ABC SPECIAL AGENT 1* - 10052026-81695

State of Tennessee; Memphis (TN); Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

State of Tennessee is seeking an entry-level Special Agent with duties in criminal investigations for the Alcoholic Beverage Commission in Memphis. This role blends in-office and remote work, subject to background checks and security clearances.

You will learn investigations, prepare reports, gather evidence, and testify in court, with opportunities for advancement after probation.

Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Substitution: qualifying full-time law enforcement officer experience may substitute for education.
• Be at least 21 years old; US citizen or permanent resident with citizenship plan.
• Possess a valid driver's license and be willing to obtain a security clearance.
• Must pass drug, physical, and psychological evaluations.
• P.O.S.T. certified or certifiable within first year.

Responsibilities

• Learn to conduct criminal investigations relating to alcohol and Hemp-derived products on licensed premises.
• Gather information and evidence, interview witnesses, observe activity.
• Prepare affidavits for search warrants, subpoenas, and warrants; testify in court.
• Prepare narrative investigation reports and maintain data in LERMS.
• Apprehend suspects and use force per agency policy as required.
• Collaborate with other agencies to assist investigations.
• Carry out regulatory duties including renewal inspections and TRACE investigations.

Education

Bachelor's degree

Experience substituted for Education (year-for-year)

Job description

State of Tennessee Job Information

Opening Date/Time 10/05/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Job Information

Opening Date/Time 10/05/2026 12:00AM Central Time

Closing Date/Time 10/18/2026 11:59PM Central Time

Salary (Monthly) $4,608.00

Salary (Annually) $55,296.00

Job Type Full-Time

City, State Location Memphis, TN

Department Alcoholic Beverage Commission

LOCATION OF (1) POSITION(S) TO BE FILLED: TENNESSEE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE COMMISSION, SHELBY COUNTY

This position is designed as Hybrid (In office and Remote).

This position requires a criminal background check. Therefore, you may be required to provide information about your criminal history in order to be considered for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience: Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree.

Substitution of Experience for Education: Qualifying full-time experience as a commissioned law enforcement officer may substitute for the required education on a year-for-year basis, to a maximum of four (4) years.

NSQs

• Be willing to and able to qualify with, carry, and use assigned weapons; nor shall the applicant be prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm per 18 USC 922(g) or any other state or federal law.
• Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age on the date of application.
• Must be a citizen of the United States, or a permanent legal resident of the United States, provided that the applicant applies for or obtains United States citizenship within six (6) years of the employment start date with ABC.
• Possess a valid motor vehicle operator's license.
• Upon appointment, be willing to and able to obtain a Security Clearance if needed.
• Supply a fingerprint sample in a manner prescribed by the TBI for a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
• Complete a criminal history and background disclosure form in a manner approved by the appointing authority and agree to release all records involving any criminal history or necessary records to the appointing authority.
• Be subject to an intense background investigation in a manner prescribed by the appointing authority, which includes but is not limited to a check of State and Federal criminal records, driving history, social media accounts, credit check, education, military, previous employment, drug use, and reference verification, which may require some travel to complete.
• A candidate must not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendre to any violation of any federal or state law or city ordinance considered a felony, or a misdemeanor based on integrity (to include, but not limited to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, DUI, or controlled substances). This includes a sufficient number of misdemeanors, of any nature, to establish a pattern of disregard for the law. Violations considered "youthful indiscretions" or experimentation (domestic-related offenses excluded) may be considered on a case-by-case basis by the appointing authority.
• Have no conviction for a felony or have been discharged under any other than honorable conditions from any branch of the United States armed forces.
• Must participate in preemployment, random, and for-cause drug and substance abuse testing as required by departmental policies and procedures.
• Pass a physical examination administered by a licensed physician that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Pass a psychological evaluation administered by a licensed mental health professional that is consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act and that relates to the essential functions of the position.
• Be a Tennessee P.O.S.T. certified, or certifiable, law enforcement officer; or become P.O.S.T. certified within the first year of employment.

Overview

Under the general guidance of a supervisor, learns to conduct criminal investigations, prepare written reports and case files, collect evidence, and provide testimony in court proceedings. In addition to a range of criminal investigative duties, an employee in this classification may also conduct compliance duties as needed. This is an entry-level classification in a series that includes second and third levels with increasing responsibilities and complexities.

• An applicant appointed to this flex class will be promoted to the next higher class in the series after completion of a mandatory one (1) year probationary period and when all requirements of the Special Agent 2 are met. 'Unacceptable' or 'needs improvement' performance ratings during the probationary period will result in automatic demotion or termination.

Responsibilities

• In compliance with ABC policy and standard operating procedure, learn to conduct criminal investigations relating to the unlawful and/or unlicensed manufacture, sale, and distribution of alcoholic beverages and Hemp-derived Cannabinoid products, and certain TCA Title 39 criminal violations occurring on the premises of an ABC licensee or resulting from an investigation involving a licensee.
• Learn to gather information and evidence to support criminal investigations including, but not limited to, conducting interviews; observing and analyzing criminal activity and data; conducting forensic examination of records; conducting undercover physical and/or electronic surveillance of criminal activity; gathering and/or analyzing evidence.
• Learn to prepare affidavits to obtain and execute various types of legal processes including, but not limited to search warrants, subpoenas, and arrest warrants, and testify in court to offer evidence in support of criminal prosecutions.
• Learn to prepare comprehensive narrative reports of investigation including investigative documentation and supporting evidence of findings and/or regulatory violations. Maintain up-to-date data on the outcome of investigations utilizing a computer-based Law Enforcement Records Management System (LERMS). Complete report within specified time period per TN Incident Based Records System (TIBRS) and within compliant format and with no more than a 4% failure rate.
• Apprehend, pursue, and/or subdue criminal suspects; protect self and others by use of force necessary to accomplish this up to and including deadly force in compliance with agency policy and procedure and state law.
• Participate in and maintain qualifications in compliance with physical training activities including, but not limited to firearms qualifications, safe weapon handling, less than lethal weapons, defensive tactics, and emergency and non-emergency vehicle operation (in compliance with annual and/or semi-annual requirements).
• Perform strenuous physical activity to support criminal investigations. Confiscate property identified in illegal operations; secure a location; conduct physical searches of suspects and informants; and place surveillance equipment on individuals or within objects.
• Exhibit good judgment in critical situations in decision-making in a high-pressure or high-risk environment to determine an appropriate course of action. Maintain confidentiality and discretion to preserve the integrity of criminal investigations and other work-related activities.
• Collaborate with supervisors, peers, and other law enforcement agencies (local police departments, sheriff's departments, TBI, THP, TWRA, and federal law enforcement agencies) to provide leadership and/or assist in criminal investigations and investigative support activities.
• Learn to conduct regulatory duties to ensure compliance by ABC licensees including renewal inspections, routine inspections, financial investigations, and investigation of complaints; conduct sting operations of minor compliance operations and business checks to prevent underage alcohol and Hemp-derived Cannabinoid product sales; conduct Targeted Responsibility for Alcohol Connected Emergencies (TRACE) investigations to determine if persons were over served alcohol. Investigate fatal crashes or serious bodily injury accidents of suspects who may have been over served. Ensure premises compliance with the Dallas Law.
• Carry out administrative responsibilities as assigned. Stay up to date on agency, state, and federal policies, procedures, statutes, and guidelines.
• Ensure compliance with federal law and conduct Citizenship Verifications through Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements to receive a server permit if not a US citizen. Conduct Agent investigative reviews including background investigations (verify money sources they are investing in a business, verify ownerships, review applications, ensure compliance with licensing requirements.

Competencies (KSA's)

Competencies

• Trust
• Demonstrates Self-Awareness
• Being Resilient
• Ensures Accountability
• Persuades

Knowledge

• Administration and Management
• Information Technology
• Law and Government
• Production and Processing
• Transportation

Skills

• Active Listening and Learning
• Writing
• Complex Problem Solving
• Equipment Operation
• Judgment and Decision Making

Abilities

• Multilimb Coordination
• Multilimb Strength
• Perceptual Speed
• Reaction Time
• Selective Attention

Tools & Equipment

• Firearms and Other Weapons
• Computers
• Communication Devices (e.g. mobile telephone, 2-way radios)
• Personal Protective Equipment (e.g. body armor, gloves, masks)
• Photographic and Video Equipment