What are the responsibilities and job description for the Licensing and Compliance Officer position at Town & County of Nantucket?
Town of Nantucket
Nantucket Police Department
Licensing and Compliance Officer
ESSENTIAL DUTIES: The Town of Nantucket is seeking a dedicated Licensing and Compliance Officer to support our business licensing and enforcement functions. Reporting to the Licensing Administrator, you will play a key role in conducting inspections, reviewing applications, investigating potential violations, and ensuring compliance with local and state regulations related to businesses, signage, entertainment, and events.
This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to maintaining a safe, vibrant, and well-managed downtown by providing administrative support, educating business owners on regulatory requirements, and recommending updates to bylaws. You will also represent the department before the Select Board on complaints, licensing issues, and legal matters while handling confidential information with the utmost discretion.
QUALIFICATIONS: College degree preferred, Minimum of three years of experience in municipal licensing and enforcement preferred, Experience in clerical or administrative roles, Valid Massachusetts Driver’s License required.
Full Time; Benefits; LiUNA Union, S3 position
Starting Hourly Rate: $43.32 (new hires) – $54.88 (employees with 20 years of service with the Town of Nantucket)
Application Deadline: Sunday, April 12th, 2026 at 4 pm
The Town of Nantucket offers a retirement pension through Barnstable County Retirement, 90% employer-sponsored health insurance plan options, and a diverse selection of supplemental insurance policies.
Visit https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nantucket/ to apply online.
The Licensing and Compliance Officer supports the Town of Nantucket’s business licensing and enforcement functions. Reporting to the Licensing Administrator, this position conducts inspections, reviews applications, investigates potential violations, and ensures compliance with local and state regulations related to businesses, signage, entertainment, and events.
The Licensing and Compliance Officer position provides administrative support, educates business owners on regulatory requirements, and recommends updates to bylaws to help maintain a safe, vibrant, and well-managed downtown. The role also includes representing the department before the Select Board on complaints, licensing issues, and legal matters, and requires handling confidential information with discretion.
SUPERVISION REQUIRED:
The Licensing and Compliance Officer is appointed by the Chief of Police and works under the supervision of the Licensing Administrator. All duties will be performed in accordance with applicable Massachusetts General Laws, Town policies, Town bylaws and relevant state, federal and local regulations.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED:
The Licensing and Compliance Officer exercises no supervisory responsibilities.
CONFIDENTIALTY:
The Licensing and Compliance Officer has access to a variety of confidential information, including criminal records, and other police records, and must use considerable discretion in handling such issues.
JUDGEMENT:
The incumbent is required to use independent judgment and discretion in the performance of their duties.
COMPLEXITY:
The Licensing and Compliance Officer position Performs a variety of administrative duties. Work includes administrative and clerical tasks and frequent inspections and relationship building with business owners and managers.
ACCOUNTABILITY:
Errors could result in legal repercussions and adverse public relations.
JOB ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment is frequently hectic and disruptive. Interruptions to work are frequent. Normally works under standard office practices and policies. Operates computer and standard office equipment. On occasion, the nature of work may require that the incumbent report in to handle duties which cannot be delayed.
NATURE AND PURPOSE OF RELATIONSHIPS:
Has frequent contact with the general public requiring excellent customer service skills, and the ability to communicate with State agencies and other Town departments.
Essential duties/ responsibilities/ functions
- Performs on-site inspections of businesses pursuant to: Town of Nantucket bylaws, Chapter 124 – Article I, Signs in the Historic District, Chapter 105 – Article IV, Public Entertainment, Town of Nantucket Regulations - Chapter 207 - Town of Nantucket Rules and Regulations Governing Alcoholic Beverages and other related bylaws and state laws and regulations.
- Conducts investigations, prepares reports, and assists the Police Chief in the administrative and criminal enforcement proceedings of applicable rules, regulations, and laws. Recommends corrective actions and follow-ups as needed.
- Reviews applications submitted to the Town for liquor, entertainment, public assembly, special events, and other business-related licenses. Verifies compliance with state and local regulations, including CORI checks when required.
- Works collaboratively with internal departments of the Town and the general public on matters related to licensing, compliance, and regulatory education. Provides outreach and clarification when necessary.
- Monitors and contributes to bylaw compliance by individuals and businesses through education, field inspections, the issuance of warnings, and enforcement actions as appropriate.
- Conducts inspections of large public events (250 attendees) on behalf of the Town Administration, Culture and Tourism, Police Department, Parks and Recreation Committee, and Select Board. Includes post-event visual inspections to confirm proper cleanup and absence of damage.
- Assists the Licensing Administrator with administrative and operational tasks, including permitting, workflow management, inspection scheduling, interdepartmental coordination, and follow-up with applicants.
- Evaluates current bylaws, policies, and practices relevant to downtown business operations. Proactively develops and presents proposed changes or new regulations aimed at enhancing public safety, aesthetics, and downtown functionality.
- Represents the department in meetings with the Select Board to address complaints, licensing issues, or ongoing or potential litigation involving licensed businesses or events. Must exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive or protected information.
- Maintains access to and protects confidential information, including legal matters, investigations, personnel records, and other privileged communications in accordance with municipal, state, and federal regulations.
- Performs other related duties as required or assigned.
Required minimum qualifications
Education and Training
- College degree preferred.
- Three or more years of experience in municipal licensing and enforcement preferred.
- Three or more years of clerical and/or administrative experience useful.
- Must possess a valid Massachusetts Driver’s License.
- Must successfully pass a fingerprint supported background check.
- Must be eligible for, and successfully complete the Massachusetts Department of Criminal Justice Information Services CJIS Policy and Security Awareness Test
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Working knowledge of general office practices, procedures and administration necessary.
- Knowledge of state and local laws and regulations very helpful.
- Must have ability to work and deal pleasantly with co-workers and the public, both in person and by telephone in a courteous and tactful manner.
- Ability to understand and follow instructions and to work independently when required.
- Must have ability to accurately record and maintain records.
- Must be able to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- Must be able to operate standard types of office equipment including, but not limited to telephone and copy machine in addition to being adept at operation of computer and network systems.
- Must be able to easily adapt to new technologies and web-based permitting systems. Ability to design and produce permit/licensing forms and web-based applications.
- Must be able to handle multiple projects, issues and situations simultaneously.
- Must have good organizational skills.
Special Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable an individual with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Must have sufficient dexterity and physical flexibility to bend and reach to complete basic office tasks.
Position requires the ability to operate a keyboard at efficient speed and sit at a computer for long periods of time.
Work is mostly performed indoors not subject to temperature extremes.
May occasionally lift and/or move objects up to 30 pounds.
Duties may involve standing, sitting and/or walking for the greater portion of the day.
Work may be required beyond the usual scheduled hours of the work day to include nights and weekends as events and inspections require.
NOTE: This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change.
Appointment to the position is contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical examination and drug screen.
Salary : $43