LCB Enforcement Lieutenant (2 Positions - Internal Applicants Only)

Full Job Description

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.

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

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Enforcement and Education Division is accepting applications for two permanent LCB Enforcement Lieutenant's. These positions are located in Western, WA and Eastern, WA. The Lieutenant is the first-line supervisor in the Enforcement and Education Division. These positions assign, schedule, evaluate, and conduct performance management of subordinate staff. These positions report directly to the Captains of the Tobacco Tax unit.

As a limited authority law enforcement officer, these positions are involved in enforcing Washington state liquor, tobacco, vapor and cannabis laws, educating licensees, investigating allegations of violations, engaging in arrests of violators, issuing criminal citations and administrative violation notices, investigating complaints from citizens and law enforcement agencies, securing and executing search warrants, and coordinating efforts with other law enforcement agencies.

These positions are required to testify in court and administrative hearings and may participate in vehicle stops and felony arrests.


Special Note: This recruitment may be used to fill the current vacancies and future statewide vacancies within six months following the qualification testing.

Requirements

LCB Enforcement Lieutenant duties will include but are not limited to:

Supervision of LCB Enforcement Officers

• Provides direction, advice, training, and assistance to LCB Enforcement Officers and other staff within the Enforcement and Education Division. Ensures staff follow agency and division policies when performing their duties.
• Approves Officers' schedules to ensure adequate coverage of division responsibilities including special events and activities. Ensures accurate time and attendance weekly reports are submitted.
• Conducts performance management of subordinate staff. Provides expectations and evaluates staff, mentors, trains, counsels, and performs corrective and disciplinary action if needed. Conducts annual inspections on Officers assigned vehicles and equipment.
• Monitors and ensures all Electronic Notebook entries are accurate and completed by all staff per Division policy.
• Investigations of complaints from licensees, other agencies, and the public, regarding officer conduct and behavior.
• Facilitates meetings and develops and initiates plans for licensee enforcement and training.
• Advises on complex cases.

Enforcement of Cannabis, Liquor, and Tobacco

• Acts independently and exercises broad discretionary law enforcement authority in compliance with state laws, state constitution, and the constitution of the United States.
• Inspects tobacco and vapor products, retailers, wholesalers, and distributors. Investigates illegal acquisition of shipments of tobacco or vapor and seizes contraband product.
• Enforces state tobacco tax laws, and secondarily laws and regulations associated with liquor, vapor, and cannabis, using criminal and administrative violation notices to licensees, employees, private citizens and underage violators. Secures and executes search warrants.

Assist staff with conducting investigations associated with contraband cigarette smuggling, tobacco and vapor tax evasion, and inspections of tobacco and vapor licensed locations.

Conducts surveillance operations to investigate, and/or intercept, contraband cigarettes, vapor and other tobacco products entering or being transported within Washington State.

• Assigns staff to conduct random, unannounced inspections of licensed establishments to check for compliance with state laws and provides technical assistance as necessary.
• Reviews and approves written reports from officers.
• Maintains relationships with other law enforcement agencies. Acts as a liaison between the agency and other police departments.

Investigations

• Investigates complaints on liquor, cannabis, tobacco, and vapor violations from private citizens and other police agencies. Follows up with appropriate corrective or enforcement action.
• Writes complete, detailed, and timely arrest and violation reports under penalty of perjury.
• Oversees the evidence and ensures the chain-of-custody for tracking and control is managed correctly.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Four (4) years of experience as a full-time peace officer, governmental criminal investigator or regulatory agent commissioned with powers of arrest that includes successful certification of the Criminal Justice Training Commissioned Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent.

OR

Two (2) or more years of experience as a government criminal investigator or regulatory agency commissioned with powers of arrest that include successful completion of a Basic Law Enforcement Academy or its equivalent.


OR

Two (2) or more years of experience as an LCB Enforcement Officer with the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.

Required Competencies:

The ability to take action to learn and grow

This equity competency identifies people who are curious about themselves and others, who take responsibility for knowing their own strengths and weaknesses, and who use their learning to make government programs and processes more efficient and effective to serve all in Washington.

The ability to take action to meet the needs of others

This equity competency identifies people who are flexible, adaptable, customer-service focused, and willing and able to empathetically respond to the unique needs of the people they work with and serve.

Additional 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.

*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.

Applicants must pass an exam that is scheduled on Thursday, April 2nd, 2026, and Monday April 6th, 2026.
**THERE WILL BE NO MAKEUP EXAMS GIVEN**

After passing the exam the selection process will consist of:

1. Writing skill exercise
2. Interview
3. Review of Resume and Letter of Interest
4. Review of personnel file and supervisory file
5. Consultation with the candidate’s current Captain and/or Supervisor

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 hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1674. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.