Insurance Agent

Insurance Agent

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 an Insurance Agent I, II, or III to join our Washington Lending and Insurance department in Spokane, Washington. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Insurance and is responsible for providing high quality, profitable and constructive insurance products, and related services to customers, maintaining a high level of proactive marketing and portfolio management, and through actions, creating a positive image of organization to customers, insurance professionals and the general public.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Spokane, Washington is:

Level I: Typical starting range: $66,200 - $88,700 Full base salary range: $66,200 - $99,900 Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.

Level II: Typical starting range: $72,600 - $99,900 Full base salary range: $72,600 - $125,200 Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base.

Level III: Typical starting range: $89,400 - $124,500 Full base salary range: $89,400 - $173,500 Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base.

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

Essential Duties

• Market and sell insurance products by communicating with and receiving information from customers in the office and off-site.
• Actively pursue and execute business development activities to grow the customer portfolio, expand market presence, and achieve sales and profitability goals. May generate business through referral sources, including internal staff, as well as direct mail campaigns, prospect lists and telemarketing.
• Establish rapport with and develop and maintain confidence of customers and other related professionals by educating customers on the crop insurance processes effectively communicating rates, fees, terms and time frames with the customer; consistently meeting timeframe and product expectations; and following through to ensure the customer and others are satisfied with the service and final product.
• Gather needed information through interviews in person, by phone, or using the Internet. Read and understand production information from various sources including, but not limited to, customer records and tax records.
• Comply with Federal and Approved Insurance Provider (AIP) documentation expectations, submission timelines, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Maintain State Agent's License through required continuing educational training/seminars.
• Work with insurance representatives to resolve policy issues that affect producer's insurance coverage.
• Communicate proactively to ensure excellent customer service and seek to ensure profitability of assigned portfolio.
• Represent and communicate the values, purpose, and mission of AgWest to employees, customers, the public and target audiences. This may include joining or actively supporting appropriate organizations and civic groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 50%, including overnight travel throughout the AgWest territory.
• 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

• Bachelor's degree in business or ag-related field or equivalent experience
• Ability to develop new business and expand existing customer relationships through effective networking, prospecting and relationship management
• Ability to market, sell, and effectively negotiate terms on behalf of organization, both verbally and in writing
• Understanding of the local insurance industry and agricultural markets
• Ability to complete all requirements for appropriate State Insurance Agent Licenses

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of agricultural practices and crop and livestock production
• Knowledge of Farm Credit policies and procedures, eligibility requirements and products
• Working knowledge of FCIC regulations and procedures, including legal terminology
• Ability to understand, interpret, and explain insurance policies and procedures
• Appropriate State Insurance Agent Licenses

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.