Launch Your Career in Agricultural Finance with the USDA
Are you looking for a career that combines financial expertise with a commitment to supporting rural American communities? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently hiring a Loan Specialist (Agricultural) in Franklin, Texas. This position is a unique opportunity to directly impact the financial stability of regional farms and agricultural operations while enjoying the robust benefits of federal employment.
Job Responsibilities
As a Loan Specialist, you will act as a bridge between the government’s credit programs and the farmers who need them. Your day-to-day duties will include:
- Providing technical credit counseling to applicants and existing borrowers.
- Evaluating loan applications and utilizing delegated approval authority to make financial decisions.
- Analyzing credit risk and the long-term solvency of agricultural operations.
- Monitoring land use, commodity values, and market trends to ensure sound financial management.
Requirements
To be eligible for this position, applicants must meet specific federal standards, including:
- Citizenship: You must be a U.S. Citizen.
- Experience: One year of specialized experience at the GS-9 level in agricultural lending or financial management.
- Authority: Proof of previous Agricultural Loan Approval Authority is mandatory.
- Assessments: Completion of the USA Hire assessment is a required step for all applicants.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $74,678 - $97,087 (Per Year) |
| Job Grade | GS-11 |
| Location | Franklin, Texas |
| Status | Full-time, Permanent |
Beyond the salary, the federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement planning (FERS), and paid leave.
Application Tips
- Keep it Concise: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Over-length resumes lead to automatic rejection.
- Focus on Specialized Experience: Explicitly detail your loan portfolio management and credit analysis work in your resume.
- Prepare for Assessments: The USA Hire assessment is critical. Utilize the practice resources on the OPM website to familiarize yourself with the format.
If you have the financial acumen and the heart to serve our nation's farming communities, this Loan Specialist position offers a rewarding path forward. Ensure your application is thorough, keep your resume within the page limit, and prepare to demonstrate your expertise in agricultural finance.
Why This Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters
Support the backbone of the American economy and help rural agriculture flourish by joining the USDA Farm Service Agency as a Loan Specialist.
Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview
The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated Loan Specialist for our Franklin, Texas office. In this vital role, you will assist the Farm Loan Manager in delivering essential financial services to local farmers and ranchers. You will play a direct role in maintaining the health of the agricultural sector by providing expert guidance, performing financial analysis, and managing credit portfolios for diverse farming operations.
Requirements for Loan Specialist (Agricultural)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-9 level.
- Must possess current or past Agricultural Loan Approval Authority.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with the Selective Service.
- Must pass a background investigation, fingerprint check, and E-Verify employment verification.
- Required to serve a 1-year probationary period.
- Must submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) annually.
Preferred Qualifications for Loan Specialist (Agricultural)
- Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in finance, business, economics, accounting, or agricultural management.
- Extensive experience in analyzing complex agricultural credit risks.
- Deep understanding of agricultural production practices and regional market dynamics.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive Federal Salary
- ✓Comprehensive Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- ✓Retirement and Supplemental Savings Plans
- ✓Paid Vacation and Sick Leave
- ✓Paid Federal Holidays
- ✓Flexible Work Schedules and Telework Options
- ✓Life Insurance and Long-Term Care Programs
💡 How to Apply Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account and review the full announcement.
- Prepare your federal-style resume, ensuring it does not exceed two pages.
- Gather your educational transcripts and proof of any previous loan approval authority.
- Complete the online application via the USAJOBS platform.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessment within the designated window.
- Monitor your email for notifications regarding status updates or interview requests.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is strictly two pages or less; longer resumes will result in disqualification.
- Detail your specialized experience clearly, linking your past responsibilities to agricultural lending.
- Submit all required documents, including unofficial transcripts, during the initial application phase.
- Set aside at least 1-2 hours of uninterrupted time to complete the USA Hire Assessments.
- Verify that your uploaded documents are not encrypted and are in standard file formats like PDF or TXT.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a security clearance required for this position?
While a traditional security clearance is not required, this position is a Moderate Risk role subject to continuous vetting and background checks.
Can I work remotely?
This position is located in Franklin, Texas, and is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.
What is the page limit for the resume?
The resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Any application with a resume exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.
What is the probation period?
New hires must serve a one-year probationary period to evaluate performance and conduct.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?
Yes, though you must meet all minimum eligibility and qualification requirements for the GS-11 level.
Job from Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency is an integral part of the USDA, dedicated to the success of American agriculture. FSA provides financial support to farmers and ranchers, helping them overcome the challenges of fluctuating markets and environmental factors. As a federal employee with the FSA, you become part of a mission-driven team that values diversity, professional growth, and a healthy work-life balance.