Compliance and Enforcement Inspector

Virginia Information Technologies Agency

13d•$71,885 - $82,668

About The Position

The Inspector is responsible for conducting regulatory investigations, inspections, and compliance reviews of licensed and unlicensed cannabis operations within the assigned region. The role ensures adherence to cannabis laws, regulations, and agency policies by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, documenting findings, and supporting enforcement actions. The Inspector plays a critical role in protecting public health and safety, preventing diversion, and ensuring the integrity of the legal cannabis market. Regulatory Compliance & Interpretation • Understanding of cannabis laws, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks. • Ability to interpret statutes, administrative rules, and agency policies. • Skill in identifying violations and assessing compliance risks. Investigative Techniques • Competency in conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and documenting findings. • Ability to perform surveillance, review records, and analyze operational data. • Skill in preparing clear, defensible investigative reports. Inspection & Monitoring • Ability to conduct inspections of cannabis facilities, including cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail. • Competency in evaluating security systems, inventory controls, seed to sale tracking, and product safety compliance. Communication & Stakeholder Interaction • Strong written and verbal communication skills. • Ability to interact professionally with licensees, community members, and partner agencies. • Skill in explaining regulatory requirements and compliance expectations. Analytical & Critical Thinking • Ability to analyze complex information and identify patterns or discrepancies. • Skill in assessing risk, determining severity of violations, and recommending appropriate actions. Professionalism & Ethical Conduct • Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information. • Strong integrity, impartiality, and adherence to due process. • Ability to manage conflict and maintain composure in challenging situations.

Requirements

Cannabis regulatory frameworks, including licensing, product safety, testing, packaging, labeling, and security requirements.
Investigative methods, evidence handling, and administrative enforcement processes.
Public health and safety principles related to cannabis production and consumption.
Inspection protocols and documentation standards.
Conducting interviews, inspections, and investigations.
Writing clear, accurate, and defensible reports.
Data analysis and compliance monitoring.
Conflict resolution and de escalation.
Time management and case prioritization.
Work independently and as part of a regional enforcement team.
Exercise sound judgment and maintain objectivity.
Communicate complex regulatory requirements in a clear, accessible manner.
Adapt to evolving laws, technologies, and regulatory priorities.
Build professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Health, Business Administration, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Minimum 2–3 years of experience in investigations, inspections, regulatory compliance, law enforcement, or a related field.
Experience preparing investigative reports and handling evidence.
Experience working in a regulated industry or government agency.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Public Policy, Law, Regulatory Compliance, or related discipline.
Professional certifications such as: o Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) o Certified Inspector/Investigator credentials o Compliance or regulatory certifications
Experience in cannabis regulation, enforcement, or compliance.
Experience with seed to sale tracking systems or cannabis inventory management.
Experience conducting administrative or criminal investigations.
Experience in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, food safety, or other highly regulated sectors.

Responsibilities

Conducting regulatory investigations
Conducting inspections
Conducting compliance reviews of licensed and unlicensed cannabis operations
Ensuring adherence to cannabis laws, regulations, and agency policies
Gathering evidence
Interviewing witnesses
Documenting findings
Supporting enforcement actions
Protecting public health and safety
Preventing diversion
Ensuring the integrity of the legal cannabis market
Understanding of cannabis laws, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks
Ability to interpret statutes, administrative rules, and agency policies
Skill in identifying violations and assessing compliance risks
Competency in conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and documenting findings
Ability to perform surveillance, review records, and analyze operational data
Skill in preparing clear, defensible investigative reports
Ability to conduct inspections of cannabis facilities, including cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail
Competency in evaluating security systems, inventory controls, seed to sale tracking, and product safety compliance
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Ability to interact professionally with licensees, community members, and partner agencies
Skill in explaining regulatory requirements and compliance expectations
Ability to analyze complex information and identify patterns or discrepancies
Skill in assessing risk, determining severity of violations, and recommending appropriate actions
Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
Strong integrity, impartiality, and adherence to due process
Ability to manage conflict and maintain composure in challenging situations