Launch Your Career as an Agricultural Loan Specialist with the USDA

Are you looking to merge your passion for finance with a career that supports the backbone of the American economy? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently looking for a motivated Loan Specialist to join our team in Bangor, Maine. This is an excellent opportunity to impact the agricultural community directly while enjoying the security and benefits of a federal position.

Job Responsibilities

As a Loan Specialist, you will be the point person for agricultural producers seeking financial assistance. Your daily duties will include:

Loan Lifecycle Management: Making, servicing, and supervising loans to ensure compliance and financial viability.
Financial Counseling: Providing technical advice and credit guidance to help borrowers navigate complex financial landscapes.
Credit Analysis: Examining loan applications, supporting documentation, and credit reports to assess the fundamental soundness of individual loans.
Market Monitoring: Utilizing your knowledge of land use, crop production, and market prices to inform lending decisions.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive position, you must meet several federal eligibility standards:

Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
Background Check: You must be able to pass a background investigation and suitability check.
Experience/Education: Candidates must demonstrate specialized experience in agricultural or commercial lending, or possess relevant graduate-level education.
Selective Service: All male applicants born after 1959 must be registered for the Selective Service.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary range based on experience and grade level.

Grade Level	Salary Range (Annual)
GS-9 to GS-12	$61,722 - $116,362

Benefits

Working for the USDA provides a robust benefits package that supports you and your family, including:

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
Generous annual leave and sick time accumulation.
Retirement programs including the Thrift Savings Plan.
Flexible scheduling and telework options.

Application Tips

Applying for federal jobs requires precision. Follow these tips to maximize your chances:

Resume Limit: Do not exceed two pages. Longer resumes will cause your application to be rejected.
Highlight Key Skills: Focus on your loan approval experience and understanding of farm financing.
Complete Assessments: Do not ignore the USA Hire assessment invitation; it is a critical gatekeeper for your application.

If you have a background in agricultural finance and a desire to serve your community, the Loan Specialist role in Bangor offers a unique path to professional fulfillment. Apply today to begin your journey with the USDA.

Why This Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters

Shape the future of American agriculture by managing critical loan programs that support farmers and ranchers in Maine.

Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview

The USDA Farm Service Agency is seeking a dedicated Loan Specialist to join our team in Bangor, Maine. In this role, you will provide vital financial expertise and administrative oversight to agricultural producers. You will manage loan portfolios, guide applicants through credit requirements, and ensure the long-term success of farming operations within your designated area. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the financial health of the rural economy while building a stable, rewarding career within the federal government.

Requirements for Loan Specialist (Agricultural)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Must be registered with the Selective Service if born after 12/31/1959.
Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance (Moderate Risk).
Must complete a 1-year probationary period upon appointment.
Willingness to submit to background investigations and fingerprinting.
Mandatory completion of USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.
Must have or have had Agricultural Loan Approval Authority (required for GS-11 and GS-12).
Must be willing to receive salary via direct deposit.

Preferred Qualifications for Loan Specialist (Agricultural)

Professional experience in agricultural, commercial, or mortgage loan underwriting.
Solid understanding of farm management, land valuation, and agricultural market trends.
Advanced education (Graduate degree) in finance, accounting, economics, or agriculture-related fields.
Proven competency in financial analysis and portfolio management.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Federal Employee Retirement System (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (401k equivalent).
✓Flexible telework options based on agency policy.
✓Opportunities for career advancement and promotion potential.
✓Life and long-term care insurance options.

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

Application Steps for Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job

Review the full announcement carefully.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Click the Apply Online button and complete all mandatory questionnaires.
Upload required documents, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the provided timeframe.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal until the announcement closes.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume specifically highlights your experience with agricultural loan portfolios to meet the specialized experience requirements.
Check your documents before uploading to ensure they are under 5MB and in an acceptable format like PDF.
Set aside 1-2 hours for the USA Hire assessment and take it as early as possible within the window.
Double-check that all transcripts include course information and clearly demonstrate your education level.
Avoid using Adobe Portfolio documents, as they are not readable by the agency system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the promotion potential for this position?

This role is being filled at the GS-9 to GS-12 level, with a full promotion potential up to the GS-12 grade.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this position is eligible for telework according to agency policy.

What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?

Per the announcement guidelines, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will result in immediate disqualification.

Is relocation assistance offered?

*A: Relocation incentives may be authorized, but are not guaranteed.*

Do I need to be a federal employee to apply?

*A: This vacancy is open to those meeting the specific criteria listed in the announcement; please check the 'Who May Apply' section.*

Job from Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of American agriculture. Our agency provides a safety net for farmers and ranchers, ensuring they have the financial tools, credit, and resources necessary to sustain their operations. We pride ourselves on a diverse, inclusive, and professional environment that prioritizes work-life balance and career development.