Job Details

Overview

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.

Recruitment Status

Internal and external recruitment. Applications will be reviewed with preference given in this order: 1) Lateral transfer (current OLCC regulatory specialists seeking a different role), 2) Internal Candidates (current OLCC employees wishing to promote or change jobs), 3) External candidates (non-OLCC employees).

Position Details

• Position Title: Marijuana Licensing Specialist
• Agency: Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission
• Salary Range: $4,833 - $7,402
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Location

• The location will be based on the successful candidate's location and finalized when the job offer is made. OLCC regional offices include Bend, Eugene, Medford, Salem, and Portland (headquarters relocation to Portland, OR by end of 2026).
• After an initial training period, this position may be eligible for a flexible hybrid work schedule; however weekly in-office work is required at the OLCC regional office closest to the successful candidate. This position is not fully remote.
• This position is represented by AFSCME.

What You Will Do

The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that qualified applicants receive licenses. The investigator conducts background investigations and provides specialized training to applicants. You will use discretionary judgment to plan the scope and direction of investigations, analyzing ownership and operation of the prospective business, the applicant's operating proposal, OLCC compliance history, and location (if previously licensed), and you will make recommendations on granting, restricting, or denying licenses. You will train and educate various audiences about statutes, administrative rules, and licensing standards used to evaluate applications. Investigations can be sensitive and controversial, involving neighborhood impact, drug and alcohol concerns, and organized crime. You will act as liaison and mediator to local government bodies, neighborhood groups, law enforcement, and applicants.

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 with individual judgment and conclusions or recommendations that are subject to review in court, administrative hearings, or comparable formal review processes.
• OR an Associate's degree in criminal justice, human or behavioral sciences, business or public administration, or other related field and eighteen months of investigation experience.
• 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 qualifying experience: regulatory compliance investigation; criminal investigation; child welfare investigation or eligibility determination; governmental benefit, business or fraud investigation; revenue audits; insurance claims or fraud investigations.
• Note: To be considered for hire, you must be at least 21 years of age. A criminal history check will be conducted prior to appointment.
• The agency will consider all fields of education when determining qualifications and prior to invitation for interview processes.

Desired Attributes

• Technologically proficient in modern technology and software tools, including use of databases and standard office suite software.
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently.
• Customer service oriented with a focus on high-quality service delivery.
• Coachable and adaptable to feedback and new challenges.
• Ability to verbally de-escalate during interactions with uncooperative or unhappy customers.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.

Application Instructions And Information

• A resume and cover letter are required for this job posting. Please attach both in the Resume / Cover Letter section of the application.
• Ensure that you clearly demonstrate in your application materials that you meet the qualifications listed and follow all instructions carefully. Only complete applications received by the posted 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 screening process.
• Internal candidates currently working for any State of Oregon agency must apply using your employee Workday account. Include your current job history and education in Workday.

Additional Information

• Outside resources such as artificial intelligence (AI) software during applicant skills assessments, examinations, and/or interviews are prohibited unless stated otherwise by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
• The selection process evaluates your application materials for education, experience, training, and professionalism. Candidates who follow instructions and provide credentials that demonstrate they meet the minimum qualifications and desired attributes will be invited to an interview. Resumes will not replace the completed job history in Workday. Details are evaluated for grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
• Per the Pay Equity Law, a pay equity analysis will determine the pay step offered based on experience, education, and certifications documented in the application materials.
• Any offer of employment is contingent on acceptable references and a background check. This position requires a background and security check with fingerprinting; an adverse background or failed clearance will disqualify.
• Eligible veterans receive veterans' preference. See Veterans Resources for more information. If claiming veterans' preference, check your Workday tasks under My Applications.
• OLCC does not offer visa sponsorships. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US DHS I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. OLCC uses E-Verify to confirm work authorization.
• OLCC is committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting qualified candidates without regard to race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Helpful Links and Contact Information

For more information, contact OLCC Human Resources at ...@olcc.oregon.gov.

Application Dates

Initial Posting Date: 08/27/2025

Application Deadline: 09/07/2025