Agricultural Lending Officer

Date: 12/9/24

Job title: Agricultural Lender

Classification: Exempt

Location: Any one of the following branch locations: Nebraska City, Oakland, IA or Sidney, IA – in office daily

Hours: M-F 8-5, evenings/weekends as necessary

Reports to: Ag Lending Manager

POSITION SUMMARY: Responsible for making and servicing loan activity for (either/and/or agricultural, commercial, or real estate) loans. Under the direction of manager, responsible for origination, underwriting and closing loans in accordance with established lending objectives, policies and procedures. Assists management in making recommendations to overall loan objective, policies and procedures. Provides advice and guidance to others engaged in loan activity to ensure that loans are properly processed and that adequate controls are maintained. Every transaction should be viewed as an opportunity for new business development by making the customer aware of any product or service that may be of benefit to them. In addition to one-on-one contact, customer referrals will be made on an on-going basis as an integral part of the sales process, enabling Arbor Bank to further develop relationship banking.

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person assigned to this position. It is not stated or implied that these are the only duties assigned. The person holding this position will be required to perform any other job-related duties requested by management. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Essential duties and responsibilities are intended to describe those functions that are essential to the performance of this position.

Identify potential lending opportunities and participate in the development and implementation of plans and programs to respond to these opportunities.

• Receive and process all types of loan applications using all available programs to help enhance or guarantee loans processed.
• Collects and analyzes information regarding the customer’s income, assets, investments or debts to determine which financial product best meets their needs.
• Advises the customer regarding their financial position.
• Correspond with or interview applicant or creditors to resolve questions regarding the application
• Communicate loan decisions to applicants, including rationale for decisions, and assures necessary supporting documents are prepared.
• Review and evaluate customer applications for lines of credit or lines of credit extensions; authorize or recommend the approval of applications in accordance with established guidelines and policies.
• Provide assistance to co-workers with difficult internal problems or customer inquiries or problems. Ensure prompt and courteous response to customer inquiries.
• Direct and participate in the closing of approved Ag loan agreements; ensure that all required closing documents are prepared and processed.
• Monitor and review assigned ag loans on a regular and continuing basis; identify problem or delinquent loan accounts or those having an adverse impact on Bank profitability; initiate appropriate corrective actions on delinquent accounts on a timely basis.
• Minimize past due loans by ensuring safety and soundness through special attention to past due and questionable credits.
• Visit “prospective” clients to develop new business in a development call program.
• Visit existing clients to evaluate collateral and develop long-term relationships.
• Solicit new customers and represent the bank in community activities.
• Cross sell bank products and services and makes referrals to other bank personnel.
• Assist management with research, development and implementation of new products, or special projects and committees.
• Manage assigned portfolio.
• May be asked to travel to other branch locations to assist in loan officer duties as needed.
• Provides prompt and effective service to internal and external customers.
• Demonstrate commitment, dependability, and respect for other team members with regular and predictable attendance, punctuality, and adherence to agreed-upon schedule of availability.
• Perform physical requirements as described in the Physical Requirements section

Other

• Maintains advanced knowledge and awareness of financial and economical industry status and trends.
• Actively upholds the organization’s vision, mission and values, encompassing mutual respect, honoring commitments, working with integrity and accepting responsibility for own actions.
• Demonstrates knowledge of and adherence to EEO policy, shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences, promotes working environment free of harassment of any type.
• Assures compliance with all Bank policies and procedures, as well as all applicable state and federal banking regulations.
• Has a strong commitment and dedication to internal and external customer service.
• Accepts other responsibilities as assigned to help embrace Arbor Bank’s values.

Skills & Abilities

• Education: Bachelor’s degree with emphasis in business, finance and/or agriculture.
• Experience: Ag lending experience preferred, but equivalent experience in sales, credit analysis and customer service will be considered.

Physical demands

The physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting and driving.

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Physical ability to visit farming operations for inspections
• Occasionally lifting or carrying objects less than 15 lbs.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Communicating by means of spoken word to impart oral information to convey detailed spoken instructions to other workers, clients, & the public accurately, loudly and/or quickly.
• Constant repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.
• Clear vision at approximately 20” or less, including use of computers, mid-range and 20’ or more.
• Ability to hear, understand, and distinguish speech in person, over the telephone, computer and/or remote speech.
• Reaching or extending hand(s), arm(s) in any direction, straightening arm(s) and elbow(s) and engaging the shoulders(s).
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Work environment: The incumbent works in an office environment that is not substantially exposed to adverse environmental conditions such as heat, cold, or extreme noise. Seasonally works outside of the office on farms which may include environmental conditions such as cold, heat, uneven ground.