Loan Specialist

Loan Specialist

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are in search of a Loan Specialist I or Loan Specialist II to join our Oregon Lending and Insurance department in Salem. This full-time position reports to the Director, Operations and provides administrative assistance to effectively and efficiently originate, disburse, and service customer loans.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Salem, Oregon is:

Level I: Typical starting range: $40,000 - $51,900 Full base salary range: $40,000 - $57,800 Annual performance-based incentive target is 6% of base.

Level II: Typical starting range: $44,200 - $58,900 Full base salary range: $44,200 - $66,200 Annual performance-based incentive target is 6% of base.

*Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who must relocate to accept this position.

Essential Duties

• Perform administrative duties including typing correspondence and documents, establishing and maintaining electronic files, and greeting customers in person and on the phone.
• Gather, accurately enter, and maintain customer information and customer financial information into applicable systems to assist in loan document generation, account monitoring/servicing, and reporting.
• Perform required due diligence investigations of loan applicants, including entity certification of formation documents, trusts, public records searches, credit bureau reports, employment, income, assets and liabilities; order title evidence and appraisals, and complete other collateral due diligence as needed.
• Review customer loan documents for accuracy and present to customer for signing and/or facilitate closings as assigned.
• Comply with closing requirements and disburse loans as authorized, coordinate booking and certification of loans, within authorities.
• Support customer money movement including processing stop payment, return payments, draft orders, and patronage designation.
• Respond to customer inquiries and process customer transactions including disbursements, internal account transfers, etc.
• Maintain an accurate database and complete assigned relationship plan actions.
• Monitor follow-up requirements in assigned areas.
• Handle customer information with a high degree of confidentiality.
• Ensure appropriate information security protocols are followed in order to prevent unauthorized transactions or releases of information.
• Comply with documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Participate in community events, local advisor meetings, customer appreciation days, farm visits and other customer and public relation related activities, as needed.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all-staff or team meetings not included in the standard travel requirements for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Ability to produce accurate reports, documents, and correspondence through attention to detail and knowledge of correct spelling, grammar and sentence structure
• Exceptional customer service orientation
• Ability to work efficiently and effectively on multiple projects in multiple software programs
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team

Preferred Qualifications

• Training in general office skills
• Experience in commercial lending, banking or related field
• General knowledge of applicable credit laws and regulations
• General knowledge of agricultural practices
• Knowledge of credit investigation and verification practices
• Knowledge of platting and legal descriptions
• Knowledge of accounting principles and processes

Workplace Flexibility

• After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 12 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest!

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.