Agricultural Loan Specialist

State of Utah Office of the Governor • Taylorsville, UT

1d • $24 - $37 • Hybrid

About The Position

This position, unique to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), plays a key role in implementing the Agriculture Resource Development Loan (ARDL) and Rural Rehabilitation Loan programs, working in collaboration with other Loan Specialists and the Program Manager. The incumbent will collaborate with UDAF staff, Conservation Districts, and other partners to process, evaluate, underwrite, and recommend approval of loan applications to the Utah Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Advisory Board. Responsibilities include reviewing and making decisions regarding income, credit, appraisals, title reports, and water rights to ensure proper collateral valuation and loan security, securing collateral, and servicing funded loans—handling disbursements, posting payments, evaluating modification requests, and releasing collateral. They will ensure fund utilization adheres to established rules, generate closing documents and payment schedules, initiate collection activities, and recommend legal action when necessary.

Requirements

• Extensive experience with loan lifecycle management, including origination, processing, underwriting, and servicing.
• Extensive experience in securing collateral, including real property, chattel, and water stock.
• Expertise in reviewing, analyzing, and resolving issues within title commitments and preliminary title reports.
• Proficient in financial document management, including developing, tracking, and processing financial documents, reports, and statements.
• Solid understanding of financial principles, including economic and accounting practices, financial markets, banking, and data analysis and reporting, as well as fiscal management.
• Knowledge of contract administration, including procurement, grants, loans, and compliance.
• Understanding of real estate principles, including property valuation, appraisal methods, land surveys, and relevant legal processes (e.g., loan foreclosure, bankruptcy).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal) to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, including agricultural producers, staff, and other agencies.
• Ability to compose and deliver professional presentations and reports.
• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound decisions.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a proven ability to proofread and deliver consistently error-free work.
• Strong research skills to utilize various sources of information.
• Highly self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• Familiarity with agricultural practices and agricultural economics in Utah.
• Knowledge of water resources management principles, theories, and practices.
• Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting heavy items (up to 50 lbs.), or similar activities.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a). granted the privilege to operate a motor vehicle by being licensed as a driver by the division under this chapter.
• The work may require overnight travel.
• Travel throughout the state may be required.

Responsibilities

• Work with other Loan Specialists and Program Manager to review, process, underwrite, approve, close, and service loans for programs such as the Agriculture Resource Development Loan (ARDL) and Rural Rehabilitation Loan programs.
• Utilize the State CLCS loan servicing system, Google Drive, and other web-based software to originate and service loans including maintaining loan documents, documenting decisions, posting payments and disbursements, sending statements, and processing loan payoffs and collateral releases.
• Review conservation plans and planned projects to ensure the loan purpose is in line with program policy and rules.
• Review credit reports, income, assets, liabilities, business entity documents, trust documents, and other public and private records.
• Review appraisal reports, title reports, water rights, and assess the value of collateral to ensure loans are adequately secured and used appropriately.
• Conduct farm visits and attend project completion certifications when warranted.
• Develop contracts and payment schedules for loan borrowers.
• Disburse loan funds according to policy and guidelines.
• Work with borrowers to resolve delinquencies, and initiate collection activity, including making recommendations for legal actions when necessary.
• Maintain accurate online loan files, documents, and spreadsheets and become proficient with shared drives, databases, and spreadsheets utilized to store and track financial and other programmatic information.
• Contribute data and information for weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports as required.
• Present programmatic information to the Utah Conservation Commission when necessary.
• Present program information at conservation fairs, district meetings, and other events as necessary.
• Discuss results, findings, and/or recommendations with appropriate parties.
• Work effectively with other Loan Specialists and Program Managers, technical and professional staff, agricultural producers, elected officials, and local stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Loan Specialists, other Conservation Division programs, Financial and Administrative divisions, County Recorders, State Archives Office, State Attorney General Office, and additional State agencies to complete assigned duties.
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed