Launch Your Career as a Commercial Loan Specialist with the USDA
Are you seeking a career that combines financial expertise with the rewarding goal of community growth? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD) agency is currently accepting applications for a Commercial Loan Specialist. This role is a vital component of the agency’s mission to foster economic opportunity and improve the quality of life in rural Florida.
Job Responsibilities
As a Commercial Loan Specialist, you will be the gatekeeper of crucial financial resources. Your primary duties will include:
- Portfolio Management: Developing and administering a portfolio of loan and grant programs.
- Eligibility Analysis: Evaluating applications for conformance with federal statutory regulations and agency policies.
- Decision Support: Preparing written determinations for loan approvals.
- Community Engagement: Cultivating relationships with local businesses, municipalities, and community leaders to raise awareness of funding opportunities.
Qualifications and Requirements
Candidates must meet specific specialized experience criteria depending on the grade level (GS-11 or GS-12). Generally, this involves experience in commercial or municipal loan making, financial analysis, and credit assessment.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen |
| Background Check | Required (Suitability/Fitness) |
| Experience | Professional financial/loan experience required |
| Resume Limit | Strictly two-page maximum |
Salary Overview and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $74,678 to $123,927 per year. Beyond the paycheck, the federal government provides a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
- Federal pension and retirement savings (TSP) with matching contributions.
- Flexible work and telework opportunities.
How to Apply
- Prepare: Ensure your resume highlights specific accomplishments in financial analysis and does not exceed two pages.
- Submit: Complete the online application via USAJOBS and attach all relevant transcripts or SF-50 documents.
- Assess: If required, follow the link sent to your email to complete the USA Hire assessments within the designated time frame.
Working for the USDA Rural Development agency means you are more than just a number; you are an essential part of the engine that keeps rural communities growing. If you have the analytical skills and the commitment to public service, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. This is your opportunity to leverage your financial expertise for the greater good.
Why This Loan Specialist (Commercial) Job Matters
Join the USDA Rural Development team and drive economic prosperity across Florida by managing essential loan and grant portfolios that revitalize our rural communities.
Loan Specialist (Commercial) Job Overview
The USDA Rural Development (RD) agency is seeking a dedicated and analytical professional to serve as a Commercial Loan Specialist. In this role, you will play a critical part in the administration of financial programs that support infrastructure, housing, and community facility development. You will work within a collaborative, fast-paced environment where your expertise in financial analysis and credit risk assessment directly impacts the lives of rural Americans. This position offers the unique opportunity to balance technical loan processing with relationship building, helping local businesses and municipalities achieve long-term growth.
Requirements for Loan Specialist (Commercial)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Must be able to receive salary via direct deposit.
- Must successfully pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
- Required to serve a 1-year probationary or 2-year trial period.
- Resume must not exceed two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Loan Specialist (Commercial)
- Demonstrated experience in commercial or municipal loan making and servicing.
- Proven ability to perform independent financial analysis of business proposals and feasibility studies.
- Knowledge of credit principles and real estate appraisal practices.
- Ability to interpret and apply complex statutory regulations and agency policies.
- Strong communication skills for building relationships with community and civic leaders.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Paid federal holidays
- ✓Federal retirement pension plan and supplemental savings (TSP)
- ✓Flexible work arrangements and alternative schedules
- ✓Life insurance and long-term care insurance options
💡 How to Apply Loan Specialist (Commercial) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Loan Specialist (Commercial) Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement details carefully.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, highlighting relevant financial and loan experience.
- Click the Apply Online button to access the official portal.
- Complete all required questionnaires and application forms.
- Upload necessary documentation, including transcripts and SF-50s if applicable.
- Submit your application by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.
- Complete any required USA Hire Assessments if notified after submission.
💡 General Tips
- Double-check that your resume is strictly limited to two pages; exceeding this will disqualify you.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are in accepted formats (PDF, TXT, DOC, etc.) and under 5MB.
- Use the USA Hire Applicant Resource Center to practice before your assessment.
- Verify that your SF-50 clearly shows your highest grade held and competitive service status if you are a federal employee.
- Check your USAJOBS account status frequently for notifications regarding assessment links or interview requests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Commercial Loan Specialist?
You will manage, coordinate, and administer loan and grant portfolios, analyze eligibility based on USDA regulations, and make recommendations for loan approvals to support rural community development.
Are there education requirements for this position?
For GS-11, education may be substituted for experience in finance, business, or accounting fields. For GS-12, there is no education substitution; specialized experience is mandatory.
Can I work remotely?
This position is eligible for telework according to agency policy, though it is not a fully remote position and requires being based out of a specific State Office location.
Do I need a finance degree?
While a degree in finance, business, or economics is highly relevant, the GS-11 level allows for education substitution, whereas the GS-12 level focuses heavily on professional experience.
Is there a security clearance?
Yes, you must be able to pass a background investigation and credit report check.
Job from Agriculture, Rural Development
The USDA Rural Development agency works tirelessly to bring essential infrastructure and economic support to rural areas. By providing over 80 loan and grant programs, the agency facilitates the development of water and sewer systems, housing, health clinics, and business opportunities. With a workforce of nearly 4,000, the USDA offers a supportive, professional environment where your work directly contributes to the sustainability of rural America.