Liquor License Investigator (Licensing Specialist) - Two Positions

State of Oregon•Portland, OR

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

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 based at our Milwaukie, OR headquarters office. Please note that the headquarters for the agency will relocate from Milwaukie to Portland, OR by approximately mid 2027. After an initial training period, this position may be eligible for a flexible hybrid work schedule, however weekly in-office work may be required. This position is represented by the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Employees (AFSCME) union.

Requirements

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.
To be considered for hire, you must be at least 21 years of age.
A criminal history check will be conducted prior to appointment.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Manage an active liquor license, permit, and licensing investigation caseload.
Answer licensing inquiries and provide information to educate members of the public, applicants, licensees, and government officials about OLCC statutes, rules, and processes.
Follow Standard Operating Procedures, User Guides, and other agency resources to ensure work is completed to agency standards in a timely manner.
Interview and communicate with applicants and interpret or explain license eligibility requirements, statutes, rules, policies or procedures
Analyze and evaluate routine and complex business structures, business operating plans, and other business documents to determine ownership or identify potential non-compliance issues.
Evaluate floor plans and blue prints of proposed outlets and analyze their sufficiency to meet OLCC operating requirements and the applicant's operating proposal.
Write clear, complete reports that summarize investigative facts, evaluate and apply statutes, administrative rules and legal case precedent, and explain conclusion and recommendation.
Make independent assessments of whether applicants have a habit of abuse, criminal record or otherwise present a poor risk of compliance using the resources available, including analyzing and interpreting technical reports of other professional disciplines such as medical or alcohol treatment reports, police reports and court documents.
Regular and reliable attendance is an essential function of this position and is required to meet the demands of this job.