Captain (WMS Band 2 – Internal Applicants Only)

Description

This recruitment will close on February 9th, 2026. Please submit an application on or before February 8th, 2026. 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. 

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, Hawaiians, Asians, Pacific Islanders Promoting an Empowerment Network, Supporting our Voices, Empowering Rights, and Engaging Indigenous Governance and Interagency Committee of State Employed Women.

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 

 
Your opportunity at a glance:

The Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board (WSLCB) Enforcement and Education Division is accepting applications for a permanent Captain (WMS Band 2). This position is within the Tobacco Tax and Vapor Enforcement Unit. 

As Captain of the Tobacco Tax and Vapor Enforcement Unit, you will oversee a specialized enforcement program responsible for preventing contraband trafficking, combating tax evasion, and ensuring lawful distribution of tobacco and vapor products across the state. This position leads and develops enforcement staff, manages multiple field offices, and collaborates with partner agencies on complex investigations. As a limited-commission law enforcement officer, you will guide operational strategy, oversee budgets and personnel, and represent the Liquor and Cannabis Board in public hearings, legislative settings, and court proceedings. This is a mission-driven leadership opportunity for an experienced enforcement professional committed to safeguarding public health, supporting fair commerce, and upholding state law.

Lead a statewide mission that protects public safety, combats illicit trade, and shapes the future of tobacco and vapor enforcement. Your impact starts here, and we encourage you to apply!

Duties

Responsibilities include, but not limited to the following:

• Lead, plan, organize, and oversee organizational operations to ensure effective and efficient performance.
• Optimize use of agency resources and enhance employee effectiveness through coaching, mentoring, performance evaluations, and professional development.
• Promote clear, consistent communication across the organization and uphold high standards of ethical, professional, and inclusive conduct.
• Serve as a middle manager providing direction, guidance, and support to administrative staff and first-line supervisors.
• Review supervisory work to ensure adequate coverage of divisional responsibilities and adherence to agency policies and procedures.
• Coach, counsel, and, when necessary, initiate disciplinary actions for employees; investigate citizen complaints related to staff conduct.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations and recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and work methods.
• Lead and manage program officers, ensuring efficient use of resources and consistent statewide communication.
• Establish statewide goals aligned with divisional and agency strategic priorities.
• Manage and administer headquarters office operations.
• Oversee statewide tobacco law enforcement services in alignment with agency policies and enforcement philosophy.
• Represent the agency in meetings with citizens, elected officials, tribal governments, licensees, media, and other stakeholders at local, state, and federal levels.
• Participate as a member of the division management team, contributing to statewide policy development, decision-making, and performance reporting.
• Ensure consistent application of policies and procedures across the state and collaborate with other captains on standardization efforts.
• Lead process improvement initiatives using Lean principles and structured problem-solving methods.
• Analyze program activities and evaluate employee performance, productivity, and the effectiveness of statewide tobacco tax and vapor enforcement efforts.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government officials, community leaders, and the public to support agency objectives.
• Attend departmental, inter-departmental, and inter-governmental meetings and participate in management policy discussions.
• Supervise, motivate, train, mentor, schedule, and evaluate staff; resolve interpersonal conflicts and investigate internal complaints.
• Perform administrative duties, attend or deliver training, and maintain communication with law enforcement partners statewide.
• Provide oversight of ATF/LCB Lieutenant activities and manage asset-sharing programs.
• Coordinate participation in joint federal-state and multi-state task forces and manage related asset-sharing funds.
• Interview and recommend candidates for enforcement, support, supervisory, and managerial positions.
• Complete special assignments for division leadership and support other agency divisions as needed.
• Exercise law enforcement authority in accordance with state and federal laws and constitutional requirements.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

Seven years (7) of combined relevant professional experience as an active commissioned law enforcement and education in business administration, public administration, criminal justice, police science, or a closely related field 

OR

5 years as an LCB Enforcement Lieutenant 

Education to experience equivalency:

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

1. Completed on-line application which includes current phone numbers and valid email addresses. You can create and application profile on www.careers.wa.gov by clicking on the "Apply Now" button on top of this page.
2. Letter of interest, describing how you meet the specific qualifications for the position.
3. Resume, detailing experience and education as it relates to the position.
4. Three professional references to include a current or recent supervisor with current contact numbers and email addresses.

**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.

Please Note: The use of Generative AI (like chat GPT) is not allowed on the application.

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 hrjobs@lcb.wa.gov or call (360) 664.1720. For TTY service, please call the Washington Relay Service at 7-1-1 or 1-800-833-6384.