Term: Permanent, Full-Time

Division/Branch: Operations Division / Licensing and Registration Branch

Application Deadline: October 1, 2025

Pay Level: 8

Pay Range: $77,234 to $90,867

Work Location: Head Office, Toronto, ON; Hybrid

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an agency where innovation thrives, ideas flourish, and passion drives us to new heights of excellence. Reporting to the Ministry of the Attorney General, the AGCO is responsible for regulating Ontario’s vibrant alcohol, gaming, horse racing, and private retail cannabis sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest. Come join our growing team!

The Licensing and Registration Branch has an exciting opportunity as a Senior Eligibility Officer (Cannabis Eligibility) to oversee all procedural steps leading to the issuance of licences, permits, and authorizations related to Liquor, Gaming, Lottery, and Cannabis licensing. This will require an accurate analysis of applications issued under the existing regulations including the Criminal Code of Canada, Order in Council, Liquor Licence and Control Act 2019, Gaming Control Act, Cannabis Licence Act, and the regulatory authority for issuing lottery licenses and Registrar’s standards.

Reporting to the Manager, Cannabis Eligibility, the Senior Eligibility Officer (Cannabis Eligibility) provides expert guidance on complex applications and high-level regulatory matters. The role includes assessing and investigating applications, supporting policy and procedure development, mentoring Eligibility Officers, preparing Issue Notes for Senior Management, and delivering training to AGCO staff and external stakeholders. In the absence of the Manager, the Officer acts as a subject-matter expert, responding to departmental issues and stakeholder inquiries.

In this role, the successful candidate will:

• Independently assess and investigate Cannabis (and other) applications, applying legislation, regulations, and precedent to identify deficiencies, legislative issues, and compliance risks, and provide recommendations and Issue Notes to the Unit Manager, Deputy Registrar, and Registrar to support informed decision-making.
• Serve as a key resource and liaison for internal and external stakeholders—including Eligibility Officers, Customer Service Representatives, Inspectors, Commission lawyers, industry representatives, other agencies, the Minister’s Office, MPPs, municipal councilors, interest groups, and peers—providing guidance, responding to inquiries, clarifying policies, procedures, licensing requirements, and drafting or reviewing correspondence.
• Provide oversight, mentoring, and guidance to Eligibility Officers in the preparation of application summaries, reports, and related documentation.
• Develop, draft, recommend, and assist in implementing amendments to relevant policies, standards, and procedures to ensure regulatory and operational effectiveness.
• Research, prepare, and deliver educational and informative presentations or training sessions to AGCO staff, client groups, government agencies, and other external stakeholders on legislative requirements, licensing processes, and regulatory procedures.
• Scrutinize and evaluate advertising related to Liquor and Cannabis, applying legislation, policies, and guidelines to ensure compliance.
• Assess and investigate complaints regarding advertising and licensing, determine compliance with regulations, and communicate findings and non-compliance ramifications to stakeholders on behalf of the Unit Manager, Deputy Registrar, and Registrar.
• Respond to departmental issues and act as a subject-matter expert in the absence of the Manager, addressing complex and high-level matters as they arise.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Well-developed knowledge of relevant sections of the Acts and Regulations related to Liquor, Gaming, Lottery, Cannabis, and relevant Commission policy and procedures with the ability to interpret and apply to daily operations gained through 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Advanced knowledge of MS Office Suite, various audio-visual presentation equipment, and the demonstrated ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technology.
• Knowledge of Regulations or Policies that pertain to the licensees, permits, or authorizations.
• Extensive experience working with applicants and/or registrants and application processes.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively liaise with individuals across the organization, and external stakeholders including the Minister’s Office, MPPs, Municipal Councilors, and members of the public.
• Experience in leading work groups, as well as in process development and implementation.
• Excellent organizational skills with a demonstrated ability to set priorities and manage conflicting deadlines under pressure with a high volume of work.
• The successful candidate must be eligible to work in Canada and will be subject to a criminal background check.

About the AGCO

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) is an Ontario provincial regulatory agency that reports to the Ministry of the Attorney General. We are responsible for regulating the alcohol, gaming, horse racing and cannabis retail sectors in accordance with the principles of honesty and integrity, and in the public interest.

The AGCO is proud to be recognized as one of Greater Toronto’s Top Employers for the second year in a row. This annual distinction reflects our commitment to cultivating a workplace environment that prioritizes employee well-being, emphasizing work-life balance, mental health resources, and opportunities for professional growth. We remain committed to fostering a supportive and rewarding work environment for our employees.

What we offer

The AGCO provides a comprehensive range of benefits and programs (subject to eligibility), including:

• Generous time-off policy, including 2 volunteer days to contribute to causes that matter to you.
• Defined benefit pension plans to secure your financial future.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans, with 100% employer-paid premiums.
• Well-being credits to support gym memberships, therapy, financial planning, and more.
• Employer-paid parental leave top-up.
• Professional development opportunities with access to training programs, leadership resources, and reimbursement for professional memberships.
• 24/7 confidential support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Convenient, central location near the subway line for easy access when working in the office. Paid onsite parking is also available.
• The AGCO is transitioning to four days per week in-office effective October 20, 2025, and 5 days per week in-office effective January 5, 2026.

The AGCO is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer.

The AGCO has the responsibility to lead by example in advancing racial equity and to build a diverse, inclusive, accessible and respectful workplace where every employee has a voice and the opportunity to fully contribute. To this effect, you are encouraged to reflect upon the diversity you would bring to the role within your application including, but not limited to, individuals identifying with one or more of the under-represented groups identified within Ontario’s Human Rights Code.

Disability related accommodation during the recruitment process is available upon request.