Lending Trainee

We are in search of multiple Lending Trainees to join our Lending and Insurance departments in Arizona, California, Oregon, and Washington (locations by state). AgWest Trainees are full-time positions that report to a Trainee Supervisor during training. Trainees are expected to become experts in their field over time and enter an extensive training program to jump start this process. Combining designated coaches 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. These roles will start in one of two cohorts beginning in either January or June 2027. Final interviews will take place October through November 2026. 

Compensation Information

The starting base salary for this position is: $65,000; 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 Locations

• Safford, Tempe, and Yuma, Arizona
• Imperial, Paso Robles, Tulare, Woodland, and Yuba City, California
• Junction City, Ontario, Pendleton, and Salem, Oregon
• Pasco, Washington

Lending Trainee Essential Duties  ● 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. ● 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.

Travel Requirements

• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all-staff or team meetings not included in the standard travel requirements for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• Pursuing or completion of a bachelor’s degree in business or ag-related field; students currently pursuing a degree must have Senior or Graduate Student status
• Preferred coursework includes management, finance, accounting, economics, marketing, farm and ranch management, crop and livestock sciences, and related courses
• Two years of directly relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and preferred coursework
• Ability to attend required classes/trainings and meet regular attendance requirements of the job 
• Effective written and verbal communication, analytical and computer skills, and teamwork demonstrated through leadership or involvement in extracurricular activities and outside work experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of agricultural practices and markets
• Demonstrated leadership or involvement with ag-related organizations 

Application Requirements

• Interested applicants must include their transcripts (unofficial okay). Cover letters are recommended, though not required. 

Workplace Flexibility

• After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend.

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, 12 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