Undercover Tobacco Purchaser

CES, LLC is supporting the State of Ohio in conducting Tobacco Retailer Compliance Checks on behalf of the Ohio Department of Health (ODH), Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness - Tobacco Use Prevention and Cessation Program. CES is looking for reliable, detail-oriented individuals to perform non-confrontational compliance checks on licensed tobacco and nicotine retailers to help ensure that products are not sold to those under 21. These unannounced checks support ODH's evaluation of Ohio's Tobacco 21 law (Ohio Revised Code § 2927.02) and are used to assess Ohio's statewide retailer compliance rate and current youth access to nicotine products. Checks are coordinated with trained Inspectors and program staff. Adult Underage Purchasers (AUPs) are transported by the trained Inspector to and from assigned retail establishments along a designated route. This work is conducted on a part-time, case-volume basis with flexibility relevant to individual and team schedules.
Duties/Responsibilities:

• Identify and verify the assigned retailer site and address provided.
• Physically enter the premises of a tobacco/nicotine retailer and attempt the purchase of a product only as directed by program staff, and never for personal use.
• If a sale occurs, turn over the product, receipt, and any change to the Inspector as evidence at a secure off-site location, per program protocol.
• Assist in accurately entering the required data into the ODH-provided data collection tool (e.g., ODH Inspection Worksheet via Microsoft Forms).
• Will not deceive the retailer in any way; use only your own valid ID and provide your actual age if asked.
• Call off any inspection and immediately notify the Inspector or supervising staff if you feel suspected, unsafe, or threatened.
• Cooperate with ODH and program staff in documenting checks and following up on any data corrections or questions.

Required qualifications/skills:

• Must be 18-20 years old and remain under 21 for the entire engagement (AUPs "age out" 30 days before turning 21).
• Valid, unexpired government-issued photo ID showing date of birth, plus a copy of your birth certificate to verify age.
• U.S. citizen or legal resident.
• Attention to detail and reliable, daily communication (email/text) to receive routes and program updates.
• Strict adherence to program confidentiality requirements.

Preferred qualifications/skills:

• N/A

Physical Requirements:

• Physically enter the premises of a tobacco/nicotine retailer and attempt the purchase of a product.

Appearance Requirements (during checks):
So that AUPs appear their actual age and clerks can clearly see them, the following apply during compliance checks:

• Dress consistent with your actual age; do not dress to appear older.
• No hats or sunglasses.
• No facial hair.
• No heavy makeup.
• No visible tattoos.
• No apparel advertising colleges or college sports.

Other:

• AUPs will use valid identification, will not lie about their age, and will provide their actual age if asked by a retailer.
• AUPs may not possess, use, or attempt to purchase tobacco/nicotine products outside of an authorized check.
• Must maintain strict confidentiality - no discussing, messaging, or posting about inspection plans, dates, times, retail locations, or team members. Violations are grounds for immediate termination and may carry legal penalties.
• Must complete all required training sessions (initial training, annual refreshers, ad-hoc) and pass a written exam with a score of at least 70%.
• Must complete a Conflict of Interest Disclosure and update it at least annually.
• Must be able to undergo and pass a background check and be approved by ODH prior to working, meeting contract standards.