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 rural community? The Farm Service Agency (FSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), is currently seeking a motivated professional to serve as a Loan Assistant or Loan Specialist in Florence, South Carolina. This role is a vital link in ensuring that farmers and ranchers have the capital needed to build successful, sustainable operations.
About the Farm Service Agency
The FSA is dedicated to helping American agricultural producers achieve their goals. By providing loans, credit, and conservation programs, the agency acts as a safety net and a catalyst for growth in rural areas. Working here means joining a diverse team committed to service, integrity, and the long-term health of American agriculture.
Job Responsibilities
As a Loan Specialist, your daily activities will be diverse and impactful. Key responsibilities include:
- Financial Analysis: Evaluating loan applications, credit reports, and supporting financial documentation to assess risk and feasibility.
- Loan Servicing: Managing an existing portfolio of agricultural loans and providing ongoing supervision to borrower accounts.
- Client Counseling: Providing technical advice to applicants regarding land development, farm organization, and rural enterprise management.
- Collaboration: Maintaining professional relationships with local banks, commercial institutions, and other federal or state agencies.
Qualifications
To be successful in this role, you must demonstrate a mix of formal education and specialized experience. The position is graded from GS-07 to GS-11, with qualifications varying by grade level. Generally, candidates should have:
- Knowledge of loan examining principles and credit risk assessment.
- An understanding of farm operations, land use, and crop/livestock market conditions.
- Relevant undergraduate or graduate degree work in finance, business, economics, or agriculture.
Grade Level Comparison
| Feature | GS-07 Entry Level | GS-11 Advanced Level |
|---|---|---|
| Experience Requirement | Basic knowledge of loan principles | Advanced knowledge/loan approval authority |
| Education Path | Bachelor degree or 1 year grad study | Ph.D. or 3 years of graduate education |
| Responsibility | Assisting with preliminary inquiries | Full authority for loan processing |
Benefits
Federal employment offers a robust suite of benefits designed to support your total well-being. These include:
- Work-Life Balance: Telework eligibility and flexible work schedules.
- Insurance: Access to competitive health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans.
- Retirement: A stable pension system combined with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is similar to a 401(k).
- Leave: Ample paid vacation and sick leave, plus federal holidays.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should prepare a concise, two-page resume. Ensure all required documentation, including college transcripts, is ready for upload. Remember that you must complete the USA Hire assessment as part of the application process. Set aside enough time to complete these assessments, as failing to do so will result in an incomplete application.
The role of a Loan Specialist in Florence is more than just a desk job—it is a position that sustains the agricultural heritage of South Carolina. If you have the financial acumen and the desire to make a difference, we encourage you to apply before the closing date. Join the FSA team and help support the backbone of the American economy.
Why This Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (Agrl) Job Matters
Take the lead in shaping the future of South Carolina agriculture by supporting the financial success of local farmers as a Loan Specialist with the Farm Service Agency.
Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (Agrl) Job Overview
The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is seeking a dedicated Loan Assistant or Loan Specialist to join our team in Florence, South Carolina. In this role, you will play a critical part in helping the Farm Loan Manager administer agricultural credit programs, ensuring that local farmers and ranchers have the financial resources necessary to maintain productive operations. This is an exceptional opportunity to build a stable federal career while directly contributing to the well-being of the rural economy.
Requirements for Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (Agrl)
- Must be a U.S. Citizen or U.S. National.
- Must meet Selective Service registration requirements if born after December 31, 1959.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance/suitability background check.
- Completion of a 1-year probationary period.
- Ability to perform continuous automated record checks as part of the Trusted Workforce 2.0 program.
- Must be able to accept federal salary via direct deposit.
- Must successfully pass the E-Verify employment process.
- Submission of OGE-450 Confidential Financial Disclosure Report.
- Ability to provide proof of Agricultural Loan Approval Authority (required for GS-11 grade level).
Preferred Qualifications for Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (Agrl)
- Experience in financial analysis for agricultural, commercial, or mortgage lending.
- Demonstrated knowledge of farm operations, land valuation, and local crop/livestock markets.
- Superior Academic Achievement (GPA of 3.0+ or upper third of class) for entry-level eligibility.
- Proven experience managing loan portfolios or conducting credit risk assessments.
- Strong interpersonal skills for maintaining relationships with lenders and rural community members.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary with potential for increases.
- ✓Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Paid federal holidays.
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options.
- ✓Federal retirement and supplemental savings plan (TSP).
- ✓Family-friendly environment and professional development support.
💡 How to Apply Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (Agrl) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Loan Assistant/Loan Specialist (Agrl) Job
- Review the full announcement details and requirements on the official job portal.
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, focusing on relevant duties and accomplishments.
- Submit your application and required questionnaires via the online application button.
- Complete the required USA Hire Assessments within the designated window after submission.
- Upload all necessary supporting documentation, including transcripts and SF-50 forms if currently a federal employee.
- Monitor your application status through the job portal account dashboard.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; any longer and you will be disqualified.
- Ensure your transcripts are legible and include all relevant course information to avoid delays.
- Start the USA Hire assessment as soon as you receive the link; it takes 1-2 hours, and you must meet the cut score.
- If you have a disability, request reasonable accommodation for the assessment before you begin the test.
- Double-check that all uploaded files are under 5MB and in accepted formats like PDF or Word.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary role of a Loan Specialist at the FSA?
You will assist in administering farm loan programs, which involves reviewing applications, providing financial counseling to borrowers, and supervising loan portfolios.
Are there telework opportunities for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework as determined by agency policy.
What is the maximum page length for the resume?
Your resume must not exceed two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.