Compliance and Enforcement Inspector (Southwest)

Virginia Information Technologies Agency•Henrico, Virginia, VA

3d•$73,142 - $84,114

About The Position

The Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (VCCA) is seeking a Compliance and Enforcement Inspector to support its mission by conducting inspections, ensuring regulatory compliance, and promoting safe and responsible industry practices. This position is assigned to the Southwest Region within VCCA’s statewide operating structure and covers designated counties and cities in southwest Virginia. The inspector applies cannabis laws, licensing requirements, and regulatory frameworks; interprets statutes, administrative rules, and agency policies; and identifies violations and compliance risks. The role involves inspecting cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail facilities; reviewing security systems, inventory controls, seed-to-sale tracking, and product safety compliance; and conducting investigations through interviews, evidence collection, surveillance, records review, and analysis of operational data. The inspector documents findings and prepares clear, accurate, and defensible investigative reports. The position requires professional interaction with licensees, community members, and partner agencies, including explaining regulatory requirements and compliance expectations. It also involves assessing risks and violations, recommending appropriate actions, protecting confidential and sensitive information, maintaining impartiality and due process, and managing conflict with composure. The inspector follows workplace safety requirements, reports unsafe conditions and work-related incidents to a supervisor, participates in accident investigations when requested, and performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge of cannabis regulatory frameworks, including licensing, product safety, testing, packaging, labeling, and security requirements.
Knowledge of investigative methods, evidence handling, and administrative enforcement processes.
Knowledge of public health and safety principles related to cannabis production and consumption.
Knowledge of inspection protocols and documentation standards.
Ability to conduct interviews, inspections, and investigations.
Ability to write clear, accurate, and defensible reports.
Ability to perform data analysis and compliance monitoring.
Ability to resolve conflict and de-escalate challenging situations.
Ability to manage time and prioritize cases.
Ability to work independently and as part of a regional enforcement team.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain objectivity.
Ability to communicate complex regulatory requirements clearly and accessibly.
Ability to adapt to evolving laws, technologies, and regulatory priorities.
Ability to build professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Minimum 2–3 years of experience in investigations, inspections, regulatory compliance, law enforcement, or a related field.
A bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Regulatory Affairs, Environmental Health, Business Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience is recommended.
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 a related discipline.
Professional certification such as Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Inspector/Investigator credentials, or 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

Conduct inspections of cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, testing, and retail facilities.
Ensure regulatory compliance and promote safe and responsible industry practices across the assigned region.
Interpret statutes, administrative rules, agency policies, and cannabis regulatory requirements; identify violations and compliance risks.
Conduct interviews, collect and handle evidence, perform surveillance, review records, and analyze operational data.
Evaluate security systems, inventory controls, seed-to-sale tracking, and product safety compliance.
Prepare clear, accurate, and defensible investigative reports and document findings.
Assess risks and the severity of violations and recommend appropriate actions.
Explain regulatory requirements and compliance expectations to licensees and other stakeholders.
Interact professionally with licensees, community members, and partner agencies.
Maintain confidentiality, impartiality, integrity, and due process; manage conflict and remain composed in challenging situations.
Follow workplace safety regulations and applicable standards, processes, and programs.
Report unsafe work conditions and work-related incidents to a supervisor and participate in accident investigations when requested.
Perform other duties as assigned.