Liquor License Investigator (Licensing Specialist) - Two Positions

Initial Posting Date

06/24/2026

Application Deadline

07/06/2026

Agency

Oregon Liquor & Cannabis Commission

Salary Range

$4,954 - $7,587

Position Type

Employee

Position Title

Liquor License Investigator (Licensing Specialist) - Two Positions

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.

What’s In It For You

• Rewarding work in a productive and creative environment
• Colleagues who are passionate about public service and safety
• Work/life balance, 11 paid holidays a year, personal days, sick time, vacation accruals, and more! Click here to learn about State of Oregon benefits.
• Pension and retirement programs
• Advancement and learning opportunities that will help grow your career with the State of Oregon
• Possible eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• A workplace that fosters fairness, equity, and inclusion to maintain a workplace environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.

About This Opportunity

• 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.

Here’s What You Will Do

• 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.

Please contact ***email_hidden*** if you would like a copy of the position description.

Minimum Qualifications

Here’s what you need to qualify:

• 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.
• Examples of experience that may qualify are regulatory compliance investigation; criminal investigation; child welfare investigation or eligibility determination; governmental benefit, business or mail fraud investigation; revenue audits; insurance claims or fraud investigation.
• The agency will consider all fields of education when determining qualifications and prior to invitation for interview processes.
• NOTE: To be considered for hire, you must be at least 21 years of age. A criminal history check will be conducted prior to appointment.

Preferred Skills

• 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.

Application Instructions And Information

• A resume and cover letter are required for this job posting. Please attach both in the “Resume / Cover Letter” section of the application.
• Please ensure that you clearly demonstrate in your application materials that you meet the qualifications listed and that you follow all instructions carefully. Only complete applications addressed to the OLCC and received by the posted application deadline date will be considered.
• You may be asked to submit a skills assessment, a writing sample, or a video/phone interview as part of the application screening process.
• Internal candidates currently working for any State of Oregon agency must apply using your employee Workday account. In addition to required attachments, ensure that your profile has your current job history and education. In Workday, click on Menu in the upper left corner, Jobs Hub, Find Jobs. Enter the job number in the search bar, click on the job title and select Apply.

Additional Information

• The use of outside resources such as artificial intelligence (AI) software during applicant skills assessments, examinations, and/or interviews is prohibited unless otherwise stated by the hiring agency. Unauthorized use of outside resources during the hiring process will result in disqualification.
• The selection process consists of a review of your application and an evaluation of your education, experience, training, and overall professionalism of your application materials. Candidates that follow the application directions, submit what is required and provide us with credentials that showcase their skills and how they meet the minimum qualifications and preferred skills will be invited to an interview. Resumes will not replace the completed job history experience in Workday. We will only review documents that are requested. Because details are very important to us, your application materials will be evaluated for grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• This recruitment may be used to fill current and future Permanent, Limited Duration, Job Rotation and Temporary vacancies as they occur.
• Per the Pay Equity Law passed in 2017, a pay equity analysis will be conducted to determine what pay step the successful candidate will be offered. The analysis will be based on the relevant experience, education, training, and certifications documented in the application materials. On average, candidates new to state service will most likely be offered compensation in the lower to mid-level of the salary range.
• Any offer of employment with OLCC is contingent on acceptable references and background check. This position requires a background and security check with fingerprinting to work in areas that handle confidential documents. An adverse background and failed security clearance will result in disqualification.
• Eligible veterans who meet the qualifications will be given veterans' preference. For further information, please see the following website: Veterans Resources. NOTE: If claiming veterans’ preference please be sure to check your Workday account for pending tasks or actions under your “My Applications” section.
• We hire preferred workers! For more information, please visit our website: Preferred Worker Program.
• OLCC does not offer VISA sponsorships. If your employment authorization and documentation is contingent on sponsorship now or in the future, you will not meet our agency employment eligibility standards. Within three days of hire, you will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Security's I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States.

Helpful Links And Contact Information

Learn more about OLCC

Understanding the State Application Process

Help and Support webpage

For more information you may contact us by e-mail at ***email_hidden***.

OLCC is fully committed to attracting, retaining, developing, and promoting the most qualified candidates without regard to their race, gender, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, or veteran status.