Agricultural Banker

Dacotah Bank • Webster, SD

22h

About The Position

Under the direction of the incumbent’s manager, the Agricultural Banker is responsible for originating, underwriting, and closing secured and unsecured agricultural loans in accordance with established lending objectives, policies, and procedures. The role also establishes and maintains positive relationships with existing and potential agricultural customers and other financial institutions.

The position performs credit-function duties in support of loan department objectives, including screening and analyzing loan applications, making or recommending credit decisions, preparing and processing closing documents, and monitoring assigned agricultural loans. It also supports the bank’s lending outreach, identifies opportunities in the agricultural loan market, and helps advance lending goals and policies.

The role calls for strong customer service, communication, analytical, organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills. The bank offers career growth and development in a professional and pleasant working environment, along with a competitive salary and benefits package.

Requirements

• Knowledge, skill, and mental development equivalent to completion of a college education; a bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related business field is typical.
• Specific coursework in agricultural lending, agribusiness, and communications.
• Good verbal communication skills and the ability to interact with customers and co-workers in person and by telephone.
• Ability to use tact, diplomacy, and professionalism when working with customers and co-workers.
• Analytical, organizational, time-management, and problem-solving abilities.
• Good written communication skills.
• Good proofreading and editing skills.

Nice To Haves

• Loan experience is preferred but not required.
• A bachelor’s degree in business, finance, accounting, or a related business field is typical.

Responsibilities

• Originate, underwrite, and close secured and unsecured agricultural loans and leases in accordance with lending policies and practices.
• Receive and screen loan applications; request credit status, banking and other references; conduct on-site inspections; and order appraisals.
• Correspond with or interview applicants and creditors to resolve questions about applications.
• Analyze applicants’ financial status, credit, and property evaluations to assess the feasibility of loan requests.
• Approve loans within specified limits and refer larger requests to the loan committee.
• Communicate loan decisions and their rationale to applicants, and ensure supporting documents are prepared.
• Review applications for lines of credit and extensions, and authorize or recommend approval in accordance with established guidelines and policies.
• Direct and participate in closing approved agricultural loan agreements and ensure required closing documents are prepared and processed.
• Monitor assigned agricultural loans, identify problem or delinquent accounts, initiate timely corrective action, complete criticized asset action plans, and refer problem accounts to a superior as needed.
• Participate in the Bank’s Lending Call Program to develop and maintain contacts with businesses, realtors, developers, and other potential loan customers and to provide information about lending programs and services.
• Keep abreast of developments and trends in the agricultural loan market, identify potential lending opportunities, and participate in plans and programs to pursue them.
• Participate in establishing lending goals and profitability objectives and in developing and implementing policies and procedures; recommend policy changes to improve efficiency and control.
• Assist co-workers with difficult internal problems and customer inquiries or problems, and respond promptly and courteously to customer inquiries.
• Assist in developing manuals and supporting documentation for the position’s duties.
• Maintain education and professional expertise through job-related seminars, conferences, workshops, and involvement in professional, civic, and community groups in leadership positions.
• Use government programs when deemed necessary to meet customers’ credit needs.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Health insurance with 100% of individual and family premiums paid by Dacotah Bank.
• Dental insurance with 100% of individual and family premiums paid by Dacotah Bank.
• Health Savings Account.
• Life insurance for the employee and family.
• Paid vacation and sick time.
• Retirement plan options.
• Additional perks and benefits.
• Career growth and development in a professional and pleasant working environment.
• Competitive salary.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time