Lead the Way in Agricultural Finance: Supervisory Loan Specialist Opportunity with the Farm Service Agency

Are you a seasoned professional with a deep understanding of agricultural finance and a passion for supporting American farmers? The Farm Service Agency (FSA), an integral part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is actively seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the critical role of Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agrl) at the GS-13 grade level. This leadership position offers the unique opportunity to guide and shape the farm loan programs administered through USDA Service Centers across a state, ensuring vital financial assistance reaches those who cultivate our nation's food and fiber. With a competitive salary and the flexibility of location negotiation, this role represents a significant career advancement for dedicated finance and agriculture experts.

About the Farm Service Agency (FSA)

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) plays a pivotal role in the American agricultural landscape, providing essential support to farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners. As a vital component of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), FSA is committed to strengthening this sector through a comprehensive suite of programs, including price support, commodity, conservation, credit, and disaster assistance. The agency champions a culture of inclusivity and support, recognizing that a diverse workforce is key to understanding and serving the diverse needs of the agricultural community. FSA offers a rewarding career path with a strong emphasis on work-life balance, providing generous benefits and a professional environment where employees can build fulfilling careers while contributing to the nation's food security and economic well-being.

Job Responsibilities: Guiding Agricultural Lending Excellence

As a Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agrl), you will be entrusted with significant leadership responsibilities, overseeing the farm loan programs within a state from the Kansas State Office. Your primary duties will encompass:

• Strategic Planning and Program Development: You will be instrumental in planning and developing new directives and procedures, ensuring the effective interpretation and implementation of evolving program management requirements.
• Program Oversight and Evaluation: Directing the comprehensive evaluation of farm loan programs across the state is a core function. This involves ensuring that FSA offices provide high-quality assistance to applicants and borrowers, offering adequate counseling services, and maintaining prompt processing of loan applications.
• Loan Review and Compliance: You will lead the State Office review of loans approved by Service Center staff, meticulously ensuring adherence to established policies and procedural requirements.
• Team Leadership and Supervision: Providing direct technical and administrative supervision to a team of loan specialists, appraisers, assistants, and support staff is essential. This includes assigning and reviewing work, conducting performance evaluations, and counseling employees on both work-related and administrative matters.
• Financial Guidance: Ascertaining and analyzing borrower financial capacity, evaluating economic conditions affecting loan risks, and providing seasoned judgment in financial management guidance to agricultural borrowers will be crucial.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this critical role, candidates must meet the following eligibility and qualification criteria by the application closing date:

Basic Requirement:

A major study in fields such as finance, business administration, economics, accounting, insurance, engineering, mathematics, banking and credit, law, real estate operations, statistics, or related agricultural fields like agricultural economics, farm/livestock/ranch management, or rural sociology. Alternatively, specialized experience demonstrating competence in agricultural, commercial, realty, or other types of loans is required.

Specialized Experience (GS-13):

At least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 federal grade level. This experience must demonstrate competence in agricultural lending, including:

• Reviewing and approving applications for a wide variety of agricultural operations (e.g., sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations).
• Servicing an agricultural loan portfolio for a financial institution.
• Providing financial management guidance to agricultural borrowers.
• Analyzing borrower financial capacity and evaluating economic conditions affecting loan risk.
• Possessing a deep understanding of farm financing, credit, farm operations, land use, crop/livestock production, and local market conditions.

General Requirements:

• U.S. Citizenship or National status.
• Selective Service registration for males born after 12/31/1959 (or exemption).
• Ability to pass a background investigation and/or fingerprint check.
• Successful completion of E-Verify employment verification.
• A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may apply.
• Submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
• Requirement to obtain and maintain Agricultural Loan Approval Authority.

Education Verification:

If qualifying based on education, official transcripts are required, verifying coursework from an accredited institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign education requires a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency.

Salary Overview

This Supervisory Loan Specialist position is classified at the GS-13 grade level, with an annual salary ranging from $106,437 to $138,370. The exact salary will be determined based on the selected candidate's qualifications, experience, and locality pay adjustments.

Benefits: Investing in Our Employees

The Farm Service Agency recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance and offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support its employees:

• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation) and sick leave accrual, plus paid federal holidays.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), offering a solid foundation for your future.
• Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): A supplemental retirement savings plan with potential government matching contributions.
• Insurance: A wide array of affordable health, dental, vision, and life insurance options.
• Flexible Spending Accounts: Pre-tax savings for healthcare and dependent care expenses.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Options for additional long-term care protection.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for continuous learning and career growth within the agency.

Application Process

Applying for this exciting opportunity is straightforward:

1. Review Announcement: Thoroughly read the entire job announcement and all instructions on USAJOBS.
2. Apply Online: Click the 'Apply Online' button on the USAJOBS listing.
3. Complete Application: Fill out the application form and answer all required questions accurately.
4. Upload Documents: Attach all necessary supporting documents, including your resume (maximum two pages) and transcripts (if applicable). Ensure documents are in an accepted format (PDF, Word, JPG, etc.) and under 5MB.
5. Submit: Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 28, 2026, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time.
6. Assessments: If required, you will receive instructions and a unique link to complete the USA Hire Assessments, typically within 48 hours after the announcement closes. Plan for 1-2 hours to complete these.
7. Track Status: Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Question	Answer
What is the grade level for this position?	This position is for the GS-13 grade level.
Is relocation assistance provided?	Relocation assistance is not explicitly mentioned in the announcement.
Can I apply if I am not a current federal employee?	Yes, the announcement indicates openings for career transition programs (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL) and internal agency candidates. Eligibility criteria for each path apply.
What are the typical work hours?	The position is full-time. Specific work schedules are determined by the agency and may offer flexibility.
Will I need to travel for this position?	The 'Travel Code' is listed as '1', indicating that occasional travel may be required for official duties.
What is the salary range for this position?	The annual salary for this position ranges from $106,437 to $138,370.
What happens after I submit my application?	After submission, your application will be reviewed for eligibility and qualifications. If you are required to take assessments, you will receive a separate notification with instructions and a deadline. You can track your status via USAJOBS.
Do I need to submit official transcripts initially?	An unofficial copy of transcripts is sufficient for the initial application if it includes all necessary course information. However, official transcripts will be required if you are selected for the position.

This Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agrl) position with the Farm Service Agency offers a challenging and rewarding career path for experienced professionals in agricultural finance. By leading a team and overseeing critical loan programs, you will directly contribute to the vitality and success of American agriculture. If you possess the required expertise, leadership skills, and dedication, we encourage you to apply and become an essential part of the USDA team.