Agricultural Loan Specialist

About the role

This position, unique to the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food (UDAF), plays a key role in implementing the Agriculture Resource Development Loan (ARDL) and Rural Rehabilitation Loan programs, working in collaboration with other Loan Specialists and the Program Manager.

Responsibilities

• Review and make decisions regarding income, credit, appraisals, title reports, and water rights to ensure proper collateral valuation and loan security.
• Secure collateral, handle disbursements, post payments, evaluate modification requests, and release collateral.
• Ensure fund utilization adheres to established rules, generate closing documents and payment schedules, initiate collection activities, and recommend legal action when necessary.
• Work with other Loan Specialists and Program Manager to review, process, underwrite, approve, close, and service loans for 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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).
• 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 and analytical skills 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-motivated and able to work with minimal supervision.
• 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.