Senior Further Processing Specialist; Loan Officer

Competition # : 50104

Department: Agriculture

Location: KENTVILLE

Type of Employment: Permanent

Union Status: NSGEU - NSPG

Closing Date: 20-Oct-26 (Applications are accepted until 11:59 PM Atlantic Time)

At the Department of Agriculture, our vision is to create a Nova Scotia agriculture and agri-food industry that is diversified, market-focused and profitable. We work to support the development of competitive, sustainable and profitable agriculture and agri-business industries that contribute to the economic, environmental and social prosperity of Nova Scotia.

Agriculture and Fisheries Crown Lending Agencies (CLA) is a division of the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and administers the operational functions of the Nova Scotia Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board (NSFALB), Nova Scotia Timber Loan Board (NSTLB), and the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board (NSFLB). Crown Lending Agencies consists of a dedicated team of loan officer and loan administrators supported by risk management and finance teams.

The Senior Further Processing Specialist is responsible for the delivery of programs and services administered by Crown Lending Agencies. Depending on business needs and the successful candidate’s experience, the position may focus on programs and services supporting the agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture, or forestry sectors, with an emphasis on value-add, processing, and sector development.

The position is based in the head office of the Crown Lending Agencies in Kentville to allow for the incumbent to effectively and efficiently serve the entirety of the Province and to provide operational support to the broader lending team and management; however, the incumbent will be required to travel across Nova Scotia to meet clients at their respective place of business, in their community, and at the various Department of Agriculture and Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture regional offices.

• Recommending business loan products to support sector growth;
• Staying current with industry trends and market conditions to identify and develop loan products that align with industry needs;
• Evaluating and recommending loan requests in accordance with established legislation, policies, procedures and accepted best practices in loans management;
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, centers of influence and other government departments;
• Applying accepted methods of appraisal to determine the security base for related loans and providing written and verbal reports as requested;
• Contributing to portfolio growth and development by actively promoting programs and services;
• Mentoring and training support to Loan Officers; and
• Collaborating with staff to ensure efficient and effective loan processes.

You possess a Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Business Administration Degree plus six (6) years of related experience in primary industry lending or an acceptable equivalent. A major in economics, business or finance, or an AACI designation or course work leading to the accredited appraiser designation would be definite assets.

• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated ability in financial analysis;
• A thorough understanding and the ability to work with all sectors of Nova Scotia’s fisheries and agricultural industries;
• Working knowledge of the more common computer programs including Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheets and databases; and
• Knowledge of real estate law and real property appraisal.

We will assess the above qualifications and competencies using one or more of the following tools: written examination, standardized tests, oral presentations, interview(s), and reference checks.

An equivalent combination of relevant training and experience will be considered. Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Based on the employment status and union agreement, the Government of Nova Scotia offers its employees a wide range of benefits such as a Defined Benefit Pension Plan, Health, Dental, Life Insurance, General illness, Short and Long Term Disability, Vacation and Employee and Family Assistance Programs. For information on all our Benefit program offerings, :
Benefits for government employees.

This position requires the successful candidate to work on-site. You will be working within a…