Recreational Marijuana Inspector (Regulatory Specialist)

Initial Posting Date:

09/05/2025

Application Deadline:

09/15/2025

Agency:

Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission

Salary Range:

$5,320 - $8,141

Position Type:

Employee

Position Title:

Recreational Marijuana Inspector (Regulatory Specialist)

Job Description:

The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC) oversees access to alcohol and cannabis products in Oregon through education, regulation, and distilled spirits distribution. Our aim is to protect public health and safety while supporting responsible businesses and providing funding for local and state agencies.

OLCC is looking to find qualified candidates to join our Milwaukie, OR headquarters office as Recreational Marijuana Inspectors (Regulatory Specialist). 

We are posting this as an internal and external recruitment opportunity. We will review applications and give preference to qualified candidates in the following order:

• Lateral transfer (current OLCC regulatory specialists looking to change jobs)

• Internal Candidates (current OLCC employees wishing to promote or change jobs)

• External candidates (non-OLCC employees)

The agency is comprised of three major operational programs: the Distilled Spirits Program, the Recreational Marijuana Program, and the Public Safety Program. All three programs are supported by the Administration, Financial Services, and Support Services divisions.  Revenue generated from these programs helps support state and local government programs.

These positions are with the Public Safety Program which licenses and regulates businesses in both the marijuana and alcohol industry.  This includes manufacturers, wholesalers, bars, restaurants, grocery, convenience stores and the operation of the recreational marijuana industry in Oregon.

What’s in it for you:

• Rewarding work in a productive and creative environment

• Colleagues who are passionate about public service and safety

• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, personal days, sick time, vacation accruals, and more! Click here to learn about State of Oregon benefits.

• Pension and retirement programs

• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon

• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program

• A workplace that fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to maintain a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

About this opportunity:

• The successful candidates must be at least 21 years of age.

• These positions are Sworn Officer roles and are subject to an extensive law enforcement-style background check. This includes a computerized criminal history check, fingerprinting and CJIS Clearance approval by the Oregon State Police. The presence of criminal history could result in the withdrawal of a job offer or termination of employment.

• These positions require a complete Electronic Statement of Personal History (eSOPH). The finalists will receive instructions from the Human Resource staff on the eSOPH. The eSOPH background requirements are found in Oregon Administrative Rule 259-008-0015.

• The successful candidates must pass a medical and psychological examination.

• Within 18 months of hire, the successful candidates must obtain (and maintain) Basic Regulatory Specialist certification through the Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). Candidates must attend and successfully complete the four-week long OLCC-DPSST Training Academy, held at the training facility in Salem. The candidate will be required to stay at the facility for the entire duration of the training, excluding weekends. The coursework covers mandatory defensive tactics training, which includes highly strenuous activities such as ground fighting techniques, and baton/OC spray/handcuffing techniques. Strenuous physical exertion/activity may occur during field contacts.

• You are required to drive a State of Oregon vehicle. You will need to have a current, valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record at all times throughout employment.

• The Regulatory Specialist positions are in office and in the field positions. With manager approval, these positions may be eligible for occasional hybrid work. The successful candidates must reside within commuting distance of the central workplace.  These positions are not eligible to be fully remote. In alignment with Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) statewide remote work policy, the OLCC reserves the right to modify or discontinue remote or hybrid work arrangements based on business needs or operational requirements.

• These positions are based at our Milwaukie, OR headquarters office. Please note that the headquarters for the agency will relocate from Milwaukie to Portland, OR by approximately the end of 2026.

• These positions are represented by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.

• These positions serve a twelve (12) month trial service period.

Here’s what you will do:

As a Recreational Marijuana Inspector, you will perform site surveys and investigations of recreational marijuana producers (growers), processors, wholesalers, retailers, and laboratories to assess and provide consultation on compliance with state and laws rules that govern marijuana businesses.  Duties include:

• Collecting, analyzing, and interpreting licensee’s business records and other records or technical reports (police and court reports, real estate documents, certifications from other agencies)

• Collecting and recording licensed premises marijuana inventory as needed, and comparing scanned inventory data with recorded inventory in cannabis tracking system application to detect and assess shortages/overages in product quantities

• Documenting site survey and investigation findings in narrative reports

• Determining the validity of complaints of marijuana law violations by talking with complainant, licensee, witnesses (in person and over the phone); observing at the licensed business; and reviewing the compliance history of the business

• Providing licensees with consultative assistance by educating or training on regulatory requirements and developing strategies for achieving compliance with rule and law

• Possibly issuing citations to gain compliance, depending on the nature of the violations, the facilities’ history and past corrective action plans, and other information obtained during site survey or investigation

• Preparing and presenting documents needed for contested case hearing, and testifying on behalf of the Commission at administrative law hearings or in court

Please contact OLCC.HumanResources@olcc.oregon.gov if you would like a copy of the position description.

Here’s what you need to qualify:

Minimum Qualifications:

• Three years of experience conducting investigations of allegations, facts, behaviors, documents, laws, legal precedents and/or other information.   This experience must include preparing written reports using individual judgment in developing conclusions or recommendations that are subject to review in court, administrative hearings or comparable formal review process.

OR

• An associate degree in criminal justice, human or behavioral sciences, business or public administration or other related field AND eighteen months of experience conducting investigations

OR

• A bachelor’s degree in law enforcement, criminal justice, human or behavioral sciences, business or public administration or other related field

OR

• Any relevant combination of education and experience equivalent to three years.

Examples of experience that may qualify are regulatory compliance investigation; criminal investigation; child welfare investigation or eligibility determination; governmental benefit, business or mail fraud investigation; revenue audits; insurance claims or fraud investigation.

The agency will consider all fields of education when determining qualifications and prior to invitation for interview processes

Preferred Skills:

• A high level of conscientiousness and reliability with excellent attention to detail and accuracy

• Ability to create reports and presentations using appropriate computer software

• Ability to make sound, professional, high-quality decisions with significant independent decision-making authority

• Excellent verbal and written communication, both to internal colleagues and external partners

• Ability to read, understand, and apply applicable Federal and State policies, procedures, processes, and/or rules and regulations to apply to program design, implementation, and reporting

• Experience reviewing of data, including identifying reporting errors, and updating reporting numbers and associated documents

Application instructions and information:

• A cover letter is required for this job posting. Please attach it in the “Resume / Cover Letter” section of the application.

• Please ensure that you clearly demonstrate in your application materials that you meet the qualifications listed and that you follow all instructions carefully. Only complete applications received by the posted application deadline date will be considered.

• You may be asked to submit a skills assessment, a writing sample, or a video/phone interview as part of the application screening process.

• Internal candidates currently working for any State of Oregon agency must apply using your employee Workday account. In addition to required attachments, ensure that your profile has your current job history and education. In Workday, click on Menu in the upper left corner, Jobs Hub, Find Jobs. Enter the job number in the search bar, click on the job title and select Apply.

Additional information:

• The use of outside resources such as artificial intelligence (AI) software during applicant skills assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.

• The selection process consists of a review of your application and an evaluation of your education, experience, training, and overall professionalism of your application materials.  Candidates that follow the application directions, submit what is required and provide us with credentials that showcase their skills and how they meet the minimum qualifications and preferred skills will be invited to an interview. Resumes will not replace the completed job history experience in Workday.  We will only review documents that are requested. Because details are very important to us, your application materials will be evaluated for grammar, spelling and punctuation. 

• This recruitment may be used to fill current and future Permanent, Limited Duration, Job Rotation and Temporary vacancies as they occur.

• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered.  The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials.  On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.

• Any offer of employment with OLCC is contingent on acceptable references and background check.  This position requires a background and security check with fingerprinting to work in areas that handle confidential documents. An adverse background and failed security clearance will result in disqualification.

• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section.

• We hire preferred workers!  For more information, please visit our website: Preferred Worker Program.

• OLCC does not offer VISA sponsorships. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet our agency employment eligibility standards. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.

Helpful links and contact information:

Learn more about OLCC

Understanding the State Application Process

Help and Support webpage

For more information you may contact us by e-mail at OLCC.HumanResources@olcc.oregon.gov.

OLCC is fully committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.