Launch Your Career in Agricultural Finance with the USDA Farm Service Agency
Are you looking for a career that combines financial expertise with a passion for supporting the American agricultural community? The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently hiring for the position of Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) in Wisconsin. This role is a unique gateway for individuals eager to develop professional skills in credit analysis, loan servicing, and farm management while working for one of the most respected federal agencies.
Job Responsibilities
As a Loan Assistant, you will act as an essential support system for the Farm Loan Manager. Your core duties will include:
- Interviewing Applicants: Gathering factual information to determine eligibility for various loan programs.
- Credit Counseling: Providing technical guidance to borrowers regarding their financial health.
- Financial Analysis: Evaluating credit reports, land use, and market trends to assess the soundness of individual loans.
- Documentation: Managing loan files and maintaining accurate records of servicing activities.
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must meet several federal eligibility standards:
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Successful completion of a background investigation.
- Registration with the Selective Service (for males born after 1959).
- A high-quality, 2-page resume.
- Ability to pass the E-Verify process.
Salary Overview
This position is offered under the General Schedule (GS) pay scale, with a salary range between $40,736 and $80,243 per year, depending on experience and qualifications.
| Level | Experience/Education Requirement |
|---|---|
| GS-5 | 3 years general experience or Bachelor’s degree |
| GS-7 | 1 year specialized experience or 1 year graduate school |
| GS-9 | 1 year specialized experience or Master’s degree |
Benefits
Working with the USDA comes with a robust benefits package, including:
- Extensive healthcare options.
- Retirement savings via the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Generous paid annual and sick leave.
- Opportunities for non-competitive promotions.
- Flexible work-life programs, including telework.
Application Tips
- Watch the Length: Your resume must not exceed 2 pages. Longer resumes lead to immediate rejection.
- Documentation Matters: Ensure your college transcripts are clear and show course numbers/credits.
- Prepare for Assessment: You will likely need to take the USA Hire Assessment. Use the practice links provided by OPM to familiarize yourself with the question types.
If you are ready to make a meaningful contribution to the sustainability of U.S. farming operations, the Loan Assistant role at the FSA is a perfect starting point. Visit USAJOBS today to submit your application and take the next step in your professional journey.
Why This Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career supporting the backbone of American agriculture as a Loan Assistant with the USDA Farm Service Agency.
Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview
The USDA Farm Service Agency is seeking motivated individuals to join our team as Loan Assistants/Specialists (Agricultural). In this role, you will work within a USDA Service Center to support the Farm Loan Manager in administering vital farm loan programs. This is a developmental position designed to provide you with hands-on training and professional growth opportunities. You will serve as a point of contact for applicants and borrowers, providing guidance on financial management, credit counseling, and agricultural loan eligibility to ensure the success of our local farming communities.
Requirements for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Must be able to serve a 1-year probationary period.
- Must possess a valid resume (maximum 2 pages).
- Must pass the E-Verify employment verification process.
- Must provide official college transcripts upon selection.
Preferred Qualifications for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural)
- Experience in agricultural, commercial, or mortgage loan servicing.
- Knowledge of farm operations, land use, and livestock/crop production cycles.
- Strong financial analysis skills, including assessing credit risks.
- Superior Academic Achievement (SAA) or graduate-level coursework in finance, economics, or agriculture.
- Proficiency in interpreting complex regulatory guidelines and credit documentation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Participation in federal retirement programs and the Thrift Savings Plan (4x retirement matching).
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options.
- ✓Opportunities for non-competitive promotion based on performance.
💡 How to Apply Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed 2 pages.
- Gather academic transcripts (unofficial copies are acceptable for the initial application).
- Click the Apply button to begin the online questionnaire.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the specified timeframe.
- Submit all documentation via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
- Monitor your status through the USAJOBS applicant dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to 2 pages to avoid automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume explicitly details your work history, including hours worked per week and specific dates of employment.
- Practice using the USA Hire assessment resources available on the OPM website before testing.
- Double-check that all uploaded documents are in an approved format like PDF or TXT, and are under 5MB.
- Turn on email notifications in your USAJOBS profile to receive critical updates about your application status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Loan Assistant?
You will assist the Farm Loan Manager by reviewing applications, conducting applicant interviews, providing credit counseling, and evaluating the financial feasibility of agricultural loans.
Is this position eligible for remote work?
This position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy, but it is not a fully remote role.
What happens after I submit my application?
Your application will be reviewed for eligibility and qualifications. If you are found qualified, you may be invited to complete further assessments or interviews.
What is the promotion potential?
This position has a career ladder with a potential to reach GS-11 based on performance and management recommendation.
Can I update my application after submission?
Yes, you can edit your application via your USAJOBS dashboard while the announcement is still open.
Job from Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency is a critical component of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Our mission is to ensure the well-being of American agriculture through the equitable delivery of farm programs. We pride ourselves on a culture of inclusivity, professional growth, and a strong work-life balance, making it an ideal environment for those looking to start or advance their federal career.