Program Specialist 3 (Project - Two Positions)

Salary : $56,880.00 - $76,608.00 Annually
Location : Thurston County - Olympia, WA
Job Type: Project (limited duration)
Remote Employment: Flexible/Hybrid
Job Number: 2025-P4067P1
Department: Liquor and Cannabis Board
Division: Licensing and Regulations
Opening Date: 06/09/2025
Closing Date: 6/23/:59 PM Pacific

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 17th, 2025, please submit an application on or before June 16th, 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.

Please Note: This job announcement is for two project-based positions, with an anticipated project end date of December 31, 2027.
This position is currently eligible to telework. These positions will be required to work in the office at least 2-3 day 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 Licensing and Regulations Division is announcing an exciting opportunity for twoProgram Specialist 3positionsinOlympia, WA. These positions report directly to MAST/RVP Program Manager in the WSLCB's Licensing Division. This position will work closely with a project team focused on modernizing the regulation of alcohol service in public spaces. This position will be responsible for assisting in developing and maintaining policies, procedures, and processes related to special projects regarding liquor licensing, operating plan reviews, and new license and permit types. These positions serve and complement the WSLCB's mission and goals by:

• Manage the administering of statewide licensing programs according to statutes and rules.
• Assessing proposals from local jurisdictions for requests to expand outdoor public alcohol service.
• Gathering, assessing, and providing information to licensees related to expanded public outdoor and indoor alcohol service.

If you have an interest in assessing and analyzing regulations and policies with a focus on process improvement, 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 (including but not limited to Medical/Dental/Vision, Long Term Disability, Life Insurance etc.)
• Paid
• (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)
• - 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:

• Assist the program manager in preparation of complex comprehensive plans, summaries, recommendations, progress and/or special reports.
• Conduct research and analyze data to identify program need and participant eligibility.
• Review joint operating plans to make sure there is compliance with applicable laws, rules and policies while ensuring public safety measures are being met.
• Collaborate with enforcement and local governments (counties, cities, towns, and port districts) related to the review and approval of expanded public indoor and outdoor alcohol service.
• Provide leadership and maintain a working relationship with internal and external stakeholders and associations; explains positions on complex program issues.
• Works with Information Technology as needed to resolve any issues or problems.
• Respond to questions and inquiries by providing regulations and procedures.
• Determine licensee eligibility and qualification for the participation in expanded public alcohol service.
• Provide consultation to applicants and their representatives about the requirements of the program and how to meet program requirements.
• Maintain public website and updates monthly, related to the program.
• Recommend resolution for complex problems and issues related to the program.
• Support the Customer Service team working with special occasion license requests related to the program.

Qualifications
Required Qualifications:
Six (6) years of experience in a related field including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
OR

A Bachelor's degree in a related field.

AND
Two (2) years of experience in a related field including planning, policy analysis, coordination, and consultation with a variety of public and private agencies, organizations, and/or levels of government.
OR

Equivalent education/experience.
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 . click apply for full job details