Lending Trainee

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. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System - the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions 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 in search of a full-time Lending Trainee to train in Tempe, Arizona before working in one of our branch locations in Arizona (locations by state). This role will start training in June 2025. AgWest Trainees are expected to become experts in their field over time and enter an extensive training program to jump start this process. Combining designated trainers and interaction with experienced professionals, coupled with customer visits, classroom and virtual learning, networking opportunities and hands-on experience, you'll be prepared to launch your career at AgWest by the end of our structured, six-month Training Program.

Compensation Information

The base salary for this position is $62,000; bonus at target is 10% of salary

Relocation Assistance

Trainees receive $7,500 (gross) to relocate to their training location. Upon completion of the Training Program, Trainees are assigned to a career start location based on business needs at that time; this may or may not be their training location. If assigned to a career start location other than where they trained, Trainees will receive additional financial assistance. Candidates are asked to take this into consideration before applying.

Training Location

• Tempe, Arizona

Job Requirements

• Develop ability to evaluate the creditworthiness of individuals and businesses to assist in determining the likelihood that a borrower will be able to meet their financial obligations.
• Learn how to apply marketing skills and strategies through attending industry and customer events and participating on customer calls and site visits, as assigned.
• Develop an entrepreneurial business perspective by assisting relationship managers with helping customers identify challenges and find solutions to their capital needs.
• Fully participate and succeed in all required classes, projects, and educational opportunities, and successfully complete assigned Training Action Plan.
• Learn to review new credit applications, take in customer information (through interviews, in person and by phone), and input it into AgWest's loan system.
• Assist with applicant credit investigations, including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification, and asset and liability verification.
• Develop proficiency in reading audited financial statements, legal opinions, tax records and other financials.
• Learn to structure transactions and develop well written and meaningful credit recommendations.
• Participate in loan servicing activities such as renewals and monitoring loan portfolios including covenant compliance.
• Review loan documents prior to closings to ensure appropriate documentation is completed; may participate in loan closings.
• Establish rapport with and develop and maintain confidence of customers and prospective customers.
• Learn how to inspect and verify the existence, condition, and value of collateral.
• Assist in monitoring loan performance; this may include coordination with other teams and portfolio groups.
• Develop in-depth understanding of AgWest products and services.
• Develop ability to make quality credit decisions working with underwriting teams and through use of scorecard lending to ensure customer service, a high-quality loan portfolio and loan administration.
• Represent, communicate, and contribute to the values, purpose and mission of AgWest in all interactions with colleagues, customers, the public and others.

Minimum Requirements

• Status: Applicants who are currently pursuing degrees must be of Senior or Graduate Student status.
• Education: Pursuing or completion of a bachelor's degree in business, accounting, finance, ag economics, ag business, or related field.
• Experience: Two years of directly relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and preferred coursework.
• Preferred coursework: Finance, accounting, economics, farm and ranch management, business management, marketing and related courses.
• Skills: Effective written and verbal communication, analytical and computer skills, and teamwork demonstrated through involvement in extracurricular activities and outside work experience.
• An agricultural background is desirable.

Interested applicants must include their transcripts (unofficial okay) in their application. Cover letters are not required, however are appreciated and recommended.

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• 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.

Details about insurance and retirement benefits are available at: https://www.farmcreditfoundations.com/fcfbenefits

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation, national origin, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.