Underage Purchaser – FDA Tobacco Inspection Program

Description

Location: Eastern North Carolina (Coastal Region)
Job Type: Part-Time, Temporary
Headquarters: New Carrollton, MD

Overview

The Bizzell Group is seeking Underage Purchasers (ages 18–20) to assist in undercover tobacco compliance inspections at retail locations across North Carolina. This position plays a critical role in supporting federal and state regulatory enforcement by ensuring retailers comply with tobacco sales laws under the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act and the FDA Tobacco Inspection Program.

Age Requirement (Bona Fide Occupational Qualification – BFOQ):
Applicants must be between 18 and 20 years old at the time of application. This age requirement is legally necessary and qualifies as a BFOQ under federal anti-discrimination laws, as the role specifically involves attempting to purchase tobacco as a minor under the legal age of 21. Compliance operations require individuals who are under 21 to assess retailer adherence to federal and state regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Compliance Inspections

• Accompany an FDA-commissioned inspector to designated retail locations to assess compliance with tobacco sales regulations.
• Attempt to purchase tobacco products while strictly adhering to FDA compliance protocols and procedural guidelines.
• Maintain professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion to ensure unbiased compliance assessments.

Documentation & Reporting

• Provide detailed and accurate reports on each inspection, documenting interactions, retailer responses, and any observed violations.
• Ensure compliance with FDA and North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS) regulations for the tobacco retail inspection program.

Training & Compliance Adherence

• Successfully complete all FDA-required training to ensure proper adherence to inspection protocols and compliance standards.
• Follow chain of custody procedures for any collected evidence.
• Participate in refresher training sessions and program evaluations as required by the FDA Tobacco Inspection Program.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong attention to detail and ability to strictly follow compliance protocols.
• Effective observational and communication skills for documenting inspection results.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all inspection activities.
• Availability to work flexible hours and travel locally as required.

Why Join Us?

• Gain valuable experience in federal compliance enforcement and regulatory inspections.
• Contribute to public health and safety by ensuring compliance with tobacco control laws.
• Work as part of a highly trained team committed to upholding state and federal regulatory standards.

Interested candidates should submit their resume and application for consideration.

Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

• Age Requirement (BFOQ Justification): Must be between 18 and 20 years old at the time of application. This is a legally required condition for performing job duties.
• Required to pass the NC state background check.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for travel to assigned retail locations.