Program Specialist 3 (Project, FDA Inspector)

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. 

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

Required Qualifications:

OR

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.