Credit Underwriter

Job Overview

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 across seven western states. AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture and the vitality of rural communities. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are seeking a Credit Underwriter II or Credit Underwriter III (internally known as Credit Analyst) to join our Washington Lending and Insurance department in Moses Lake or Wenatchee, Washington. This full‑time position reports to the VP, Credit and will support average‑to‑above‑average loan portfolios involving simple to moderately complex credits.

• Level II – Moses Lake:
  Typical starting salary range: $66,200 – $88,700;
  Full base salary: $66,200 – $99,900;
  Annual performance‑based incentive target: 12% of base.
• Level III – Moses Lake:
  Typical starting salary range: $72,600 – $99,900;
  Full base salary: $72,600 – $125,200;
  Annual performance‑based incentive target: 15% of base.
• Level II – Wenatchee:
  Typical starting salary range: $72,600 – $97,800;
  Full base salary: $72,600 – $110,400;
  Annual performance‑based incentive target: 12% of base.
• Level III – Wenatchee:
  Typical starting salary range: $80,000 – $110,100;
  Full base salary: $80,000 – $137,800;
  Annual performance‑based incentive target: 15% of base.

• Gather financial and business related information from customers, prospects and other available resources through personal interviews, phone interviews and other information resources.
• Analyze financial statements, including opinions and notes, tax records, “in‑house” prepared financial statements and pro forma statements.
• Analyze credit and prepare analysis on small and medium‑size portfolios; submit sound credit analysis and recommendations for review.
• Comply with AgWest documentation expectations, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Support customer relationships through marketing and servicing financial products by communicating with customers, their professional representatives and employees at branch offices or customer locations.
• Effectively participate in the Large Loan process as needed to provide high‑quality products within agreed time frames and acceptable risk parameters.
• Complete farm visits, collateral inspections and document observations, including transportation to and from the operation and visual inspection of collateral condition and valuation.
• Conduct research of agricultural and related industries and commodities to determine viability, trends and opportunities for AgWest to strengthen its position.
• Accurately classify and identify appropriate charge‑off reserves, cash income accounting and allowances on assigned loans.
• Perform credit investigations on applicants including public record searches, credit bureau reports, employment and income verification and asset and liability verification.
• Participate in loan closings by ensuring the appropriate documentation is completed and understood by the customer.
• Ensure effective and accurate credit administration through coordination with relationship managers and others.
• Participate in assigned industry teams or task forces as needed; assist teams with detailed industry studies and organize industry‑specific customer educational events.
• Effectively work with customers and collaborate with other AgWest teams to make referrals and cross‑sell products to meet customer needs.
• May serve as a trainer or mentor in the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all‑staff or team meetings.

• Bachelor’s degree in business, accounting or an ag‑related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Generally requires 1–2 years of accounting or financial industry experience.
• Understanding of applicable credit laws and regulations, bankruptcy law and collection procedures.
• Ability to market, sell, and effectively negotiate terms on AgWest products, including loan programs, interest rate…