Licensing Specialist (Internal Applicants Only)

State of Washington; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision

Paid Vacation

Tuition Reimbursement

Training and career development

Telework/remote work opportunities

Onsite exercise facility

Free parking

Job summary

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is hiring a Licensing Specialist in Olympia, WA. This role supports public safety and advances WSLCB's Social Equity commitments by independently managing liquor licensing investigations with sound judgment and regulatory knowledge.

You will work with applicants, agency partners, and stakeholders to ensure a fair, transparent licensing process, interpreting regulations and guiding on eligibility and documentation.

Qualifications

• Two (2) years of experience analyzing and/or interpreting financial or legal documents, or laws and regulations for licensing, or interviewing and/or research/review duties involving public contact.
• An Associate of Arts degree or above.
• Learn, understand, and explain regulatory statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Maintain effective communications with all levels within the organization.

Responsibilities

• Independently manages an assigned caseload of investigations on liquor license applicants.
• Conducts in-depth interviews to determine eligibility and assess document requirements.
• Requests documentation needed to conduct investigation and ensure eligibility.
• Completes notification to local authority and posting document to applicant.
• Analyzes financial and legal documents to verify True Party of Interest and identify disqualifying factors.
• Researches violation histories of applicants to assess public safety risk.
• Evaluates and approves floor plans for applicable license types.
• Determines if there are disqualifying factors and/or safety concerns affecting eligibility.
• Informs and assists applicants with questions about the licensing process.

Skills

Regulatory statutes understanding

Regulatory policies explanation

Communication effectiveness

Customer focus

Education

Associate of Arts degree or above

Job description

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 INTERNAL ONLY recruitment is open to current WSLCB employees only.

This position is currently eligible to telework. This position is required to work in the office 1-2 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; Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights, and Engaging Indigenous Governance; Interagency Committee of State Employed Women.

Your opportunity at a glance

The WSLCB Licensing and Regulation Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Licensing Specialist position located in Olympia, WA.

In this position you will play an important role in supporting public safety and advancing the WSLCB's commitment to Social Equity. You will independently manage liquor licensing investigations, using sound judgment and critical thinking to evaluate information, determine eligibility, and ensure compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

This position offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with applicants, agency partners, and external stakeholders while helping navigate a fair, transparent, and equitable licensing process.

If you enjoy investigative work, analyzing complex information, interpreting regulations, and working directly with the public, this opportunity may be a great fit for you.

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Independently manages an assigned caseload of investigations on liquor license applicants.
• Conducts in-depth interviews to determine eligibility and assess document requirements.
• Requests documentation needed to conduct investigation and ensure eligibility.
• Completes notification to local authority and posting document to applicant.
• Analyzes written material (financial statements, loan documents, bank statements, leases, purchase and sale agreements, management agreements, closing documents, and numerous other legal documents) to confirm True Party of Interest and rule out illegal funds, hidden ownership or other disqualifying factors.
• Evaluates information received from applicants, the Enforcement Division, and external sources, such as local authorities, other state and/or federal agencies, etc. to determine impact on investigation.
• Researches violation history of applicants to assess public safety risk.
• Evaluates and approves floor plans for applicable license types.
• Approves routine new, in lieu of, added class, change of location and assumption applications.
• Determines if there are disqualifying factors and/or public safety concerns, statutory or regulatory concerns that may result in referral of the file to a Licensing Specialist Senior for processing.
• Research, interpret and apply laws, rules, regulations, policies and procedures as applicable to determine applicant eligibility.
• Receives and resolves problems and complaints from applicants and/or their representatives regarding applications.
• Determines if applicant is eligible for licensure and investigation is routine. Prepares summary report.
• Informing and assisting a variety of applicants and/or citizens with any questions/problems they may have regarding the licensing process.
• Conduct research and or refer emails that are received or sent from many different sources, i.e. management, other agency divisions, applicants/representatives, other outside sources and written responses.
• Working with applicants/current licensees answering questions, helping with problems and referring to optional services and other agencies as necessary.
• Actively participate and attend team, investigator, division, special project and volunteer committee (statewide and interagency).

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.

Option 1:

Two (2) years of experience providing analyzing and/or interpreting financial or legal documents, or laws and regulations for licensing, or interviewing and/or research/review duties involving public contact.

Option 2:

An Associate of Arts degree or above.

Preferred/Desired Qualifications:

• Learn, understand, and explain regulatory statutes, rules, policies and procedures.
• Maintain effective communications with all levels within the organization.
• Maintain and build working relationships characterized by mutual acceptance and cooperation.
• Multi-task and prioritize.
• Experience working with an electronic imaging and workflow management system.
• Proficiency in oral and written communication.

Core Competencies

• PERSONAL ACCOUNTABILITY/INITIATIVE: Takes personal responsibility for the quality and timeliness of work and achieves results with little need for oversight. Makes the best use of available time and resources, prioritizes tasks by importance and deadlines. Does not make excuses for errors or problems; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Arrives to work on time, meets productivity standards and deadlines. Follows established Office Expectations and procedures.
• ADAPTABILITY AND FLEXIBILITY: Adapts to changing business needs, conditions and work responsibilities. Responds positively to change, using new practices to accomplish goals and solve problems. Sees and shows others the benefits of change.
• COMMUNICATION EFFECTIVENESS: Uses effective listening skills and applies effective written and oral communication techniques to convey clear, timely, persuasive messages that positively influence the thoughts and actions of others. Clearly explains laws, regulations, rules, agency policies and procedures.
• CUSTOMER FOCUS: Builds and maintains customer satisfaction. Focuses on customer's business needs rather than own. Goes beyond basic service expectations, seeks ways to improve efficiency, effectiveness and customer satisfaction.
• ATTENTION TO DETAIL: Diligently attends to detail and pursues quality in accomplishing tasks. Performs tasks with care, makes few errors, and checks work to ensure accuracy and completeness. Stays focused on tasks despite distractions and interruptions.
• PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING: Analyzes and evaluates data and documentation to grasp issues, draw conclusions and solve problems.
• STRESS TOLERANCE: Maintains composure in stressful or adverse situations. Handles workload, competing demands, interruptions and distractions with poise. Stays calm and maintains focus, makes rational decisions and continues to perform effectively.
• ETHICS AND INTEGRITY: Earns the trust, respect, and confidence of others through consistent truthfulness, fairness, and professionalism in all interactions. Respects and maintains confidentiality, treats others with courtesy and respect, contributes to a positive work environment by offering solutions and displaying a positive attitude.
• TEAMWORK: Promotes cooperation and commitment within a team to achieve goals and deliverables. Encourages team unity through sharing information or expertise, working together to solve problems and putting team success first. Helps teammates who need support and assistance.
• SAFETY FOCUS: Adheres to all workplace safety standards and practices.
• LEAN Expectation: Have the ability to work in a continuous process improvement environment continually seeking ways to eliminate waste and improve quality.

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.

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

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 accordingly throughout the application process.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [e-mail] or call [phone]. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.