Agricultural Loan Specialist

Job Title: Agricultral Loan Specialist

FT / PT Status - Full-time

Salary - $24.30 - $36.85
Remote Work / In-Office - HybridRecruiter - Christa Rowland|crowlan@utah.gov|801-538-4826
Application Deadline - 7-10-26

Job Description

This position, unique to the Utah Department of Agricultureand Food (UDAF), plays a key role in implementing the Agriculture ResourceDevelopment Loan (ARDL) and Rural Rehabilitation Loan programs, working incollaboration with other Loan Specialists and the Program Manager. Theincumbent will collaborate with UDAF staff, Conservation Districts, and otherpartners to process, evaluate, underwrite, and recommend approval of loanapplications to the Utah Conservation Commission and the Agricultural Advisory Board.Responsibilities include reviewing and making decisions regarding income,credit, appraisals, title reports, and water rights to ensure proper collateralvaluation and loan security, securing collateral, and servicing fundedloans-handling disbursements, posting payments, evaluating modificationrequests, and releasing collateral. They will ensure fund utilization adheresto established rules, generate closing documents and payment schedules,initiate collection activities, and recommend legal action when necessary.

Key Responsibilities

Loan Processing and Management

• Work with other Loan Specialists and Program Manager to review, process, underwrite, approve, close, and service loans for programs such as the Agriculture Resource Development Loan (ARDL) and Rural Rehabilitation Loan programs.
• Utilize the State CLCS loan servicing system, Google Drive, and other web-based software to originate and service loans including maintaining loan documents, documenting decisions, posting payments and disbursements, sending statements, and processing loan payoffs and collateral releases.
• Review conservation plans and planned projects to ensure the loan purpose is in line with program policy and rules.
  Review credit reports, income, assets, liabilities, business entity documents, trust documents, and other public and private records.
• Review appraisal reports, title reports, water rights, and assess the value of collateral to ensure loans are adequately secured and used appropriately.
• Conduct farm visits and attend project completion certifications when warranted.
• Develop contracts and payment schedules for loan borrowers.
• Disburse loan funds according to policy and guidelines.
• Work with borrowers to resolve delinquencies, and initiate collection activity, including making recommendations for legal actions when necessary.

Filing, Tracking & Reporting

• Maintain accurate online loan files, documents, and spreadsheets and become proficient with shared drives, databases, and spreadsheets utilized to store and track financial and other programmatic information.
• Contribute data and information for weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports as required.
• Present programmatic information to the Utah Conservation Commission when necessary.

Collaboration & Communication

• Present program information at conservation fairs, district meetings, and other events as necessary.
• Discuss results, findings, and/or recommendations with appropriate parties.
• Work effectively with other Loan Specialists and Program Managers, technical and professional staff, agricultural producers, elected officials, and local stakeholders.
• Collaborate with Loan Specialists, other Conservation Division programs, Financial and Administrative divisions, County
• Recorders, State Archives Office, State Attorney General Office, and additional State agencies to complete assigned duties.
• Communicate information and ideas clearly and concisely, both verbally and in writing, to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

Financial & Administrative Management

• Extensive experience with loan lifecycle management, including origination, processing, underwriting, and servicing.
• Extensive experience in securing collateral, including real property, chattel, and water stock.
• Expertise in reviewing, analyzing, and resolving issues within title commitments and preliminary title reports.
• Proficient in financial document management, including developing, tracking, and processing financial documents, reports, and statements.
• Solid understanding of financial principles, including economic and accounting practices, financial markets, banking, and data analysis and reporting, as well as fiscal management.
• Knowledge of contract administration, including procurement, grants, loans, and compliance.
• Understanding of real estate principles, including property valuation, appraisal methods, land surveys, and relevant legal processes (e.g., loan foreclosure, bankruptcy).

Communication & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal) to collaborate effectively with diverse individuals and groups, including agricultural producers, staff, and other agencies.

• Ability to compose and deliver professional presentations and reports.

Problem-Solving & Analytical Skills

• Ability to apply logic and reasoning to analyze information, solve problems, and make sound decisions.
• Meticulous attention to detail with a proven ability to proofread and deliver consistently error-free work.
• Strong research skills to utilize various sources of information.

Self-Management & Work Ethic

• Highly self-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.

Technical & Industry Knowledge

• Familiarity with agricultural practices and agricultural economics in Utah.
• Knowledge of water resources management principles, theories, and practices.

Supplemental Information

• Work may require some physical exertion such as long periods of standing, walking over rough terrain or rocky surfaces; recurring bending, crouching, stooping, stretching, reaching, and lifting heavy items (up to 50 lbs.), or similar activities.
• Valid driver license required to drive a motor vehicle on a highway in this state per UCA 53-3-202(1)(a). granted the privilege to operate a motor vehicle by being licensed as a driver by the division under this chapter.
• The work may require overnight travel.
• Work and/or office hours are generally from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
• Travel throughout the state may be required

About the Role

Location - 4315 South 2700 West, Taylorsville
Background Check Required - No
Drug Test Required - No
Schedule Code - B

Why You Should Join Our Team

The State of Utah has great benefits and the Department of Agriculture and Food is made up of a group of great people with a farmer's work ethic. If you have a passion for Agriculture, the Department of Agriculture and Food is the place for you.

In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The AgencyFor more information about working for the Department of Agriculture and Food please click here.

EEO StatementThe State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.