Loan Officer Trainee

Golden State Farm Credit•Hanford, CA

22d•$63,472 - $95,754•Hybrid

About The Position

The Loan Officer Trainee position is designed for individuals who are interested in developing a career in agricultural finance and lending. Working alongside experienced Loan Officers and Credit professionals, you will receive hands-on training in credit analysis, loan servicing, business development, and customer relationship management. Through a structured development program, you will gain the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to advance into a Loan Officer role within approximately two years. Our team at Golden State Farm Credit is united in our efforts to support rural communities and the agricultural industry. We offer a unique work environment that encourages collaboration, continuous learning, and professional growth. Employees have the opportunity to work closely with industry experts, participate in meaningful projects, and build strong relationships with customers and colleagues alike. We value initiative, accountability, and a commitment to delivering exceptional service to our customers. The Association reserves the right to hire a qualified candidate from the Loan Officer or Senior Loan Officer classification instead of the VP, Loan Officer or Loan Officer Trainee classification, depending on applicant experience and organizational needs.

Requirements

General knowledge of accounting/financial systems.
0-2 years of experience in sales, lending, credit, or other related work.
Or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to perform the essential functions of the job
Develop knowledge of the agriculture, financial and real estate industry, and applied business mathematics and principles.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, computers, current software, and other office tools.
Ability to effectively read, write, and communicate in the English language.
Skill in serving and working effectively with both external and internal customers in a professional, respectful manner.
Skill in analyzing information and problem solving to formulate logical and objective conclusions.
Basic knowledge of accounting principles, practices, and methods including financial statements and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
Enhance knowledge of credit analysis and regulatory requirements with respect to borrower’s rights.
Develop knowledge of title issues, easements, tax law, title and escrow, state and federal ag regulations, appraisal concepts, processes and procedures, lending practices, farm business management, and other industry terminology.
Skill in establishing and maintaining relationships with a variety of internal and external organizations and the community to advance the organization's interests and grow/maintain business.
Skill in educating, promoting, and selling credit products to customers.
Skill in communicating complicated information, delivering bad news, and negotiating complex agreements effectively to achieve the best outcome for the Association.

Nice To Haves

Experience and portfolio size can differ depending on experience and level of applicant.

Responsibilities

Works closely with loan officers, Team Lead, and other team members to gain a sound understanding of credit analysis and business development including loan pricing.
Assists Loan Officer in collecting and entering data from customers and potential customers into internal software.
Analyzes financial data and makes recommendations for loan structure, terms, and conditions.
Meets with current and new customers to gather, update, and review financial and scope of operation information to determine eligibility
Work with management and teams to gain an understanding of the purpose and processes involved in performing credit reviews. May assist senior-level staff with credit reviews.
Services loans, including interest rate conversions, MERLOC extensions, re-amortizations, partial releases, fixed rate pricing assumptions, and collateral analysis
Works with Team to identify and develop plans to reduce risk for at-risk credit
Enters additional credit information into software
Verifies documentation is accurate with title companies, legal department, and internal loan software
Attends loan officer and credit analysis development training courses as assigned
Works directly with experienced loan officers and credit analysts to gain experience of the entire loan process from start to finish
Goes on customer visits and meetings with loan officers to observe loan officer-customer interactions
Takes on new responsibilities as their experience grows, eventually meeting with customers and taking loans from application to closing
Support credit teams/branches on an as needed basis
Appropriately protects the confidentiality, security, and integrity of the Association’s systems, data, and clients’ data
Understands, applies, and supports the Association mission and vision statement in a positive, professional manner at work and with customers in all settings