Cannabis Licensing Manager (#WD8 )

$58.09-$77.65 hourly / $10,068.74-$13,459.07 monthly / $120,827.20-$161,512.00 yearly

• Implement the goals, strategies, policies and programmatic framework for the issuing of licenses through the Office of Cannabis Licensing;
• Evaluate the licensing of cannabis business locations and issue/deny/revoke licenses based on program guidelines;
• Review and update application forms for licensees;
• Develop and implement a system on County’s website to communicate the number of licenses issued and notifying the public as to whether applications for licenses are being accepted;
• Create and/or adopt any policies, procedures, rules, regulations, or fees necessary to implement and support the Cannabis Licensing Program;
• Supervise, direct, coordinate and review the work of subordinate managers and staff, including outside professional consultants and contract service providers;
• Work with community members, state, federal, and local departments, develop and promote a strong and compliant environment for cannabis cultivation across the County;
• Work with involved committees and commissions, attend and speak at public events on behalf of the Cannabis Licensing Program;
• Provide written analysis, evaluation and recommendations to the Board of Supervisors and State governing bodies on the status of the Cannabis Licensing Program;
• Identify and implement strategic, short and long-range planning and programmatic framework to achieve Cannabis Licensing Program goals;
• Create an annual action plan and identify continuous improvement recommendations for the overall plan;
• Provide leadership and serve as a subject area expert on cannabis licensing matters, providing technical advice and continuous coordination to other departments;
• Act as liaison to and build strong relationships with County officials and departments and the cannabis community, including non-profits, and businesses, as well as entrepreneurial and civic/community groups to maximize public safety;
• Make presentations to boards, the business community and other groups; facilitate and represent the Cannabis Licensing Program and County at meetings with members of the business community and the general public;
• Develop qualitative and quantitative measures to monitor, ensure, and evaluate Cannabis Licensing Program;
• Perform various public relations activities, which may include development of promotional materials and press releases, guides education and outreach activities;
• Prepare and oversee preparation of project and program budgets and participate in preparation of Cannabis Licensing Program budgets;
• Manage and oversee the administration of the cannabis business tax (County Code Chapter 4.06, et al);
• Provide seamless coordination with enforcement activities including audits, inspections, and/or prosecution;
• Review systems and procedures for security, inventory, and record keeping for the cannabis industry;
• Provide leadership and training activities to staff to meet goals and effectively expand their skill set.

Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of:

• The principles and practices of program administration, business, government regulation and resources;
• The principles of planning, including the general plan, zoning, and design review;
• The functions and relationships between private and public sector groups in the community.

Working knowledge of:

• Laws pertaining to the Santa Cruz County Cannabis Licensing Program;
• State and local policies, laws, rules, and regulations relating to cannabis;
• Office procedures and practices, including preparation of correspondence, reports and filing;
• Record keeping procedures and practices;
• Federal, State and local land-use regulatory agencies;
• California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA);
• Land-use planning principles, practices, and trends at the local level;
• Business development and marketing;
• Taxation.

Some knowledge of:

• Codes and regulations covering rural, residential, and commercial development;
• Financial record keeping;
• The principles and practices of supervision, training, and performance evaluation;
• The principles and practices of conflict resolution;
• Local government organizational structure, functions, and management;
• Uniform building, plumbing, mechanical and electrical codes;
• Bank Secrecy Act.

Ability to:

• Independently apply unbiased judgment through the direction of the Cannabis Licenses ordinances;
• Read, interpret and apply zoning, environmental and building ordinances and related regulations, laws and other ordinances governing land use in an objective, accurate way;
• Negotiate difficult, highly technical and/or complicated transactions;
• Interpret and apply complex cannabis state and local policies, laws, rules, and regulations;
• Analyze problems and identify alternative solutions, project consequences of license actions and implement recommendations in support of goals;
• Stay abreast of medical findings regarding cannabis usage;
• Follow and identify legislation on recreational cannabis usage;
• Work effectively in time-sensitive situations to meet deadlines;
• Understand and follow oral and written instructions;
• Communicate clearly and effectively with the public in stressful situations;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with cannabis business and patient community, the general public, officials, and personnel of other agencies;
• Research regulations, procedures and/or technical reference materials relating to code enforcement;
• Take initiative in carrying out direction and in formulating creative solutions to problems;
• Review, analyze, and interpret data and metrics, set targets for success and monitor progress;
• Gather and evaluate facts and evidence and draw logical conclusions;
• Work well individually and as a member of a professional and technical team;
• Write clear, concise and comprehensive reports, correspondence, technical reports and program plans;
• Make detailed presentations on complex issues to internal and community groups and decision-making committees, commissions and boards;
• Testify in administrative hearings and courts of law;
• Synthesize complex case issues, ordinances and legal requirements relative to cannabis license cases and make recommendations for departmental actions;
• Exercise sound independent judgment and demonstrate initiative and creativity, with minimal supervision;
• Plan, direct, supervise and evaluate the work of assigned staff and contract service providers;
• Evaluate and recommend changes to policies, practices, and procedures;
• Communicate complex material clearly, logically, and concisely, both orally and in writing, including public presentations to large and small audiences.

Training and Experience:

Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

Equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in economics, business, finance, land use, or a closely related field. (A Juris Doctorate or Master’s degree in a related field is highly desirable.)

AND

Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional experience in public administration program development, experience in a municipal or state regulatory environment or a closely related field. A Master’s degree in a related field may be substituted for one (1) year of professional experience and a Juris Doctorate may be substituted for two years of professional experience.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Possession of a valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to provide suitable transportation approved by the appointing authority. EST: 2/16 REV: 6/16 Analyst: CH

Bargaining Unit: 08

EEOC Job Category: 01

Occupational Grouping: 28 Worker's Comp

Code: 8810