Agricultural Lending Specialist

AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners, and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States.

We are part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

Our mission is to champion the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society.

We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are seeking a Relationship Manager I, II, or III to join our Lending Department in Imperial Valley, California.

This full-time position reports to the Vice President-Portfolio Manager and provides analysis, guidance, and approvals on loans of various size and complexity to member-borrowers.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule and one-time home office stipend after the initial training period.

• Evaluate and analyze commercial and real estate loan applications and recommend loan approvals and denials.
• Responsible for existing credit risk assessment and management on loans within area of responsibility.
• Conduct/complete complex credit analysis.
• Establish loan structure and terms, conditions and covenants, and collateral requirements consistent with the credit request and associated risks. Set clear expectations with the customer.
• Assist senior-level credit officers with complex loan applications as necessary.
• Develop and maintain a significant professional presence throughout the assigned territory.
• Material participation in business development activities, originate new loans, pursue new credit relationships, and maintain/expand existing customer relations.

• Bachelor's degree in business or ag-related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Ability to establish rapport with, and develop and maintain the confidence of, customers and prospective customers.
• Ability to read or learn to read audited financial statements, legal opinions, tax records, and other financials.
• Demonstrated computer skills and experience with Microsoft Office Suites.
• Ability to travel to perform certain required duties.
• Valid driver's license.

• Bachelor's degree in Agribusiness, Business, Accounting, Economics, or related field with at least five years of relevant work experience.
• Broad knowledge of credit and financing alternatives and the ability to analyze all components on standard and complex credit.
• Demonstrated decision-making skills as well as strong interpersonal, communication, customer service, and team skills.
• Effective problem-solving skills as well as effective negotiating, influencing, and marketing skills.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company).
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 11 holidays, and 3 volunteer.
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution).
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Wellness Program.
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest
• Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from diverse candidates.

We collect personal identifiers from your resume and other application information to evaluate job applicants for hiring opportunities and communicate with them.

We track our applicants by gender, race/ethnicity, veteran status, disability status, and the position for which they applied to comply with federal regulations for equal employment opportunity and affirmative action (EEO/AA).