Environmental Protection Specialist - Health & Safety Specialist

Job Description

The Marijuana Enforcement Division (MED) is a dynamic and innovative regulatory agency tasked with licensing and regulating the commercial Medical and Retail Marijuana industries in Colorado. First formed in 2010 as the Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division, the MED has developed a leading‑edge approach to commercial marijuana regulation and is considered a global regulatory and industry leader. The Division implements legislation, develops regulations, conducts regulatory and criminal investigations, issues business licenses, engages in outreach and education initiatives, and enforces compliance mandates using a range of intervention strategies necessary to maintain a progressive and robust regulatory framework. The MED promotes transparency and innovation by utilizing a collaborative approach to engaging with stakeholders and by proactively and positively pursuing solutions to issues in a fast‑paced professional environment.

Job Duties

• Conduct offsite monitoring and onsite inspections of marijuana businesses to consistently evaluate product and environmental safety concerns, and interpret and assess compliance with applicable Colorado Marijuana Laws and Regulations.
• Monitor those with previous non‑compliance history to ensure the licensees are coming back into and maintaining compliance.
• Support and conduct prioritized investigations into mandatory testing compliance, environmental safety, and product safety‑related cases, leveraging Division tools such as the inventory tracking system and licensing database to inform investigative scope and approach.

• Contribute to developing and implementing a risk‑based process to help the team identify licensees at the highest risk for non‑compliance and public safety issues.
• Leverage available technology and resources to analyze data effectively and identify licensees at greatest risk of product and occupational safety concerns.
• Develop investigative plans and operational plans that incorporate available data to monitor and conduct inspections of licensees to identify potential non‑compliance or other public safety issues.

• Contribute to the development of educational resources and guidance documents for internal and external stakeholders, including Compliance Tips, Industry Bulletins, inventory tracking bulletins, and internal materials designed to assist MED staff and licensees with understanding compliance and operating in a compliant manner.
• Conduct site visits to explain complex rules, evaluate compliance with specific health and safety regulations, and provide information to assist licensees with the implementation of regulations.
• Engage with stakeholders to identify common confusion or challenges with regulations and develop resources to address those concerns to encourage compliance and protect public safety.

• Directly influence management decisions regarding health and safety standards for Regulated Marijuana licensees as a subject matter expert.
• Lead analysis and inspections regarding general sanitary conditions and product safety standards at licensed premises.
• Identify and evaluate hazardous or unsanitary conditions, potential sources of contamination or contaminated product, and unsafe or non‑compliant production environments or practices.
• Conduct inspections into environmental and product safety concerns and make recommendations for appropriate intervention and resolution.
• Consult with team members to provide recommendations and direction regarding ongoing investigations into environmental and product safety concerns.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience interpreting and applying standards, statutes, rules, and regulations.
• Experience working in a highly regulated industry that prioritizes public health and safety.
• Experience investigating product or consumer safety concerns.
• Experience evaluating environmental conditions and regulations in a professional setting.
• Ability to work with a diverse group of stakeholders with competing interests.
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team, and accept supervision.
• Ability to use creative and collaborative approaches to solve complex challenges.
• Proven success organizing and tracking workload.
• Proficiency in Google Suite.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to prepare accurate and concise written reports that may be used in an administrative hearing or other legal proceeding.

Minimum Qualifications

Residency requirement: Only candidates residing in the State of Colorado at the time of application are eligible.

Experience-only: Eight (8) years of relevant experience in environmental science, biology, physical sciences, quality management systems, or environmental, health, and safety.

Education and experience: A combination of related education and relevant experience totaling eight (8) years.

Conditions of Employment

Employees are in a position of public trust and must operate with the highest standards of honesty, integrity, and public confidence.

All personnel must file Colorado Individual Income Tax returns and pay tax obligations, and undergo pre‑employment tax record evaluation and a background investigation and reference check prior to appointment.

Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Compliance

The State of Colorado is committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments and supports equal opportunity hiring based on merit. We encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. The Department commits to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities and other protected status as required by law.