Definition

As a senior level specialist, examines applications and documentation submitted for licensing as a liquor reseller or distributor; marijuana producer, processor, or retailer; and/or a gambling facility, manufacturer, distributor and service supplier or for an individual working in a gambling activity. Ensures that established criteria and regulations are met so that licenses and permits are issued to qualified businesses and individuals. Positions are responsible for conducting a review and evaluation of the more complicated licensing applications and providing expertise and guidance on issues encountered by lower level staff. Issues a variety of licenses or permits and/or makes recommendations on issuance of licenses for liquor, gambling, marijuana production, processing, or distribution.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Liquor Licensing
Positions at this level review and approve alcohol operating plans for Sports Entertainment Facilities (SEF) and renewal licenses for Amateur SEFs, including analyzing and assessing floor plans to ensure compliance with liquor laws and policies. Provides technical expertise to staff, license applicants, government officials, attorneys and others and handles the more complicated questions regarding thresholds, denial of license, due process and appeal rights pertaining to liquor licensing. Evaluates non-standard and unusual license applications and accompanying legal documents referred by staff. Evaluates bankruptcy and receivership documents for eligibility and issues Special Permission Letters to court-appointed Trustees and Receivers. Recommends the suspension and/or revocation of existing licenses. Calculates processing fees, processes and authorizes refunds to licensees.

 

Marijuana Licensing
Positions at this level evaluate non-routine marijuana applications such as those involving applicants with a criminal history, suspected ownership issues, corporate structure changes and changes in ownership, more than 30 locations, public protests or locations too close to a school. Ensures that the operating plan includes detailed security provisions, traceability of product, transportation, growing operations, processing procedures, waste disposal and testing, and conducts on-site inspections as necessary. Calculates processing fees, processes and authorizes refunds to licensees.

 

Gambling Licensing
Positions at this level review and approve licenses for Risk Level 1 and 2 commercial business and charitable/nonprofit applicants. Evaluates and makes recommendations for licenses of Risk Level 3 commercial business and charitable/nonprofit applicants. Risk levels are based on profits made, complexity of applications and exposure of risk to the public. Handles the more complicated applications for organizations that are publicly-traded or have multiple levels of ownership. Processes applications with criminal history and conducts annual on-site Class III gaming employee certification/eligibility determination reviews as set forth in the Tribal-State Compacts and/or Memorandums of Understanding. Provides technical expertise to staff, license applicants, government officials, attorneys and others.

Typical Work

Evaluates Bankruptcy and Receivership documents for eligibility and issues Special Permission Letters to court-appointed Trustees and Receivers.

 

Reviews and addresses quality control issues; develops, implements, directs and coordinates workload flow and processes;

 

Monitors and coordinates activities and processes of a licensing program (s); approves or disapproves selected license transactions for issuance of new, renewal and change licenses and recommends approval/denial of other license types; examines non-standard and unusual license applications and accompanying legal documents referred by staff and depending on complexity of the transaction or nature of the issue, completes the process or provides specific or general instructions to assigned staff;

 

Handles the more complicated questions regarding thresholds, denial of license, due process and appeal rights pertaining to liquor, marijuana and/or gambling licensing from representatives, the general public and other agencies; consults with, assists, and provides expertise to staff, license applicants, the public, government officials, attorneys, and others on technical matters involving applicable statutes, regulations, laws, policies and procedures;

 

Provides oral and written qualifications assessment and licensing information to applicants, business professionals, staff and local, state and federal agencies;

 

Provides training and other presentations to agency staff, state agencies and/or the public;

 

Recommends the suspension and/or revocation of existing licenses, changes to laws, rules, procedures, and other projects, transactions, and activities;

 

Performs other duties as required.

Knowledge and Abilities

Knowledge of: departmental programs, licensing policies and procedures; research methods and data collections; corporate laws of the state, real estate transactions, and license certification and recertification procedures; office practices; statistical record keeping; efficient use of resources, principles of communication and counseling.

Ability to: read, understand, interpret and apply complex laws, policies and procedures; recognize, answer and solve complex licensing problems; maintain positive public relations; plan, schedule and coordinate multiple projects.

Legal Requirement(s)

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Desirable Qualifications

One year of experience as a Licensing Specialist. 

                                                                    OR

Two years of lead experience within a regulatory agency. 

                                                                    OR

An Associate of Arts degree involving major study in accounting, finance, business or public administration, criminal justice, or related field.

Class Specification History

New class; adopted August 13, 2015; effective August 14, 2015.