Operations Agent I-II (Region 2 and Region 4)

General Description

Performs investigative and enforcement work according to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code. Work involves inspecting, investigating, and regulating the alcoholic beverage industry by enforcing the Code. May provide guidance to others and works under general supervision with moderate latitude for initiative and independent judgment.

Responsibilities

• 30% – Enforcement and Public Safety: Enforces provisions of the Alcoholic Beverage Code, the Texas Penal Code, and other statutes; interprets and provides information on Texas laws, rules, and regulations related to the alcohol industry and public welfare. Ensures public safety at licensed locations, participates in undercover operations or surveillance, inspects premises, and investigates complaints.
• 30% – Independent Investigations: Conducts investigations of criminal and administrative violations on TABC‑licensed premises, searches, seizes illicit alcoholic beverages and contraband, executes arrests, assists other law‑enforcement agencies, and prepares and executes search warrants.
• 20% – Reporting and Case Management: Prepares investigation reports, files administrative and criminal cases for prosecution, and maintains investigative records in secure systems.
• 10% – Prosecution Support: Assists in case prosecution by collecting, documenting, and evaluating evidence, formulating investigative conclusions, and testifying in court or other official proceedings.
• 10% – Licensing and Training: May handle initial processing of license and permit applications, present training or awareness programs, and provide guidance to others.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• Graduation from high school or equivalent (GED).
• One of the following experience/education combinations:
  • Four years full‑time experience as a commissioned peace officer (excluding probation, corrections, or security experience).
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited four‑year college or university.
  • Four years of military service.
  • Any combination of education, military service, and law‑enforcement experience that equals at least four years.
• Must possess a valid Texas driver’s license, if applicable.
• Must hold a Peace Officer license issued by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) as required by Texas Administrative Code Chapter 217, rule 217.7.
• Ability to pass a thorough background check, physical readiness test, written exam, and interview.

Preferred Qualifications

A bachelor’s degree with major coursework in criminal justice, criminology, police science, or a related field is generally preferred.

License / Certifications

• Valid Texas driver’s license (if applicable).
• Peace Officer license issued by TCOLE.
• Additional certifications may be required for specialty areas.
• Current TCOLE‑approved firearms qualification (within the last 12 months).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code, Texas Penal Code, and related statutes.
• Regulatory procedures for the alcoholic beverage industry.
• Investigative and law‑enforcement methods and practices.

Skills

• Conducting oral presentations to groups of various sizes.
• Interviewing and investigative techniques.
• Report writing and testifying.
• Proficient use of computers and applicable software.

Abilities

• Exercise independent judgment regarding reasonable suspicion, probable cause, and appropriate use of force.
• Work under pressure, multitask, and meet critical deadlines.
• Maintain, secure, and protect confidential or sensitive information and evidence.
• Effectively interact with agency personnel, other agencies, and the public in person, by phone, and via electronic media.

Physical Requirements

• Predominantly field work from a police vehicle and inside licensed establishments; occasional office work.
• Ability to move around an office, access filing cabinets, and lift up to 20 lb.
• Repetitive keyboard use at a workstation.
• Ability to meet physical standards including bending, moving, carrying objects up to 80 lb, executing forcible arrests, and operating a motor vehicle for sustained periods.
• Good physical condition; visual acuity not exceeding 20/200 uncorrected or 20/30 corrected; no color blindness.
• Willingness to work a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
• Must pass the Physical Readiness Test (2,000‑meter Concept II rower in ≤ 11 min 50 sec).

Pay

Starting pay is dependent on experience. If you have less than four years of prior full‑time experience as a commissioned peace officer, the annual salary is $65,851 (Salary Schedule C3, Step 1). If you have four or more years of prior full‑time experience, the annual salary is $80,274 (Salary Schedule C3, Step 2). The pay scale includes six step adjustments with salary increases every four years of service.

Schedule

The position may require work in adverse weather conditions and includes a variety of shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays. After an initial probationary period, a situational or hybrid telework schedule may be eligible, provided the employee has a secure, dedicated workspace with reliable internet and can attend meetings via Microsoft Teams or similar platforms during regular business hours.

Travel Requirement

Approximately 50 % travel, primarily for field investigations and enforcement activities.

Application Process

• Testing and interviews tentatively scheduled the week of November 30 – December 4 2026.
• Hire date anticipated for April 1 2027.
• Candidates must pass a Physical Readiness Test, a written law‑enforcement exam (study guide available for purchase), and a pre‑employment background investigation (including credit, criminal, driving record, and comprehensive checks).
• Selected candidates must submit a complete Personal History Statement with required documents (Social Security card, birth certificate, driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, military discharge, college transcript, peace officer certificate, TCOLE firearms qualification, etc.).
• Conditional offers are contingent upon completion of medical and psychological declarations, electronic fingerprinting, and successful background check.
• New agents must complete the TABC New Agent School and Field Training Officer (FTO) Program.