Tobacco Investigator​/Human Services Investigator

Job Overview

Working Title:

Tobacco Investigator

Job Class:
Human Services Investigator

Agency:
Human Services Dept

Location:

Minnesota Southwest Area

The Department of Human Services (DHS) 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.

• Telework Eligible:
  Yes - The incumbent of this position is considered a remote worker, which is a term and condition of the appointment.
• Full/Part Time:
  Part-Time
• Regular/Temporary:
  Unlimited
• Who May Apply:
  Open to all qualified job seekers
• Date Posted: 02/09/2026
• Closing Date: 02/23/2026
• Hiring Agency/Seniority Unit:
  Human Services Dept / MAPE DHS Central Office
• Division/Unit:
  Department of Human Services (DHS) / Office of Inspector General (OIG)-PIO Retail Tobacco Program
• Days of Work:
  Flexible; 20 hours per week
• Travel Required:
  
  Yes, approximately 90%
• Salary Range: $30.23 - $44.48 / hourly
• 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 incumbent will conduct inspections on behalf of the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to enforce compliance with all federally mandated tobacco laws and regulations. They will gather on-site data for the FDA Center for Tobacco Products and 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 performs daily inspections (20 hours per week) throughout the southwest region of Minnesota, covering approximately 22 counties.

Primary tasks include:

• Conducting undercover buys to assess retailer compliance with age and photo identification requirements.
• Performing advertising and labeling inspections to ensure retailers comply with provisions of the Tobacco Control Act 2009.
• Planning, organizing, and conducting inspections or investigations.
• Creating narrative reports that meet court-of-law standards.
• Maintaining a valid driver’s license and using a vehicle for official business.

Two (2) years of professional experience in compliance checks, investigations, evidence collection or law enforcement.

Experience must demonstrate:

• Planning, organizing, and conducting inspections or investigations.
• Creating narrative reports with court‑readiness language.
• Maintaining a valid driver's license.

Bachelor’s degree or higher in Law Enforcement/Criminology, Sociology, Psychology or related field may substitute one (1) year of professional experience.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in relevant field.
• Proficiency with technology such as iPhone, iPad, GPS, laptop computer, printer/scanner.
• Experience conducting tobacco or alcohol compliance checks as an inspector or underage purchaser.
• Ability to handle conflict, de‑escalate hostile situations, and mitigate risk.
• Working knowledge of state and federal statutes.
• Independent, critical‑thinking decision‑making in the field.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Experience working with diverse populations.

Incumbent must possess and maintain a valid driver's license.

Eligible to become a commissioned officer of the United States Department of Health and Human Services.

Complete a background investigation prior to employment, including federal background check, criminal background check, reference check, and fingerprinting (MNJIS/CJIS). Complete CJIS Security Awareness training within three business days from start of employment and obtain/retain CJIS certification annually.

Select “Apply for Job” at the top of this page. For questions, contact the Careers Help Desk at  or email careers.us. Additional application information:
http://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./careers

For position questions, contact Collin Frazier zier.us.

For Connect 700 Program applicants, email the Job #, Working Title, and proof of eligibility to Carolyn Rice e.us by the closing date.

Disability accommodations: contact the Department of Human Services’ ADA…