Marijuana Licensing Specialist
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.
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.
This position is with the Recreational Marijuana Program which is exclusively authorized to make recreational marijuana available to consumers and licensed businesses through retail marijuana stores. The program also tracks the growing, transporting, processing, and selling of recreational marijuana products.
The location of this position will be based on the successful candidate's location and finalized when the job offer is made. OLCC Regional Offices :
- Bend Regional Office
- Eugene Regional Office
- Medford Regional Office
- Salem Regional Office
- Portland Regional Office (Portland HQ) Please note that the headquarters for the agency will relocate from Milwaukie to Portland, OR by approximately the end of 2026.
What's in it for you :
Rewarding work in a productive and creative environmentColleagues who are passionate about public service and safetyWork / life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, personal days, sick time, vacation accruals, and more!Pension and retirement programsAdvancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of OregonPossible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness ProgramA workplace that fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to maintain a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.About this opportunity :
The location of this position will be based on the successful candidate's location and finalized when the job offer is made. Please note that the headquarters for the agency will relocate from Milwaukie to Portland, OR by approximately the end of 2026.After an initial training period, this position may be eligible for a flexible hybrid work schedule, however weekly in-office work will be required at the OLCC Regional Office closest to the successful candidate. This position is not eligible to be fully remote.This position is not eligible for remote work.This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.Here's what you will do :
The primary purpose of this position is to ensure that qualified applicants receive licenses.
To achieve this, the investigator conducts a background investigation and provides specialized training to the applicant. The investigator uses discretionary judgment to plan the scope and direction of investigations. Investigations include an analysis of the ownership, operation, management of the prospective business, the applicant's operating proposal, an analysis of the applicant's OLCC compliance history and business location (if previously licensed), and a recommendation on granting, restricting, or denying the license. The investigator trains and educates various audiences about statutes, administrative rules, policy and licensing standards used to evaluate applications. Applications are often controversial and sensitive in nature because of widespread critical opinion about such issues as neighborhood impact, drug and alcohol problems, and organized crime. The investigator acts as liaison and mediator to local government bodies, neighborhood groups, law enforcement agencies, and applicants.
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's 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.
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.
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.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 desired attributes 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.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. OLCC will use E-Verify to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States.Helpful links and contact information :
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