Compliance Investigator I - (Lakewood) Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division

State of Colorado • Denver, CO

1d • Remote

About The Position

The Colorado Department of Revenue’s Liquor Enforcement Division seeks a Compliance Investigator I to administer and enforce Colorado tobacco laws and help protect the public while supporting responsible retail sales of tobacco and nicotine products. The position conducts investigations, inspections, undercover compliance checks, and follow-up activities; prepares investigative reports and recommends appropriate administrative actions or resolutions. It also works with local licensing authorities and other partners on compliance operations.

The investigator provides guidance and education to businesses, licensees, local licensing authorities, law enforcement, public health partners, and the public about applicable laws and regulations. The role regularly communicates with stakeholders and may testify in criminal or administrative proceedings. It also assists Criminal Investigators with liquor inspections, compliance checks, reporting, and statistics.

This is a remote-designated field position, not primarily a work-from-home role. It requires daily travel throughout the Northern Region, occasional travel to other locations, and the ability to report to the Northern Region State Office in Lakewood as needed. The employee must maintain Colorado residency and provide a suitable remote work location, internet access, and secure Wi-Fi. A valid Colorado driver's license, age 21 or older, background screening, and possible pre-employment drug screening are conditions of employment. Travel is required as needed.

Requirements

• Five years of relevant professional criminal or compliance investigative experience in a regulatory environment, including field investigations, inspections, or regulatory activities involving businesses, licensees, or other regulated entities to determine compliance with laws, rules, or regulations; or a combination of related education and five years of such experience.
• Colorado residency at the time of application and throughout employment.
• Valid Colorado driver's license at the time of application; must maintain a valid license and safe driving record if operating a State-owned vehicle.
• Must be at least 21 years old.
• Must pass a background check and reference check; may be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen.
• Must comply with Colorado individual income tax filing and payment obligations and undergo a pre-employment tax-record evaluation.
• Must be able to travel as needed and perform daily fieldwork throughout the assigned Northern Region territory.
• Must provide and maintain a suitable home office or other remote work location, internet access, and secure Wi-Fi.
• Must communicate effectively with varied audiences and maintain a professional appearance and demeanor when interacting with stakeholders.
• Must document qualifying education and experience in detail in the application.

Nice To Haves

• More than the required minimum experience in professional investigative and/or regulatory compliance work.
• Recent experience with investigations involving compliance reporting or criminal activities.
• Experience with interview techniques.
• Experience interpreting and applying statutes and regulations.
• Experience conducting due diligence investigations on companies or people in a regulatory environment to determine suitability for licensure.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite or Google Suites.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations and follow-up investigations of alleged tobacco code complaints in the assigned area.
• Conduct routine and follow-up inspections of tobacco retail businesses in Colorado.
• Conduct undercover investigations in tobacco-licensed establishments to prevent and discourage sales to underage persons.
• Coordinate tobacco compliance operations with minor operatives and ensure their safety.
• Interview witnesses, suspects, complainants, and members of the public to gather information and evidence and identify issues or violations.
• Apply knowledge of Colorado tobacco statutes and regulations to investigative work.
• Prepare comprehensive narrative reports of investigations and compliance activities and recommend cases for administrative action or resolution.
• Determine appropriate action after a compliance investigation, consistent with violation category, severity, and applicable penalty ranges under 7-601.
• Testify in criminal and administrative proceedings as required.
• Submit weekly inspection and compliance statistics and document work activities.
• Assist Criminal Investigators with liquor inspections or compliance checks, report writing, and statistical reporting.
• Work with industry businesses to encourage compliance, prevent problems and complaints, and provide regulatory guidance.
• Educate and train local licensing authorities, the public, licensees, law enforcement agencies, and public health partners on laws and regulations governing tobacco and nicotine industries.
• Coordinate and exchange or collect information with law enforcement agencies, licensing authorities, public health officials, District Attorney Offices, licensees, and the public.
• Advise business owners and operators on correcting problems in their establishments.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Appointing Authority or supervisor.

Benefits

• PERA retirement benefits, including the PERA Defined Benefit Plan and PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401(k) and 457 plans.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage.
• Automatic short-term and optional long-term disability coverage.
• Life and AD&D insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• FMLA job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 paid holidays annually and accrued annual and sick leave.
• Discounts on services and products through the State of Colorado Work-Life Employment Discount Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed