Launch Your Career in Agricultural Finance with the USDA
Are you looking for a career that combines financial analysis with public service? The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently hiring for a Loan Assistant/Specialist in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. This role offers a unique opportunity to directly impact the agricultural community while building a long-term career within the federal government.
Job Responsibilities
As a Loan Assistant/Specialist, you will serve as a vital link between the USDA and the agricultural community. Your primary duties will include:
- Application Review: Conducting interviews with applicants to evaluate eligibility for various farm loan programs.
- Technical Advice: Providing credit counseling and financial guidance to help borrowers succeed.
- Risk Assessment: Analyzing credit reports, financial documentation, and farm production data to assess loan soundness.
- Portfolio Management: Assisting the Farm Loan Manager in servicing ongoing loan portfolios.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements, including:
| Requirement Category | Standard |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a U.S. Citizen or National |
| Background | Must pass adjudication/fingerprint check |
| Probation | 1-year probationary period required |
| Education | Relevant degree or combination of experience/education |
Salary Overview
This position is graded on the General Schedule (GS) scale, with an annual salary range of $40,736 to $80,243, depending on qualifications and experience.
Benefits of Federal Service
FSA employees enjoy a robust compensation package designed to support both professional and personal needs:
- Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision plans
- Generous paid vacation and sick leave
- Federal retirement options including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Flexible telework arrangements
Application Tips
- Watch the Resume Length: Your resume must be two pages or fewer. Applications exceeding this are automatically disqualified.
- Documentation Accuracy: Ensure all transcripts are legible. If your courses have obscure titles, provide a syllabus.
- Assessment Readiness: Complete your USA Hire assessments as soon as the invite arrives to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
Working with the USDA Farm Service Agency is more than just a job; it is a chance to support the backbone of the American economy. If you possess the financial acumen and the desire to assist the agricultural sector, apply today to start your journey in Hopkinsville.
Why This Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters
Launch a meaningful career supporting American agriculture by joining the USDA Farm Service Agency as a Loan Assistant/Specialist in Kentucky.
Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview
The USDA Farm Service Agency is seeking a dedicated individual to join our team in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. In this role, you will work closely with the Farm Loan Manager to administer vital agricultural loan programs, providing technical guidance to farmers and ranchers while gaining hands-on experience in credit analysis and financial servicing.
Requirements for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
- Must complete a 1-year probationary period.
- Must have the ability to receive payments via direct deposit.
- Must pass an E-Verify employment verification check.
- Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of hire.
Preferred Qualifications for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural)
- Experience in agricultural, commercial, or mortgage loan processing.
- Strong background in financial analysis, credit risk assessment, or real estate appraisal.
- Academic background in finance, business administration, economics, or agriculture-related fields.
- Proficiency in evaluating farm operations and crop production cycles.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave
- ✓Federal holidays
- ✓Retirement and supplemental savings plans
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- ✓Flexible spending accounts
- ✓Long-term care insurance
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility
💡 How to Apply Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Loan Assistant/Specialist (Agricultural) Job
- Review the full job announcement carefully.
- Ensure your resume is limited to two pages.
- Gather academic transcripts or required federal employment documents.
- Apply online via the USDA/USA Staffing portal.
- Complete the required USA Hire assessment within the specified window.
- Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly under two pages to avoid disqualification.
- Ensure your transcript includes course titles and credit hours; if a title is ambiguous, provide a syllabus.
- Set aside 1-2 hours for the USA Hire assessment; do not wait until the last minute.
- Ensure all uploaded documents are under 5MB and in supported formats (PDF, JPG, etc.).
- Double-check that all required SF-50 forms are included if you are a current federal employee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit an unofficial transcript?
Yes, you may submit an unofficial copy for the initial application, but official transcripts will be required upon selection.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, the position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.
What happens if I miss the USA Hire assessment deadline?
Failure to complete the required assessment within the deadline will result in your application being removed from consideration.
Does this role require travel?
The position includes a travel code, meaning occasional travel may be necessary for training or field visits.
Can I apply if I am currently a federal employee?
Yes, internal candidates are encouraged to apply and must submit their most recent SF-50.
Job from Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is committed to building a vibrant and prosperous future for American agriculture. We support farmers, ranchers, and rural communities through a wide array of programs. Joining our team means entering an environment that values professional development, work-life balance, and a diverse culture.