Advance Your Career as a Supervisory Loan Specialist with the USDA
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is looking for a dynamic financial leader to join their team in Chamberlain, South Dakota. If you possess a strong background in agricultural lending and are ready to take on a supervisory role that directly supports the stability of American farms, this position is for you. This role is a cornerstone of the FSA’s mission, bridging the gap between federal resources and the agricultural producers who feed our nation.
Job Responsibilities
As a Supervisory Loan Specialist, you will act as the technical authority on Farm Loan Programs within the serviced region. Your daily duties will include:
- Leadership: Managing and directing subordinate staff in the processing, servicing, and liquidation of agricultural loans.
- Financial Authority: Exercising delegated loan approval authority to facilitate critical credit decisions.
- Community Engagement: Representing the agency at public meetings and performing outreach to various farming associations.
- Technical Oversight: Analyzing farm operations, land use, and market pricing to assess the viability of loan applications.
Requirements
To qualify for this position, candidates must demonstrate a deep understanding of financial and agricultural operations. Key requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Successful completion of a background investigation.
- Proof of Agricultural Loan Approval Authority.
- Adherence to federal employment standards, including direct deposit and E-Verify.
Qualifications Comparison
| Requirement Level | Focus Area | Experience Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Basic | General Finance | Gathering/analyzing financial facts |
| Specialized | Agricultural Lending | Reviewing/servicing farm loan portfolios |
| Supervisory | Management | Directing staff and managing loan authorities |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $89,508 to $116,362 per year, commensurate with your experience and grade level. Beyond the salary, the federal government offers a robust benefits package, including:
- Comprehensive Insurance: Health, dental, vision, and life options.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous annual/sick leave, paid holidays, and telework flexibility.
- Retirement: Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Application Tips
To maximize your chances, ensure your resume is concise—the absolute limit is two pages. Tailor your descriptions to highlight how your experience in commercial or agricultural lending aligns with the major duties listed in the announcement. Double-check that all uploaded documents are in a standard, readable format and reach the system before the closing date.
Serving as a Supervisory Loan Specialist in Chamberlain is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the agricultural heritage of South Dakota. With strong career growth potential and a mission that truly matters, this position is an excellent opportunity for experienced financial professionals. Review the full requirements and submit your application by November 6, 2026.
Why This Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Matters
Shape the future of American agriculture by leading critical loan programs that support the backbone of our economy in the heart of South Dakota.
Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job Overview
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated and experienced professional to serve as a Supervisory Loan Specialist in Chamberlain, South Dakota. This leadership role is vital to the administration of Farm Loan Programs, where you will guide a team in managing financial portfolios, evaluating agricultural loan applications, and providing essential credit services to rural operations. If you are passionate about agricultural finance and community development, this position offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the success of local farmers and ranchers.
Requirements for Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural)
- U.S. Citizenship or National status.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service (if born after 12/31/1959).
- Satisfactory background investigation and fingerprint check.
- Completion of a 1-year supervisory probationary period.
- Submission of a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-450) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
- Possession of Agricultural Loan Approval Authority at the GS-11 level.
- Current federal employees must meet time-in-grade requirements of 52 weeks at the next lower grade level.
Preferred Qualifications for Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural)
- Advanced competence in agricultural, commercial, or mortgage loan servicing.
- Proven experience in financial analysis for investment or lending purposes.
- Technical knowledge of farm operations, land valuation, and production marketing cycles.
- Demonstrated ability to lead staff and manage complex loan portfolios.
- Strong communication skills for outreach and public meetings with agricultural associations.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Retirement savings plan with government contributions.
- ✓Flexible spending accounts and long-term care insurance.
- ✓Supportive and inclusive work culture.
💡 How to Apply Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Supervisory Loan Specialist (Agricultural) Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less.
- Gather supporting documents such as transcripts and SF-50 forms if applicable.
- Click the Apply button on the official portal to complete the assessment questionnaire.
- Upload all required documentation in a non-encrypted, non-portfolio format (PDF, Word, etc.).
- Monitor your email for status updates and requests for further evaluation or interviews.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must clearly highlight your experience in agricultural lending; ensure your work history includes hours per week and specific dates.
- Check your USAJOBS profile settings to ensure email notifications are enabled.
- Verify that your uploaded documents transfer correctly to the agency portal.
- Keep your resume strictly under the two-page limit to avoid automatic removal from consideration.
- Submit your application well before the 11:59 p.m. ET deadline on November 6, 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary responsibility of this position?
The Supervisory Loan Specialist serves as the technical authority for Farm Loan Programs, overseeing staff in processing and servicing loans, and conducting outreach to the agricultural community.
Is this position eligible for telework?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework in accordance with current agency policies.
What documentation do I need if I am a current federal employee?
You must provide your most recent non-award SF-50 and a performance appraisal dated within the last 18 months.
Job from Farm Service Agency
The Farm Service Agency is a critical component of the USDA, dedicated to delivering essential programs that ensure a healthy, sustainable agricultural economy. Working for the FSA means joining a team that values public service, professional development, and a balanced, collaborative work environment. Employees enjoy comprehensive federal benefits and the knowledge that their daily work impacts the livelihood of ranchers and farmers across the country.