
  • WorkSource
  • Indeed
  • Monster.com
  • Handshake
  • Instagram
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • LinkedIn
  • Referred by a WSLCB employee
  • Veterans related job board
  • Family Member or Friend

23

If you selected "Referred by a WSLCB employee", please list the name(s) of the employee(s). If this does not apply type N/A
Required Question


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