Launch Your Career in Agricultural Finance with the Farm Service Agency

Are you looking for a career that combines financial expertise with a passion for supporting the backbone of the American economy? The Farm Service Agency (FSA), part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is offering a unique opportunity to serve as an Agricultural Loan Specialist in Franklin, Texas. This position is vital to ensuring that local farmers and ranchers have access to the credit and resources necessary to sustain their operations.

Job Responsibilities

As a Loan Specialist, you will act as a bridge between the USDA's resources and the local agricultural community. Key responsibilities include:

Credit Counseling: Guiding loan applicants through the process and providing advice on financial management.
Financial Analysis: Evaluating the solvency and credit risk of agricultural operations, ranging from small family farms to more complex business structures.
Loan Oversight: Managing a portfolio of loans, ensuring compliance with federal agricultural regulations and credit standards.
Portfolio Management: Conducting site visits and appraisals to determine land value and production capacity.

Requirements

Candidates must demonstrate the technical knowledge required to manage complex agricultural financing. You will need to hold or have held Agricultural Loan Approval Authority, which is a mandatory requirement for this role. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. Citizens, pass a background security check, and fulfill the necessary educational or experiential milestones at the GS-11 level.

Salary Overview

The position offers a competitive salary consistent with federal GS-11 pay standards:

Position Level	Salary Range
GS-11	$74,678 – $97,087

Benefits

The USDA offers a comprehensive suite of benefits designed to support you and your family:

Health & Wellness: Extensive health, dental, and vision coverage.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Flexibility: Telework options and flexible scheduling to help maintain a healthy balance between home and career.
Growth: Structured promotion paths and continuous learning opportunities.

Application Tips

To succeed in your application, focus on the details. Your resume must be concise, as any submission exceeding two pages will result in immediate disqualification. Ensure your application clearly details your experience with agricultural loan approvals and financial analysis. Double-check that all uploaded documents, such as transcripts, are legible and in the correct file format.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What if I have foreign education? A: You must provide a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency and ensure your transcripts are translated into English.

Q: Is a security clearance required? A: This position requires a Moderate Risk (MR) background check and financial disclosure.

Becoming a Loan Specialist with the Farm Service Agency is a rewarding way to apply your financial talents to the vital agricultural industry. If you meet the criteria and are ready to serve the Franklin community, we encourage you to submit your application package before the closing date. Your next career chapter starts here.

Why This Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters

Shape the future of American agriculture by managing vital loan programs that empower local farmers and ranchers in Franklin, Texas.

Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated Loan Specialist to join our team in Franklin, Robertson County, Texas. This pivotal role involves providing expert technical advice and credit counseling to agricultural producers. You will play a central role in supporting the financial health of our farming community by managing loan portfolios, conducting thorough financial analyses, and approving credit to help farmers achieve their operational goals.

Requirements for Loan Specialist (Agricultural)

Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
Must possess or have possessed Agricultural Loan Approval Authority (Mandatory Selective Placement Factor for GS-11).
Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Willingness to serve a one-year probationary period.
Ability to maintain direct deposit for all federal compensation.
Completion of a financial disclosure report (OGE-450) upon appointment and annually.
Successful passage of an E-Verify employment check.

Preferred Qualifications for Loan Specialist (Agricultural)

One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level (or private sector equivalent) in agricultural, commercial, or mortgage loan operations.
Strong knowledge of agricultural production, financial risk assessment, and credit principles.
Proficiency in analyzing the solvency and repayment capacity of agricultural business structures.
Graduate-level education in finance, business administration, economics, accounting, or related fields.
Demonstrated ability to perform independent loan collection and portfolio servicing.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Federal retirement and supplemental savings (TSP) plans.
✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave accrual.
✓Paid federal holidays.
✓Flexible work schedules and telework eligibility.
✓Supportive work-life balance culture.
✓Life insurance and long-term care options.

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

Application Steps for Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job

Review the full job announcement and required documents checklist.
Prepare a resume that does not exceed the two-page limit.
Click the Apply Online button to initiate your submission.
Complete the mandatory questionnaires and assessments.
Upload required documents, such as transcripts and SF-50 forms, ensuring files are under 5MB.
Monitor your email for the unique USA Hire assessment link if applicable.
Submit your final application package before 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Provide official course syllabi if your academic background is specialized or unclear.
Ensure all uploaded documents are in accepted formats (PDF, TXT, DOC, etc.) and are not encrypted.
Set aside 1–2 hours in a quiet environment to complete the USA Hire assessment once prompted.
Verify that your documents transfer successfully from your USAJOBS profile to the agency staffing system.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this position?

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

What is the mandatory selection factor for this role?

At the GS-11 level, all applicants must possess or have previously held Agricultural Loan Approval Authority.

What happens if my resume exceeds the two-page limit?

Per the announcement requirements, applicants who submit a resume longer than two pages will be removed from consideration.

Job from Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency is committed to the success of American agriculture. By providing credit programs, disaster assistance, and commodity supports, the FSA helps rural communities thrive. Joining the FSA means becoming part of a dedicated team that prioritizes both professional growth and work-life balance. We foster an inclusive environment where your contributions directly impact the health of our nation's agricultural sector.