Tobacco Enforcement Investigator (Regulation Agent 9-P11)

State of Michigan • Sterling Heights, MI

10d • Remote

About The Position

The Regulation Agent works on the Tobacco Enforcement team in the Discovery and Tax Enforcement Division of the Tax Compliance Bureau. The role evaluates licensees for compliance with the Tobacco Products Tax Act, Master Settlement Agreement, Revenue Act 122 of 1941, and related administrative rules. It analyzes cases involving non-compliant taxpayers to identify possible tax avoidance and evasion, assess the nature and seriousness of offenses, and prepare reports and recommendations for enforcement action.

The position conducts routine on-site visits to facilities seeking ongoing State of Michigan licensure and participates in investigations with entities such as the Michigan State Police and the Attorney General’s Office. Although eligible Michigan residents may work remotely up to five days per week, the position also involves field and occasional on-site work. All work must be performed in Michigan, and remote work arrangements require management approval and may be changed or discontinued. The role requires extensive independent in-state travel, including possible evenings, weekends, and overnight stays. The position has access to Federal Tax Information and requires passing a fingerprint-based background check and maintaining a favorable criminal history.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in any major, or an allowed substitute described in the posting.
• For Regulation Agent 10: one year of professional experience providing regulation and investigative services equivalent to a Regulation Agent 9.
• For Regulation Agent P11: two years of professional experience providing regulation and investigative services equivalent to a Regulation Agent, including one year equivalent to a Regulation Agent 10.
• Professional experience is considered only if acquired after completing a bachelor’s degree.
• Alternatively, qualifying high school education and at least two years of full-time active-duty uniformed service at or above the E-6 level may substitute for the education requirement.
• Alternatively, qualifying investigative or detective experience may substitute for education and experience requirements: two years at the entry level, three years at the intermediate level, four years at the experienced level, or five years at the advanced level. The experience must involve criminal or corporate investigations, such as fraud, embezzlement, or security threats, in law enforcement, the U.S. Armed Services, or a private agency.
• Pass a fingerprint-based background check under IRS Publication 1075 and maintain a favorable criminal history while in a position with access to Federal Tax Information.
• Perform all work in Michigan and meet the travel requirements of the position.
• Applicants must submit a cover letter, detailed resume, and official college transcripts and/or DD214 as applicable; failure to provide required documentation may result in screening out.
• Applicants with foreign credentials must provide an evaluation or conversion to U.S. educational equivalents unless the degree is recognized by CHEA.
• Remote workers must have a secure, private, appropriate workspace and secure, sufficient commercial cable or wireless broadband with minimum speeds of 25 Mbps download and 5 Mbps upload.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate licensees for compliance with the Tobacco Products Tax Act, Master Settlement Agreement, Revenue Act 122 of 1941, and related administrative rules.
• Analyze cases involving non-compliant taxpayers to identify instances of tax avoidance and evasion.
• Determine the nature and seriousness of offenses identified in specific cases.
• Prepare reports and recommendations for necessary enforcement actions.
• Conduct routine on-site field visits to facilities seeking ongoing licensure from the State of Michigan.
• Participate in investigations alongside third-party entities, including the Michigan State Police and the Attorney General’s Office.
• Travel independently within Michigan for work-related duties, including when necessary evenings, weekends, or overnight trips.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level