Compliance Investigator-I (Colorado Springs) Liquor & Tobacco Enforcement Division

We are driven by our values of service, teamwork, accountability, integrity, and respect. Our vision is to empower businesses and individuals through quality customer service, innovation, and collaboration. We celebrate diversity and support an equitable and inclusive culture.

About the role

This position is located in the Liquor Enforcement Division - Colorado Springs Office and is responsible for administering and enforcing Colorado's tobacco laws in a consistent and common-sense manner. The role serves and protects the Colorado public, fostering a clean, healthy community in compliance with retail sale of tobacco and nicotine products. The position will assist in fostering relationships and joint compliance check operations with local licensing authorities who have an existing tobacco retail licensing and compliance program in place.

This is a remote position primarily conducted via telework/work-from-home arrangements. Occasional travel to a State or alternate location may be required based on business needs. The selected candidate must maintain Colorado residency throughout their employment and comply with all applicable State of Colorado and department remote work policies, procedures, and requirements. Employees are responsible for providing and maintaining a home office or other suitable remote work location as well as Internet and a secure Wi-Fi connection.

Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct investigations and follow-up investigations of alleged tobacco code complaints within the assigned area of responsibility.
• Conduct routine and follow-up inspections of tobacco retail businesses located in the State of Colorado.
• Conduct undercover investigations in tobacco licensed establishments to prevent and discourage sales to underage persons.
• Coordinate tobacco compliance operations with minor operatives, ensuring the safety of the minor operative.
• Interview witnesses, suspects, complainants, and the general public to detect, discover, and obtain additional information or evidence related to the investigation.
• Apply knowledge of the Colorado Tobacco statutes and regulations to investigative efforts.
• Submit comprehensive narrative reports of investigations and compliance activities to recommend cases for administrative action or resolution.
• Determine appropriate action upon conclusion of compliance investigations based on violation category, severity, and penalty ranges outlined in 7-601.
• Testify in criminal and administrative proceedings, as required.
• Submit weekly inspection, compliance statistics, and documented work activities.
• Assist Criminal Investigator with duties surrounding liquor inspections or compliance checks, report writing, or statistical reporting.
• Work with businesses in the industry to encourage compliance, prevent problems and complaints, and provide guidance on regulatory requirements.
• Educate and train local licensing authorities, the general public, licensees, and other law enforcement agencies on statutes and regulations governing the tobacco/nicotine industries.
• Interact daily with law enforcement agencies, local licensing authorities, local and state public health officials, District Attorney Offices, tobacco/nicotine licensees, and the general public to exchange or collect information.
• Present a professional appearance and demeanor when interacting with stakeholders and communicate effectively with various audiences.
• Conduct other duties as assigned by the Appointing Authority or supervisor.

Requirements

• Five (5) years of relevant experience in professional criminal or compliance investigative experience in a regulatory environment.
• A combination of related education and/or relevant experience totaling five (5) years in professional criminal or compliance investigative experience in a regulatory environment may substitute for the experience requirement.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver's license (at the time of application).
• Must be 21 years of age or older for this position.
• Must be able to pass a background check.
• Candidate may be required to pass a Pre-Employment Drug Screen.
• Travel is required as needed.
• Must maintain Colorado residency throughout employment.
• Must undergo a pre-employment evaluation of tax records/accounts to ensure compliance with Colorado Individual Income Tax (CIIT) obligations.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than the required minimum experience in professional investigative and/or compliance experience in a regulatory environment.
• Recent experience with investigations involving compliance reporting or criminal activities, interview techniques, interpreting and applying statutes.
• Experience conducting due diligence investigations in a regulatory environment on companies and/or people to determine suitability for licensure.
• Experience interpreting and applying statutes and regulations.
• Proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite/Google suites.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.

Benefits

• PERA retirement benefits including PERA Defined Benefit Plan, PERA Defined Contribution Plan, plus 401K and 457 plans.
• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance coverage.
• Automatic Short-Term and Optional Long-Term Disability Coverage.
• Life and AD&D Insurance.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) job protection and State of Colorado Paid Family Medical Leave (PFML).
• 11 Paid Holidays Annually and Accrued Annual and Sick Leave.
• Variety of discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program.