Field Claims Specialist III, Agribusiness Catastrophe Response

Nationwide•Ohio-Work from Home-2, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

This is a field-based role on the Agribusiness Catastrophe Response team. The position will specialize in farm/agribusiness property claims of varying complexity. This position is responsible for managing farmowners and commercial agribusiness property claims in response to catastrophic events across the country. As a field-based adjuster, you will be deployed to areas impacted by disasters—such as pocket wind/hail events, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, or other major events—to assess damages, support policyholders, and help communities begin the recovery process. The role requires extensive travel (up to 80%), often on short notice, and the ability to work in high-pressure, fast-paced environment. Additionally, virtual work will be performed as needed. You will regularly engage in direct interactions clearly explaining coverage decisions, setting expectations, and delivering best in class service with empathy and professionalism. The ability to remain composed and compassionate in the face of loss, frustration, or uncertainty is essential. Strong communication skills and emotional resilience are critical, as you’ll be guiding customers through some of the most challenging moments of their lives. In this role, you’ll conduct on-site inspections, evaluate property damages, determine coverage, and make timely, accurate decisions using a variety of tools and resources, including vendor estimates, independent adjusters, and self-written assessments. You'll also be responsible for full file ownership, maintaining appropriate reserves, managing claim activity, ensuring compliance with internal standards and regulatory requirements, and providing proactive communication with external customers throughout each stage of the claim. Collaboration with internal teams such as Special Investigations and Subrogation may be required to identify fraud or recovery opportunities. Staying current on industry repair practices, regional pricing trends, and legal developments is key to success. As a National Catastrophe (NATCAT) Field Claims Specialist supporting Commercial Lines (CL) business, you'll resolve serious exposure claims requiring investigation, liability evaluation and negotiation by phone and face-to-face. We'll count on you to expedite settlements and control average loss cost and litigation expense according to the best claims practices.

Requirements

5+ years of commercial and/or property field-based claims handling or adjusting experience.
Proficiency with Xactimate
Strong estimating and damage assessment skills.
Ability to handle claims of varying complexity from start to finish.
Prior experience working on-site in a catastrophe environment.
Demonstrated strong customer service competency.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Five years of experience handling property claims, insurance processing or field claims adjusting, or comparable job-related experience or education preferred.
Commercial claims property experience preferred.
Demonstrated knowledge of insurance theory and practices, insurance contracts and their application.
Sophisticated knowledge of property claims standard methodologies and the legal aspects of court procedures affecting legal liability for all lines of insurance.
Excellent customer service skills and confirmed ability to meet customer needs and provide meaningful service by advising customers of the claims process and ensuring a positive customer experience.
Sophisticated analytical and problem-solving skills needed to make decisions and resolve issues related to application of coverage to submitted claims, application of laws of jurisdiction to investigation facts, application of policy exclusions and exceptions.
Validated ability to establish repair requirements and cost estimates for property losses.
Validated organizational skills to appropriately prioritize work.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively communicate and/or advise policyholders, claimants, repair persons, attorneys, physicians, agents and general public.
Ability to operate personal computer and related claims and business software.
Must have a valid driver’s license with satisfactory driving record in accordance with Nationwide standards.
Due to the fiduciary accountability within this job, a valid credit check and/or background check will be required as part of the selection process.

Nice To Haves

Farm/Agribusiness claims handling experience
Drone license preferred
Undergraduate studies in business administration or related field preferred and/or validated experience.
Successful completion of required claims certification schools/courses.
Professional development such as IIA or CPCU preferred.
State licensing where required.

Responsibilities

Handles all assigned claims promptly and effectively, with little direction and oversight, which may include complex and catastrophic losses.
Makes decisions within delegated authority, recommends settlement values in the disposition of claims as outlined in company policies and procedures.
Determines proper policy coverages and applies standard methodologies to conclude assigned cases according to company guidelines.
Adheres to high standards of professional conduct while delivering outstanding service.
Opens, closes and adjusts reserves according to company practices to ensure reserve adequacy.
Adheres to file conferencing notification and authority procedures.
Maintains current knowledge of assigned insurance lines; court decisions which may impact the claims function; current guidelines; and policy changes and modifications. This may require attending various seminars or training sessions.
Maintains current knowledge of local industry repair procedures and local market pricing.
Able to act for the Claims Manager.
Mentors and provides leadership to less experienced claims associates.
Provides one-on-one training and helps with training/presentations as assigned by claims management.
Partners with Special Investigation Unit and Subrogation to identify fraud and subrogation opportunities.
Assists or prepares files for suit, trial or subrogation.
Initiates and conducts follow-ups through proficient use of the claims and other related business systems.
Delivers outstanding customer service experience to all internal, external, current and prospective Nationwide customers.
May perform other responsibilities as assigned.

Benefits

medical/dental/vision
life insurance
short and long term disability coverage
paid time off with newly hired associates receiving a minimum of 18 days paid time off each full calendar year pro-rated quarterly based on hire date
nine paid holidays
8 hours of Lifetime paid time off
8 hours of Unity Day paid time off
401(k) with company match
company-paid pension plan
business casual attire