Launch Your Career in Agricultural Finance with the USDA

Are you looking for a career path that combines financial analysis with the vital work of supporting American agriculture? The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently hiring for a Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) in Cortland, New York. This role is a perfect stepping stone for professionals interested in credit risk, loan servicing, and agricultural policy.

Job Responsibilities

As a Loan Assistant/Specialist, you will serve in a developmental capacity. You will be responsible for:

Conducting interviews with loan applicants to assess eligibility.
Reviewing financial applications and performing preliminary inquiries.
Providing credit counseling and technical advice to borrowers.
Managing agricultural loan portfolios and analyzing financial data.
Participating in classroom and on-the-job training to master agency programs.

Comparison of Qualifications

Level	Experience/Education Required
GS-5	3 years general experience OR Bachelor’s Degree
GS-7	1 year specialized experience OR 1 year graduate education
GS-9	1 year specialized experience at GS-7 level OR Master’s Degree

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Must be a United States citizen.
Successful completion of a background and fingerprint investigation.
Submission of a resume limited to two pages.
For those qualifying via education, official or unofficial transcripts must be included.

Salary and Benefits

This position offers a competitive salary range of $40,736 to $80,243 per year. Beyond the salary, federal employees enjoy:

Robust Health and Dental insurance options.
Retirement savings through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Paid vacation and sick leave.
Flexible work arrangements and potential for telework.

Application Tips

The federal application process can be rigorous. Here is how to improve your chances:

Respect the Limits: Do not go over the two-page resume limit.
Documentation Matters: Ensure all educational documents are in English and meet accreditation standards.
Prepare for Assessments: Set aside adequate time for the USA Hire assessment.

If you have a background in finance or agriculture and want to make a tangible impact on the community, this role at the USDA Farm Service Agency is the ideal opportunity. Begin your application today to take the next step in your public service career.

Why This Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters

Launch your career in agricultural finance with the USDA Farm Service Agency and help support the future of American farming.

Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a motivated Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) to join our team in Cortland, New York. This role offers an exceptional entry point for individuals looking to build a career in financial analysis and credit management within the agricultural sector. As part of a developmental training program, you will learn to manage loan portfolios, evaluate credit risk, and provide essential financial guidance to local producers, playing a direct role in maintaining the stability of our agricultural 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 successfully pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
Resume must not exceed two pages.
Must have the ability to receive payments via direct deposit.

Preferred Qualifications for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural)

Bachelor's degree in finance, business administration, economics, accounting, or related agricultural fields.
Demonstrated analytical skills regarding financial data and credit reports.
Experience in loan servicing, mortgage, or commercial banking operations.
Strong interpersonal skills to provide credit counseling to diverse agricultural stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Retirement savings plan (TSP) with government contributions.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework options.
✓Professional development and structured training programs.
✓Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance.

💡 How to Apply Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job

Click the official application link to access the USA Staffing portal.
Complete the mandatory questionnaires and assessments.
Upload a resume (strictly limited to 2 pages) and official/unofficial college transcripts.
Submit your application package by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
Monitor your email for a unique link to the USA Hire Assessments if prompted.
Track your application status via your USAJOBS account.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be disqualified.
Proofread your application documents to ensure all academic and work experience is clearly documented.
Set aside 1-2 hours of quiet time to complete the USA Hire assessment once invited.
Clearly link your work experience to the duties described in the job announcement.
Submit your application early to avoid last-minute technical issues or server delays.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the training program for this position?

New hires enter the Farm Loan Training Program, where they receive classroom and on-the-job training to prepare them for duties as a Farm Loan Officer.

Is telework available?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework in accordance with agency policy.

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No, your resume must not exceed two pages. Applicants who submit longer resumes will be automatically excluded from consideration.

Job from Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is an essential branch of the USDA dedicated to serving farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners. FSA provides the financial infrastructure needed for agricultural producers to sustain and grow their operations. Joining the FSA means becoming part of a diverse, professional environment that values work-life balance and long-term career growth.