Tobacco Inspector - Human Services Investigator
Forest Area, MN
Full-time
Hybrid
1 month ago
About the role
Working Title: Tobacco Inspector
Job Class: Human Services Investigator
Agency: Human Services Dept
The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
Remote Worker: An employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. The incumbent in this position will conduct inspections on behalf of the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce compliance with all federally mandated tobacco laws and regulations. In addition, this incumbent is responsible for gathering on site data that is used for the purpose of research and enforcement by the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. This incumbent will also conduct inspections on behalf of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to determine the state’s official tobacco retailer violation rate.
This position conducts inspections on a daily basis (forty hours per week) anywhere within the northeast region of the state of Minnesota. The northeast region currently encompasses 15 counties including Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Cook, Isanti, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis. The incumbent of this position is considered a remote worker, which is a term and condition of the appointment. As a remote worker, the incumbent will have their home or an alternative location assigned as their principal work location; will be permanently assigned to their principal work location; and will not be assigned to an agency facility for their principal work location.
The duties and tasks of the incumbent include but are not limited to conducting compliance tobacco check inspections as required by the FDA Center for Tobacco Products and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Tobacco Compliance Inspectors will carry out two types of tobacco compliance check inspection assignments:
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Two (2) years of advanced level work experience in one of the following: compliance checks, investigations, evidence collection or law enforcement.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Law Enforcement/Criminology, Sociology, Psychology or related fields may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience. Preferred Qualifications
Additional Requirements
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Collin Fraizer at [email protected] .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 94423, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at [email protected].
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN [email protected] for assistance.
About Human Services Dept
We Make a Difference: The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts on the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can reach their highest potential.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
Support to help you reach your career goals:
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Job Class: Human Services Investigator
Agency: Human Services Dept
- Job ID: 94423
- Location: Minnesota Northwest Area
- Telework Eligible: Yes (See Remote Worker Definition Listed Below)
- Full/Part Time: Full-Time
- Regular/Temporary: Unlimited
- Who May Apply: Open to all qualified job seekers
- Date Posted: 05/22/2026
- Closing Date: 06/05/2026
- Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit: Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
- Division/Unit: DHS-Central Office / BHDH ADAD Tobacco Retail Insp
- Work Shift/Work Hours: Day Shift / 8:00am to 4:30pm
- Days of Work: Monday - Friday
- Travel Required: Yes, (90% travel for conducting inspections)
- Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly; $63,120 - $92,874 / annually
- Classified Status: Classified
- Bargaining Unit/Union: 214 - MN Assoc of Professional Empl/MAPE
- FLSA Status: Nonexempt
- Designated in Connect 700 Program for Applicants with Disabilities: Yes
The Department of Human Services is unable to provide sponsorship for work visas. Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States at the start of employment. DHS does not participate in E-Verify.
The work you'll do is more than just a job.
At the State of Minnesota, employees play a critical role in developing policies, providing essential services, and working to improve the well-being and quality of life for all Minnesotans. The State of Minnesota is committed to equity and inclusion, and invests in employees by providing benefits, support resources, and training and development opportunities.
- Travel is 90% within the northeast region of the state of Minnesota. The northeast region currently encompasses 15 counties including Aitikin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Cook, Crow Wing, Isanti, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis.
Remote Worker: An employee who, as a condition of their appointment, has their home or alternative location as the assigned work location, works permanently from that location, and does not have an agency permanent/principal work location. The incumbent in this position will conduct inspections on behalf of the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce compliance with all federally mandated tobacco laws and regulations. In addition, this incumbent is responsible for gathering on site data that is used for the purpose of research and enforcement by the FDA Center for Tobacco Products. This incumbent will also conduct inspections on behalf of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) to determine the state’s official tobacco retailer violation rate.
This position conducts inspections on a daily basis (forty hours per week) anywhere within the northeast region of the state of Minnesota. The northeast region currently encompasses 15 counties including Aitkin, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Cook, Isanti, Crow Wing, Itasca, Kanabec, Koochiching, Lake, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis. The incumbent of this position is considered a remote worker, which is a term and condition of the appointment. As a remote worker, the incumbent will have their home or an alternative location assigned as their principal work location; will be permanently assigned to their principal work location; and will not be assigned to an agency facility for their principal work location.
The duties and tasks of the incumbent include but are not limited to conducting compliance tobacco check inspections as required by the FDA Center for Tobacco Products and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Tobacco Compliance Inspectors will carry out two types of tobacco compliance check inspection assignments:
- Undercover buys to determine retailer compliance with age and photo identification requirements and other federal regulations under the Tobacco Control Act 2009.
- Advertising and labeling inspections, which determine retailers’ compliance with the provisions of the Tobacco Control Act 2009 in reference to laws and regulations that have been put in place to protect the health of America’s youth by not selling, marketing, or advertising cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products primarily to underage children and adolescents.
Minimum Qualifications
To facilitate proper crediting, please ensure that your resume clearly describes your experience in the areas listed and indicates the beginning and ending month and year for each job held.
Two (2) years of advanced level work experience in one of the following: compliance checks, investigations, evidence collection or law enforcement.
Experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience conducting inspections or investigations.
- MUST be able to drive into their region within the first 30 minutes of their workday.
- Must have a valid Driver’s License.
Bachelor’s degree or higher in Law Enforcement/Criminology, Sociology, Psychology or related fields may be substituted for one (1) year of work experience. Preferred Qualifications
- Variety of experiences working effectively with others from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Bachelor’s degree or higher in Law Enforcement or Criminology, Sociology, Psychology or related field.
- Experience conducting tobacco or alcohol compliance checks as an inspector or underage purchaser.
- Experience writing detailed reports, conducting investigations, and conducting compliance checks.
- Ability to deal effectively with conflict while conducting tobacco compliance checks and to mitigate conflicts as appropriate.
- Create narrative reports with language sufficient to be upheld in a court of law.
- Working knowledge of state & federal related statutes.
- Ability to work independently and make critical decisions in the field.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to de-escalate hostile situations and mitigate risk to the underage purchasers and public at large.
- Competent at using technology such as the I-Phone, I-Pad, GPS System, laptop computer, printer/ scanner.
Additional Requirements
- Pass a Level 5 Public Trust background check.
- Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) criminal background check will be conducted on all finalists for this position. Finalists must pass the DHS background check.
- Employee reference checks will be conducted on all finalists. This may include a review of documentation related to job performance. It also includes contact with the applicant's former employer(s).
- Eligible to become a commissioned officer of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.
How To Apply
Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. If you have questions about applying for jobs, contact the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected]. For additional information about the application process, go to http://www.mn.gov/careers.
Contact
If you have questions about this position, contact Collin Fraizer at [email protected] .
To receive consideration as a Connect 700 Program applicant, apply online, email the Job ID# 94423, the Working Title and your valid Proof of Eligibility Certificate by the closing date to Dennis Stevenson at [email protected].
If you are an individual with a disability and need an ADA accommodation for an interview, you may contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA Coordinator at 651-431-4945 or DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN [email protected] for assistance.
About Human Services Dept
We Make a Difference: The Minnesota Department of Human Services impacts on the lives of 1.7 million people every year, helping them meet their basic needs so they can reach their highest potential.
Working together to improve the state we love.
What do Minnesota's State employees have in common?
- A sense of purpose in their work
- Connection with their coworkers and communities
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth
Benefits
As an employee, you'll have access to one of the most affordable health insurance plans in Minnesota, along with other benefits to help you and your family be well.
Your benefits may include:
- Paid vacation and sick leave
- 12 paid holidays each year
- Low-cost medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug plans
- Fertility care, including IVF
- Diabetes care
- Dental and orthodontic care for adults and children
- 6 weeks paid leave for parents of newborn or newly adopted children
- Pension plan that provides income when you retire (after working at least three years)
- Employer paid life insurance to provide support for your family in the event of death
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance that can provide income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury
- Tax-free expense accounts for health, dental, and dependent care
- Resources that provide support and promote physical, emotional, social, and financial well-being
Support to help you reach your career goals:
- Training, classes, and professional development
- Tuition reimbursement
- Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. For more information, visit the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov)
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for work/life support:
- A voluntary confidential program that helps employees and their families with life challenges that may impact overall health, personal well-being, or job performance
- Common sources of stress can be addressed through the EAP: mental health, relationship challenges (personal and work), grief and loss, finances, and legal issues
- Daily Living/Convenience Services: Chore services, home repair, trip planning, child/elder care
Programs, resources and benefits eligibility varies based on type of employment, agency, funding availability, union/collective bargaining agreement, location, and length of service with the State of Minnesota.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERS
Minnesota state agencies are equal opportunity, affirmative action, and veteran-friendly employers. State agencies are committed to creating a workforce that reflects the diversity of the state and strongly encourages persons of color and Indigenous communities, members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community, individuals with disabilities, women, and veterans to apply. The varied experiences and perspectives of employees strengthen the work we do together and our ability to best serve Minnesotans.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and disabilities related to pregnancy or childbirth), gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, age, sexual orientation, status regarding public assistance, disability, veteran status or activity in a local Human Rights Commission or any other characteristic protected by law.
Applicants With Disabilities
Minnesota state agencies make reasonable accommodations to their employees and applicants with disabilities. If you have a disability and need assistance in searching or applying for jobs with the State of Minnesota, call the Careers Help Desk at 651-259-3637 or email [email protected] and let us know the support you need.
Skills
Government Administration