Elevate Your Career: Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) at the USDA

Are you a finance professional with a background in agriculture? Do you want to take your expertise to the federal level? The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is currently hiring a Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) to provide leadership in the Farm Loan Program. This role is an exceptional opportunity to influence agricultural economic stability while enjoying the benefits of a federal career.

Job Responsibilities

As a Supervisory Loan Specialist, you will serve as a subject matter expert on farm finance. Your key responsibilities will include:

Program Oversight: Directing and evaluating farm loan programs administered through USDA Service Centers.
Policy Guidance: Developing state-level policy and guidelines that align with national standards.
Loan Approval: Exercising delegated loan approval authority to facilitate critical financial support for farming enterprises.
Mentorship: Providing technical guidance and fostering collaboration between government and private agricultural entities.

Comparison: Standard Lending vs. FSA Agricultural Loan Management

Feature	Standard Commercial Lending	FSA Agricultural Loan Management
Primary Focus	Profitability & Risk Mitigation	Economic Stability & Producer Support
Client Base	General Business/Consumer	Agricultural Operations (Farms/Ranches)
Regulation	General Banking Standards	Specialized USDA/Federal Program Policy
Impact	Individual Portfolio Growth	National Food & Agricultural Resilience

Requirements

To succeed in this role, you must meet several key federal requirements:

Citizenship: Must be a U.S. Citizen.
Selective Service: If applicable, you must be registered.
Loan Authority: You must hold or have previously held agricultural loan approval authority.
Probation: A 1-year supervisory probationary period is required.

Salary and Benefits

This position is graded at the GS-13 level, offering an annual salary range of $106,437 to $156,715. Beyond the salary, the federal package includes comprehensive health coverage, a robust retirement plan, and paid time off.

How to Apply

Review the full announcement requirements carefully.
Ensure your resume is exactly two pages or less.
Complete the USA Hire Assessments when notified.
Submit all required documents, including SF-50s if you are a current federal employee.

The role of a Supervisory Loan Specialist at the FSA is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the American farmer. If you have the experience and the passion to lead in the agricultural financial sector, we encourage you to submit your application by the closing date.

Why This Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters

Shape the future of American agriculture by providing vital financial expertise as a Supervisory Loan Specialist with the USDA Farm Service Agency.

Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a seasoned financial expert for a Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) position. This role focuses on overseeing farm loan programs, providing technical guidance on complex agricultural financial matters, and ensuring effective stewardship of federal resources. You will influence agricultural policy and program implementation while providing leadership to dedicated teams. This position offers a unique chance to combine financial analysis with a mission-driven career that directly supports the resilience of America's farming communities.

Requirements for Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural)

U.S. Citizenship or National status.
Registration with the Selective Service for males born after December 31, 1959.
Successful completion of a background investigation and fingerprint check.
Must possess or have previously held Agricultural Loan Approval Authority.
Completion of a 1-year supervisory/managerial probationary period.
Willingness to submit a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) annually.
Ability to maintain a credit report and National Agency Check and Inquiry (NACI) standards.

Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural)

Experience in managing diverse agricultural loan portfolios for banks or lending associations.
Strong understanding of farm operations, land valuation, and commodity market pricing.
Proven history of providing expert financial guidance to complex borrowers including partnerships and corporations.
Comprehensive knowledge of federal or commercial agricultural lending regulations.
Demonstrated ability to mentor staff and manage program compliance across multiple districts or regions.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Participation in the federal retirement and supplemental savings plan (Thrift Savings Plan).
✓Flexible work schedules and telework options.
✓Supportive and diverse professional work environment.
✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement.

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

Application Steps for Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job

Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, detailing your relevant agricultural loan experience.
Click the Apply Online button to initiate your submission through the official portal.
Complete all required questionnaires and assessments within the provided timeframes.
Upload necessary documentation, including transcripts (if applicable) and recent SF-50 forms for current federal employees.
Submit your final package before the 11:59 PM (ET) deadline on the closing date.
Check your USAJOBS application status page for updates and to confirm assessment completion.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume strictly to two pages or less to avoid automatic disqualification.
Ensure your narrative clearly highlights your experience with agricultural loan approval authority.
Test your document formats (PDF or Word) and confirm they are under 5MB before uploading.
Set aside 1-2 hours for the USA Hire assessment; you can save your progress and return if necessary.
Enable email notifications in your USAJOBS account to stay updated on critical deadlines and status changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the mandatory selective placement factor?

All applicants must possess or have previously held Agricultural Loan Approval Authority to be considered for this role.

Is this position eligible for telework?

Yes, this role is eligible for telework as determined by current agency policies.

Can I update my application after I have submitted it?

Yes, you may edit your application through the USAJOBS portal as long as the announcement is still open.

Job from Farm Service Agency

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) plays a vital role in keeping American agriculture resilient and productive. As part of the Department of Agriculture, the FSA provides the necessary financial, technical, and regulatory support to ensure that farmers and ranchers can thrive. Working at the FSA means joining a mission-driven community that values diversity, professional development, and work-life balance.