*Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee - 4023 Selection Cycle

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; Harrisburg (Dauphin County); On-site; USD 47,000 - 57,000; Full time

Job summary

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is seeking qualified applicants for Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee positions across Pennsylvania. Trainees will conduct undercover operations and inspections, with promotion to Liquor Enforcement Officer after training.

Candidates must be 21+, hold a valid driver’s license, and meet basic education requirements. The role includes rotating shifts and eventual PSP vehicle assignment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Valid driver's license required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct investigations through undercover operations and uniformed inspections of liquor establishments.
• Arrest for violations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and related offenses.
• Attend and successfully complete training; perform duties as a Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee and later as a Liquor Enforcement Officer.

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Driver's License

Job description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

Location

Multi-County, PA

Job Number

70501-4023

Pennsylvania State Police

Opening Date

10/01/2026

11/27/2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time (US & Canada)

Job Code

70501

Multiple

Union

The Pennsylvania State Police, Bureau of Liquor Control Enforcement is seeking qualified applicants for Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainee positions located throughout the commonwealth. Liquor Enforcement Officers are responsible for conducting investigations performed through undercover operations and uniformed inspections of licensed or unlicensed liquor establishments throughout the state. They have the power and duty to arrest for violations of the Pennsylvania Liquor Code and specific Crimes Code‑related offenses.

Upon completion of the Training Academy, Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees will be assigned to a BLCE’s District Enforcement Office within the selected region you are applying. When possible, District Enforcement Office placements will be based upon applicant preference, however final assignments will be made based on operational needs. Upon graduation, Liquor Enforcement Officers are also assigned a PSP owned vehicle for travel between their residence and their duty locations (used for official Commonwealth business only).

SCHEDULE/OTHER INFORMATION
Work Hours: TBD 40‑hour work week
Shift: Rotating/irregular shifts, including weekends and holidays

Upon completion of academic training, Liquor Enforcement Officer Trainees will have their pay adjusted from Pay Scale Group 4, Step 4 ($ 47,090 annually - start rate) to Pay Scale Group 4, Step 10 ($53,141 annually - after approx. 16 week training). Upon promotion to Liquor Enforcement Officer, the employee will be placed at Pay Scale Group 6, Step 1 ($56,541 annually - approx. 2 months after graduation, typically during field training period).

Once you submit an application, if you meet all eligibility requirements, you will move on to the written examination portion. You will receive additional information regarding scheduling your written examination at a later date.

***Please carefully review your name and address when applying to ensure it is identical to the form of identification you will present at the testing facility. Discrepancies in identifying information between your submitted application and your form of identification will result in denied admittance to the written examination.

We encourage applicants to sign up for text message notifications when creating their account to apply or update their account preferences to allow text messaging. Text messages sent to you will provide important updates regarding your application status or any actions needed from you during the hiring process.

At the end of the written examination testing period, PSP will review the results and provide candidates with additional information regarding their status. Below are additional processes you will need to complete if you qualify to be further processed.

Polygraph Examination

Background Investigation

LEOT Physical Readiness Tests

Medical Screening

Psychological Screening

Please keep in mind that PSP LEOT selection procedures and timeframes are subject to change at any time based upon the needs of the Department.

DESCRIPTION OF WORK

The Pennsylvania Liquor Enforcement Officer is a trainee position in the field of law enforcement. Upon successful completion of training, LEOTs receive a promotion to Liquor Enforcement Officer. You will be required to attend and successfully pass approximately 16 weeks of training which includes but is not limited to

• Receive classroom instruction in the Liquor and Crimes Codes and Department regulations, procedures, and directives that govern the investigation and enforcement of Commonwealth liquor‑related laws.
• Participate in formal coursework and practical exercises to become skillful and proficient in the use of lethal and non‑lethal weapons.
• Receive training in courtroom procedures, courtroom demeanor, and delivering testimony, and participates in mock trials.
• Participate in physical conditioning exercises.
• Receive training in and participate in recording information and preparing reports and citations regarding investigations and other work‑related activities. Receive training in and participate in collecting, preserving, and handling evidence and documenting evidence chain of custody.
• Upon graduation, LEO's will enter establishments and environments that require exposure to alcohol. This involves consuming or feigning consumption of alcoholic and/or non‑alcoholic beverages while performing official duties. Participate in undercover duties to include observing activities and identifying violations of the liquor code. Participate in open uniformed duties to include performing Liquor Code inspections of establishments and managers, discussing complaints with and offer guidance to licensees, issuing citations, and discussing violations.
• Participate in raids. Participate in minor patrol assignments to apprehend, prosecute and confiscate liquor and/or malt or brewed beverages purchased, possessed, and transported by minors in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
• Arrest/prosecute violators for Liquor Law violations.
• While at the academy there will be limited phone contact with family. LEOTs are permitted to go home weekly unless they are required to stay for a specific assignment.
• LEOTs are permitted to provide three preferences for District Office assignment prior to graduation, but there is no guarantee the preferences will be honored. Ultimately, assignments are based on the needs of the Bureau; therefore, trainees may be assigned to any District Enforcement Office (DEO) within the Commonwealth.
• Shifts will be irregular/rotating, including working weekends and holidays.
• Upon graduation from the PSP training facility, LEOTs will be assigned a PSP owned vehicle for travel between their residences and duty locations. Assigned vehicles shall be operated only for the conduct of Commonwealth business.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING & ELIGIBILITY

Minimum Experience and Training: Graduation from a high school or an accredited G.E.D. certification.

Necessary Special Requirement: Possession of a valid driver's license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Must be at least 21 years of age.

EXAMINATION INFORMATION

All applicants must apply through NEOGOV.

***Please carefully review your name and address when applying to ensure it is identical to the form of identification you will present at the testing facility. Discrepancies in identifying information between your submitted application and your form of identification will result in denied admittance to the written examination.

You will receive all communication regarding this position via email. Please check your email, including spam folders, for these notices. You may also view notices sent to you by signing into your account on NEOGOV and viewing your profile inbox.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce. The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania. The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law. All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.