Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (AGRL)

Farm Service Agency • Douglas, GA

1d

About The Position

This position is located in the Farm Service Agency’s Georgia State Office, with duty locations in Douglas, Eastman, Fort Valley, or Moultrie, Georgia. It assists the Farm Loan Manager in administering farm loan programs in a USDA Service Center serving one or more counties. The position provides program information and eligibility guidance, supports loan application review and preliminary eligibility assessment, counsels applicants and borrowers, and oversees loan servicing and account controls.

The position may be filled at GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9, with qualifications met through specified combinations of education and experience. It is subject to a one-year probationary period, background investigation and continuous vetting, E-Verify, and direct deposit requirements. The position is eligible for telework under agency policy. Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized. Promotion potential may be available under a career development plan, but promotion is not guaranteed. Selected applicants must provide proof of Agricultural Loan Approval Authority within seven days of receiving a tentative job offer.

Requirements

• Be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
• Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with Selective Service or exempt.
• Successfully pass the required background investigation and/or fingerprint check and remain subject to continuous vetting.
• Serve a one-year probationary period and receive written certification for continued employment after its completion.
• Use direct deposit for federal payments.
• Successfully pass E-Verify employment verification.
• Meet the applicable GS-5, GS-7, or GS-9 qualification requirements through education, experience, or an eligible combination.
• For GS-5 qualification by experience, have three years of progressively responsible experience, including one year equivalent to GS-4, involving gathering and analyzing facts and figures and presenting conclusions clearly, or knowledge of financial analysis principles or insurance laws; qualifying education may include a bachelor's degree in a related field.
• For GS-7 qualification by experience, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-5 demonstrating basic knowledge of loan examination or servicing, financial analysis and credit risks for agricultural loans, and farm operations, land use and value, crop and livestock production, and local farming-area prices and markets. Qualifying education may include one year of graduate-level education, superior academic achievement, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• For GS-9 qualification by experience, have one year of specialized experience equivalent to GS-7 demonstrating competence in agricultural loans, credit principles and practices, independent examination of loan applications and supporting documents and credit reports, loan servicing, and knowledge of farm operations, land use and value, crop and livestock production, and local farming-area prices and markets. Qualifying education may include a master's or equivalent graduate degree, two years of progressively higher graduate education, or a qualifying combination of education and experience.
• Current federal GS employees seeking promotion must meet the applicable 52-week time-in-grade requirement by the announcement closing date.
• Submit transcripts if qualifying based on education; foreign education must include the required equivalency verification and English translation.
• Provide proof of Agricultural Loan Approval Authority within seven days of receiving a tentative job offer.

Responsibilities

• Maintain cooperative relationships with representatives of Federal, State, and local agencies.
• Maintain relationships with banks, lending institutions, commercial and educational institutions, and rural community groups.
• Provide information about Farm Loan Programs and FSA program eligibility requirements.
• Advise applicants and borrowers on farm selection and expansion, land development and improvement, organization of farm and rural enterprises, and related matters.
• Interview loan applicants and review loan applications.
• Make preliminary inquiries and gather factual information to assess applicant eligibility.
• Provide financial counseling.
• Work with local committees to determine loan eligibility and feasibility.
• Provide continuing loan supervision and oversee borrower accounts.
• Review and recommend loan-related changes, including releases, subordinations, adjustments, and transfers.
• Establish and administer financial controls for disbursement, distribution, and use of loan and non-loan funds, maintenance of security property and insurance, and other detailed accounts.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific benefits depend on position type.
• Recruitment and/or relocation incentives may be authorized.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level