Program Specialist 5

Description

WSLCB Vision 

 Safe communities for Washington State 

Mission 

 Promote public safety, public health and trust through fair administration and enforcement of liquor, tobacco, cannabis and vapor laws 

First review of applications will be June 20th, 2025, please submit an application on or before June 19th, 2025. The hiring authority reserves the right and may exercise the option to make a hiring decision at any time. We encourage all to apply as early as possible. 

*

This position is currently eligible to telework. These positions will be required to work in the office at least 3-4 days per week. This may change based on business needs. 

Who we are 

The mission of the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) is to promote public safety, public health and trust through fair administration, education and enforcement of liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor laws. We search for people who demonstrate a strong work ethic, excellence in customer service, partnering and teamwork, and quality performance.

We want to create a culture that fosters excellence in customer service, open and honest communication, transparency and accountability, data driven decisions, and business-initiated process improvement. 

Our commitment to DEIB

The WSLCB strives to promote Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) in all aspects of our work. This includes a commitment to our workforce and external stakeholders.

It is our mission to build, educate, and inspire an inclusive environment that recognizes, respects, and celebrates diversity in the workplace and in the community we serve. We are committed to maintaining a thriving culture where employees and those we serve feel safe and accepted regardless of education, background, or beliefs. As a WSLCB team member, you will have opportunity to join statewide business resource groups (BRGs) such as, Rainbow Alliance and Inclusion Network, Veteran Employee Resource Group, Latino Leadership Network, Blacks United in Leadership and Diversity, Disability Inclusion Network, Washington Immigrant Network and Hawaiians, Asians, and Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network.

Your opportunity at a glance

The WSLCB Enforcement and Education Division (EED) is announcing an exciting opportunity for a Program Specialist 5 position in Olympia, WA. This position reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Administration (DCA) and is part of the EED’s management team. This position exercises independent judgment regarding a wide range of essential issues, interests, and activities within the organization with statewide impact. This position makes recommendations regarding organizational change, process improvement, and policy development based on the EED business operational plans and functional resources.

The incumbent manages the application of the administrative functions in the EED division and has direct oversight of the Division’s budget, estimating over $52 million per biennium. Additional responsibilities consist of contract and grant proposals, negotiations, procurement, and purchasing in accordance with State statutes; accountable for managing, billing, and completion of all awards, including evaluating contractor performance.

This position oversees the Division’s statewide recruiting and hiring process. Schedules various preliminary employment examinations, such as Psychological, Medical, and Polygraph assessments and serve as the first point of contact for all new hires and coordinates onboarding schedules with new employees.

The incumbent also manages the division vehicle fleet consisting of approximately 150 vehicles, coordinates and issues all officer and office equipment, and is the divisional asset coordinator. 

This position supervises a Customer Service Office Assistant 3 and an Administrative Assistant 2 staff.

If you have an interest in working with internal and external customers and being a Program Specialist 5, we encourage you to apply to be a part of the WSLCB team!

WSLCB provides a modern work environment and excellent benefits including: 

• A comprehensive benefits package (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
• Paid Vacation, Leave, and Holidays
• Tuition Waiver (enrollment in courses at state universities/colleges on a space availability basis - all or a portion of the tuition/fees may be waived for state employees) 
• Tuition reimbursement (courses taken with prior approval in order to further employee’s career development with the WSLCB)
• Training and career development programs (including online courses and LinkedIn Learning) 
• A healthy work/life balance (this may include flexible/alternative work schedules and telework/remote work opportunities, when possible) 
• Employee Assistance Program - confidential program created to promote the health, safety and well-being of public service employees 
• Generous wellness program (we offer reimbursements for certain fitness related activities)
• Onsite exercise facility (for employees working at WSLCB Headquarter Building in Olympia) 
• Infants at Work Program to promote parent and infant bonding, parental well-being and healthy infant development. Depending on your job duties, work location and supervisor approval, eligible employees who are new mothers, fathers or legal guardians can bring their infant (six weeks to six months) when they return to work. 
• Free parking 

Duties

Some of the duties you will perform are:

• Serves as the EED Asset Coordinator to ensure EED Assets are properly tracked, transferred, maintained, and reported.
• This position has delegated authority to take independent action and to conduct highly complex purchasing projects involving unique services and/or technical commodities purchasing, Exercises authority to independently make decisions with a significant fiscal impact.
•  Evaluates supply and equipment usage data; determines stock levels and economic order quantities. Activities include developing specifications for large, complex, or unusual procurement projects. Researches purchase-specific items that involve unique or customized material requirements. Place appropriate paperwork for all divisional purchasing needs with the HQ Supply section.
• Works with the DCA, Contracts Manager, and the Finance division to ensure all grants and interagency agreements are in compliance and ready for signature. Oversees contract tracking of hours worked and ensures all paperwork is submitted, including "Before and After Action Reports", Activity Reports, and Overtime Reports, creates invoices, and ensures payroll matches with reported hours. Ensures that the process complies with the language of the contract. 
• Works closely with the Finance division ensure guidelines are met to secure contracts regarding venues/facilities, guest speakers and trainers.
• Oversees the Public Safety Testing site that shows all applicants interested in becoming an LEO.
• Secures interview panels and works with HR to ensure all required documents are in place before interviews are scheduled. 
• Serves as the lead for the divisions recruitment and hiring process; Schedules interviews, prescreens applicant's files and testing, conducts scoring, compiles applicant files, is the liaison between the background investigators and the hiring authority, meets with applicants for the conditional offer made by the DCA, schedules polygraphs and phycological appointments, arranges for medical evaluations, hearing test appointments, and is the conduit throughout the process between the DC and the applicant. 
•  Communicates an overview of the agency's culture, the division's structure, and the expectations of the role to potential candidates via an in-person meeting to help the candidate understand what an enforcement officer encounters on a day-to-day basis. Schedules onboarding for all enforcement hires and coordinates vehicle and equipment issues/or replacements.
• Maintains recruitment efforts by scheduling Job Fairs and by having oversight of the recruiting team. Ensure staff receive the hiring incentive pay for referring applicants. Creates new strategies for recruiting.
• Supervises the divisions Administrative Assistant 2 (AA2), who handles inventory management, and the Office Assistant 3 to ensure incoming enquiries are met to agency standards.
• Oversees the supervision of the division fleet. Meets with the AA2 on a weekly basis to ensure the divisional vehicle fleet expectations are being met. Reviews the vacant pool car list, coordinates, and forecasts upcoming vehicle replacements and special vehicle needs, such as reasonable accommodations, coordinates with the Deputy Chiefs for vehicle replacement needs, and compiles justification to meet unit needs and the ordering of vehicles.
• Works with the DCA to assess the needs of the division regarding equipment. The position has oversight over all equipment ordering and issuance, 
• Supervises the Office Assistant 3 (OA3), this position serves as the customer service representative for the division statewide. This position receives stakeholder complaints via website, email, and phone. Directs relevant actions to the appropriate staff. Explores solutions for new upcoming items that pertain to general inquires, new laws, project changes, keg book distributions, forms and signage requests.
• Sets performance expectations and provides evaluation of work. Provides coaching and counseling; recommends hiring and disciplinary actions to the DCA.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Eight (8) years of experience in planning, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and this should include at least 1 year of supervisory experience. This should also include, demonstrated experience in budget and contract management; and demonstrated experience with delegated purchasing authority and invoice processes (i.e. purchasing card and supply ordering).

OR

An Associate's degree.

AND 

Six (6) years of experience in planning, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and this should include at least 1 year of supervisory experience. This should also include, demonstrated experience in budget and contract management; and demonstrated experience with delegated purchasing authority and invoice processes (i.e. purchasing card and supply ordering).

OR

A Bachelor's degree.

AND 

Four (4) years of experience in planning, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government and this should include at least 1 year of supervisory experience. This should also include, demonstrated experience in budget and contract management; and demonstrated experience with delegated purchasing authority and invoice processes (i.e. purchasing card and supply ordering).

If you are excited about this role but not sure if your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply. At the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace centered in belonging. You may just be the needed candidate for this or other roles.

Supplemental Information

HOW TO APPLY 

PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOU HAVE SUBMITTED THE REQUIRED MATERIALS TO BE CONSIDERED. 

IMPORTANT: To be considered for this position, you MUST include the following, failure to do so will result in your application being disqualified:

1. Completed online application.
2. Current Resume.
3. Letter of Interest describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
4. Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with email addresses and phone numbers.

**A resume will not substitute for completing the "work experience" section of the application. 

The information provided in your application and supplemental questionnaire must support your selected answers in the supplemental questions. Responses not supported in your application will disqualify you for consideration of employment from this recruitment.

Prior to a new hire, a background check including criminal record history will be conducted. Information from the background check will not necessarily preclude employment but will be considered in determining the applicant's suitability and competence to perform in the position. 

Other 

Applicants for employment with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board should also be aware of RCW 66.08.080, which states in part: "No employee of the board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the manufacture of liquor sold under this title, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of liquor, other than the salary or wages payable to him in respect of his office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with such business.

RCW 69.50.351, no member of the state liquor and cannabis board and no employee of the state liquor and cannabis board shall have any interest, directly or indirectly, in the producing, processing, or sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products, or derive any profit or remuneration from the sale of cannabis, useable cannabis, or cannabis-infused products other than the salary or wages payable to him or her in respect of his or her office or position, and shall receive no gratuity from any person in connection with the business.

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from job seekers with diverse backgrounds. Honoring diversity, equity and inclusion means that as an agency, and as individuals, we are committed to ensuring that all employees enjoy a respectful, safe, and supportive working environment.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination based on sex, race, creed, religion, color, national origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation including gender expression or identity, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability. You are welcome to include your name and gender pronouns in your application, to ensure we address you appropriately throughout the application process.

For questions about this recruitment, or to request reasonable accommodation in the application process, please email [email protected] or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.