Deputy Bureau Chief - Cannabis Inspection

Position Overview

The Illinois Department of Agriculture’s Division of Cannabis Regulation is growing and is seeking qualified candidates to ensure the success of this developing area. The Department is tasked with licensing and regulating adult use cultivation centers, cannabis craft growers, cannabis infusers, cannabis transporters, and Community College Vocational Cannabis Pilot Programs. The Public Service Administrator, opt 1 position will serve as the Deputy Bureau Chief of Cannabis Inspections and will assist the Bureau Chief of Cannabis Inspections in developing and implementing policies and procedures utilized in the administration and enforcement of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705/), the Industrial Hemp Act (505 ILCS 89/), the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act (410 ILCS 130/) the Community College Cannabis Vocational Pilot Program (410 ILCS 705/25-1), and any additional regulatory functions for the Department by preparing, interpreting and translating findings of proposed policy changes and their impact on the Bureau operations into proper form usable by administrative staff. You will also develop, implement, prioritize, and monitor policies and procedures for defining regulatory action to be taken for violations of the Acts or Rules. The Deputy Bureau Chief will develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure that procedures are in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. As well as drafting and reviewing policies, operations, and practices, and conducts complex analysis or research and reports with findings and recommendations to the Bureau Chief of Cannabis Inspections. This position will also review, modify, and implement existing program objectives or develops new program objectives. You may participate in a public relations capacity, speaking before interested groups, civic functions, or other interested parties. In addition, you will respond to sensitive and/or controversial inquiries regarding the administration of the Acts. You will often handle sensitive and confidential information, regarding related licensing acts, rules and regulations requiring action on issues effecting programs and concerns within the section. You will serve as full line supervisor for Cannabis Inspection staff in absence of Bureau Chief. You may occasionally travel to represent the bureau at various internal and external meetings often of a sensitive and confidential nature regarding the Acts and will work with bureau staff to develops SOPs, conduct strategic planning, and general efficiencies. The Administration is committed to creating a fair and equitable adult-use cannabis industry in Illinois. IDOA is helping achieve that goal by providing Illinois residents, specifically those who live in communities that were disproportionately impacted by the failed war on drugs, with multiple entry-points to this new industry. We welcome interested and qualified applicants who can help lead and manage business operations for this growing division.

Essential Functions

• Serves as Deputy to the Bureau Chief of Cannabis Inspections, providing oversight and developing and implementing policies and procedures utilized in the administration and enforcement of the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act (410 ILCS 705/), the Industrial Hemp Act (505 ILCS 89/), the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act (410 ILCS 130/) the Community College Cannabis Vocational Pilot Program (410 ILCS 705/25-1), and any additional regulatory functions for the Department. Prepares interpretations and translates findings of proposed policy changes and their impact on the Bureau operations into proper form usable by administrative staff. Develops, implements, prioritizes, and monitors policies and procedures for defining regulatory action to be taken for violations of the Acts or Rules. Develops and implements policies and procedures to ensure that procedures are in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Drafts or reviews policies, operations, and practices, and conducts complex analysis or research and reports findings and recommendations to the Bureau Chief of Cannabis Inspections.
• Reviews, modifies, and implements existing program objectives or develops new program objectives. Participates in a public relations capacity, speaking before interested groups, civic functions, or other interested parties. Responds to sensitive and/or controversial inquiries regarding the administration of the Acts. Effectively recommends action to be taken regarding licensure issues. Performs substantial outreach and liaison services on behalf of the Bureau.
• Performs duties regarding related licensing acts, rules, and regulations, often of a sensitive and confidential nature, requiring action on issues effecting programs and concerns within the section. Serves as a member of the Division of Cannabis Regulation executive staff in conducting of short-term and long-term agency goals and objectives. Confers with Division of Cannabis Regulation staff and Legal staff as needed, to coordinate and facilitate the free exchange of information pertaining to related Acts and Rules. Coordinates communication between Bureau and Division staff. Develops, drafts, updates legislation, including working agreements and procedures. Leads duties associated with and in partnership with the state Hemp Program.
• Travels to represent the bureau at various internal and external meetings often of a sensitive and confidential nature regarding the Acts. Responds to sensitive and/or controversial inquiries regarding the administration of the Acts. Recommends action to be taken regarding licensure issues to the Bureau Chief. In conjunction with the bureau staff, develops Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), strategic planning, and general efficiencies.
• Performs other duties as required or assigned, which are reasonably with the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires knowledge skill and mental development equivalent to completion of four years of college, preferably with courses in business or public administration.
• Requires prior experience equivalent to three years of progressively responsible administrative experience in a public or business organization.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefers extensive knowledge of state laws, rules, and regulations concerning the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Program Act and the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act.
• Prefers at least three years of direct supervisory experience.
• Prefers experience with public speaking.
• Prefers experience with analyzing administrative problems and adopting an effective course of action.
• Prefers experience with developing and managing a supportive agency program.
• Prefers experience with exercising judgement and discretion in developing, implementing and interpreting polices and procedures.

Conditions of Employment

• Requires completion of a background check and self-disclosure of criminal history.
• Requires ability to travel in the performance of duties, with the ability to occasionally travel statewide. Requires appropriate, valid driver's license.
• Requires the ability to work overtime on occasion.
• Requires ability to attend seminars, conferences, and trainings to stay current on methods, tools, ideologies or other industry related topics relevant to the job duties listed in the job description.
• The conditions of employment listed here are incorporated and related to any of the job duties as listed in the job description.

About the Agency

The Illinois Department of Agriculture (AGR) administers an annual budget of more than $100 million and employs more than 300 people statewide, with several hundred more temporary employees hired during the Illinois State Fair and Du Quoin State Fair.  Separate bureaus administer programs and services directed at conserving the state's land and water resources; protecting the health and welfare of livestock and companion animals; overseeing state and county fairs; regulating seed, feed and fertilizer products; ensuring the financial stability of grain dealers and warehouses; promoting Illinois food and agricultural products; and operating the state's horse racing program.  

AGR values employees with different backgrounds, life experiences, and talents.  

AGR offers a robust benefit package including; 

• Monday-Friday work schedule
• Flexible work schedules in many program areas
• Health, life, vision, and dental insurance
• 12 Weeks paid maternity/paternity leave
• Pension Plan
• Deferred Compensation, and other pre-tax benefit programs
• Employees earn twelve (12) paid sick days annually
• Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days based on years of service
• Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date
• Thirteen - Fourteen (13-14) paid state holidays annually

If this opportunity appeals to you, please apply today!