Job Listing: LOAN SPECIALIST (AGRICULTURAL)

Duty Locations

 1 vacancy - Cedar City, UT

United States Department of Agriculture
Farm Service Agency

PLEASE READ ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS UNDER "HOW TO APPLY" BEFORE YOU BEGIN.

The Farm Service Agency (FSA) is equitably serving all farmers, ranchers, and agricultural partners through the delivery of effective, efficient agricultural programs for all Americans.

AREA OF CONSIDERATION:  All interested persons may apply.  You need not be a current or former Federal employee to apply.

FARM SERVICE AGENCY (FSA) COUNTY EMPLOYEES:  Permanent County employees without prior Federal tenure who are selected for a Civil Service position under Public Law 105-277 will be given a career-conditional appointment and must serve a 1-year probationary period.

Major Duties

This position is located in the UTAH STATE FSA OFFICE, Farm Loan Team (Cedar City, Iron County, Utah).
Farm Loan Training Program:  Farm Loan Officer's (FLO's) are required to successfully complete all of the requirements for the Farm Loan Training Program. FLO's may be reassigned to another training office during their training program. In addition, upon completion of training program, FLO's may be reassigned, at any time, to a different duty station if workload activity changes or vacancies occur.
 
The selectee assists the Farm Loan Manager in administering farm loan programs in a USDA Service Center serving one or more Counties. Major responsibilities include making, servicing, and supervising loans and providing technical advice, guidance, and credit counseling to loan applicants and borrowers. The selectee has delegated loan approval authority to approve loans within a specific limit. The position requires knowledge of agency farm loan programs and eligibility requirements, the technicalities of farm financing and credit, financial management concepts and practices, farm operations, land use and value, production and marketing of various crops and livestock, and prices and markets in the serviced farming areas.

How to Apply

Please read and follow all the instructions.  You must submit a Complete Application Package, which includes all of the following:

Online Assessment Questionnaire
Online Resume
Other Required Documents if applicable  (i.e., college transcripts, Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, current annual performance appraisal (within 18 months), DD-214, etc).

ONLINE ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE - Use Application Manager for convenience and quickest processing.  Track your progress to a Complete Application Package using the My Application Packages checklist and status displays in Application Manager.  Your Application Package status must be Complete by Tuesday, June 10, 2008

To begin, choose one of these two options:

Option 1.  If your resume is going to come from the USAJOBS Resume Builder, click the "Apply Online" button below.  Logon to USAJOBS Resume Builder and select the resume you wish to upload for this vacancy announcement.  Click "Apply to this Position Now" to attach your resume.  Your resume will only be attached to the Application Package you complete and submit immediately after you click the Apply Online button, not to any other Application Packages you may already have created.  Once you have attached your resume, the system will take you to Application Manager to complete the Online Assessment Questionnaire and upload any other supporting documents that may be applicable.  If you do not have an account in Application Manager, you will need to establish an account to submit your Online Assessment Questionnaire.

Option 2.  If your resume is going to be one you prepared outside of USAJOBS Resume Builder, click this link to begin the process:  Online Questionnaire.  The system will automatically take you to Application Manager.  When you have completed the Online Assessment Questionnaire, proceed to "Upload Documents" to upload your resume or additional supporting documentation for this position:  1) Select the document type; 2) Click the "Browse" to locate a file and click "Open" to attach it; 3) Click "Upload" to upload documents for this job announcement.  When the message "Upload Successful" appears, repeat steps 1-3 to upload any other supporting documents.

Whether you have chosen Option 1 or 2, once you have completed the Online Assessment Questionnaire and uploaded your resume and any other supporting documents click "Next" to proceed to Submit My Answers.  Click "Submit My Answers".  Return to the "Main" screen to print your "Confirmation of your Submission to Application Manager powered by USA Staffing".   The Online Assessment Questionnaire must be completed and submitted by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, June 10, 2008.  If you have submitted all your application materials online you have completed the application process.

If you want to "Save" an INCOMPLETE Online Assessment Questionnaire, you may return to Application Manager at any time using link you used to begin as described above, or go to http://ApplicationManager.org.

ONLINE RESUME:  Your resume must be submitted online.  Please make sure your resume contains the basic information required in applying for a Federal job i.e., work experience applicable to this position (include dates [m/d/y] and the total number of hours worked per week for all employment; if the position had multiple duties include percentage of time spent on each duty.)  Include series and grade for all Federal employment.  If this information is not included, the experience cannot be credited.  For additional information on what is needed in your resume click here.  (Applying for a Federal Job OF-510.)

NOTE:  Applications are not screened for required documents before determining minimum qualifications.  It is your responsibility to ensure that all required documents are received in the office by the close of business on or before the closing date of this announcement.  Our Office cannot be responsible for incompatible software, illegible fax transmissions, delays in the mail service, etc.

Alternative Method for Submitting Your Application Materials:  You are encouraged to scan and upload your application materials as described using Application Manager; however, if you are unable to do this, you may fax your assessment questionnaire, resume and/or other required documents directly into the electronic system using the official fax cover page.  The information contained on the fax cover page must match the information you provided in your Assessment Questionnaire.  The Vacancy ID UK191539, your Name and SSN should be written accurately and neatly.  If the information is inaccurate, illegible or incomplete, you may not receive consideration for this position.  The fax number is 1-478-757-3144.

If applying online, faxing or hand delivering application materials poses a hardship, please contact the servicing human resources office during core business hours (8:00 am to 4:30 pm central time) prior to the closing date.  Requests for hardship will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis.  Make requests in a timely manner to allow enough time to obtain documents and return completed information to our office.

This Agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities (i.e., alternative means of communication such as Braille, large print, audiotape, etc).  If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact USDA Target Center at 202-720-2600, voice and TDD.  Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

In accordance with 39 U.S.C Section 415, use of postage-paid government agency envelopes to file job applications or application materials is a violation of federal law and regulations.  Applications submitted in postage-paid government envelopes will not be accepted.

Required Documents:

OTHER REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:  In addition to your Assessment Questionnaire and Online Resume, other documents may be required (i.e., college transcripts, Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, current annual performance appraisal [within 18 months], DD-214, etc). 

WHAT OTHER DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?

1. If this vacancy announcement has a basic education requirement and/or you are substituting education for specialized experience, you must submit a copy of your college transcripts and/or course slips that list college courses, detailing each course by the number and department (i.e., BIO 101, MATH 210, etc).  This information should include course title, school name/location, date completed, grade, and number of credits earned.  Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.  You must submit evidence that any education completed in a foreign institution is equivalent to U.S. education standards with your resume.  An official college transcript will be required before you can report to duty.

2. If you are claiming CTAP/ICTAP eligibility, provide a copy of your most recent annual performance appraisal (at least "fully successful" or equivalent), and proof of eligibility, i.e., a RIF separation notice or Certification of Expected Separation, and SF-50 noting current position, grade level, and duty location.  CTAP/ICTAP eligibles will be considered well-qualified if achieving a rating of 80 or above excluding veteran's preference points.

3. If you are applying for Veteran Preference, submit evidence of eligibility, such as DD-214 (Member 4 copy), Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, or Standard Form 15, Application for 10-point veteran preference, and the proof requested on the form. 

4. Current or former Federal employees must provide the most current Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50) that verifies career-conditional/career status, position title; series and grade (do not submit an Award SF-50).  FSA County employees must provide the most recent Notification of Personnel Action (Form SF-50-B or FSA-50) that verifies permanent status.  Also provide the SF-50 that reflects the highest grade level held on a permanent basis or the full performance level of your current position, whichever is higher.  Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating. 

5. Current Federal employees must submit their most recently completed annual performance appraisal (dated within 18 months) which identifies the employee's official rating of record, signed by the supervisor, or a statement advising why the performance appraisal is unavailable. Do not submit a performance plan. Failure to do so will result in an ineligible rating.

6. If you are eligible for appointment based on a disability, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA), or 30% Disabled Veterans, service in the Peace Corps, Vista, Action Cooperative or another special authority, submit proof of eligibility. 

Assessment Questionnaire

Social Security Number

Required.  Enter your Social Security Number in the space indicated.

Vacancy Identification Number

The Vacancy Identification Number is:  UK191539
This field does not appear on the online application.  You would only need to enter it if using an alternative application method.  See Item 2 under Alternative Methods for Completing FORM C.

1. Title of Job

LOAN SPECIALIST (AGRICULTURAL)

2. Biographic Data

All biographic information is required except for your telephone number and contact time.

3. E-Mail Address


4. Work Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

5. Employment Availability

Read the following questions and mark Yes to those applicable to you.

Question 1.  Are you a current permanent (non-temporary) competitive service Federal employee of the FARM SERVICE AGENCY?

Are you a permanent county employee of the FARM SERVICE AGENCY?

Are you a permanent (non-temporary) competitive service Federal employee of another Federal agency?

If your response to any of the above questions is YES, then answer "YES" to this question.  If your response is yes, you must submit the Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, that reflects permanent status.

Question 2.  Are you a former Federal employee with competitive/reinstatement eligibility?  (Have you worked for the Federal government in your past under a permanent competitive appointment?)

If your response is YES, then answer "YES" to this question.  If your response is yes, you must submit your Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50/FSA-50, from your previous permanent appointment.

Question 3.  Are you eligible and applying under special hiring authorities such as:  Individuals with Disabilities, former Peace Corps, Vista and Action Cooperative volunteers, Veterans Recruitment Appointment (VRA) or 30% Disabled Veterans?

If your response is YES, then answer "YES" to this question.  If your response is yes, you must submit proof of your eligibility with your application (i.e., DD-214).

Question 4.  Are you eligible and applying under Pub L. 106-117 Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA)?

If your response is YES, then answer "Yes" to this question.  If your response is yes, you must submit proof of your eligibility with your application (i.e., DD-214). 

Question 5.  Are you a CURRENT Federal employee serving in a permanent position (non-temporary) at the GS-11 grade level or above with promotion potential to the GS-11 grade level or above?

Are you a FORMER Federal employee who served in a permanent position (non-temporary) at the GS-11 grade level or above or had promotion potential to the GS-11 grade level or above?

If your response to either of the above questions is YES, then answer "YES" to this quesition.  If your response is yes, you must submit your Notification of Personnel Action, SF-50, or other official documentation to support your response. 

Question 6.  Are you interested in applying utilizing two different recruitment methods:  Merit Promotion and Open Competitive?

Open Competitive announcement are open to the general public.  ANYONE MAY APPLY.

Merit Promotion announcements are open to current and former permanent Federal employees with competitive status and certain other candidates who are eligible for placement under special hiring authorities.

If you are interested in applying utilizing both recruitment methods, answer YES to this question.  You must submit one full set of supporting documents for each method you are applying to; however, if you submit all your supporting documents online you need only submit one full set. 

6. Citizenship

Are you a citizen of the United States?
7. Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

8. Other Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

9. Languages

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

10. Lowest Grade

Required.  Enter the 09, the lowest grade level you will accept.

09
11. Miscellaneous Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

12. Special Knowledge

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

13. Test Location

14. Veteran Preference Claim

Required.  Enter your claim for Veterans' Preference.

For items 15, 16, 17 and 18 enter date information in this format:  MM/DD/YYYY

15. Dates of Active Duty - Military Service

Please enter your dates of active military service, unless you have claimed derived preference (i.e., widows, spouse, etc.)  Please use this format: (mm/dd/yyyy)

16. Availability Date

You may omit the availability date if you can begin work immediately.  Otherwise, you must provide the date that you will be available for employment.

17. Service Computation Date

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

18. Other Date Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

19. Job Preference

Please choose one answer to the following question.  How did you hear about this career opportunity?
1 Advertisement2 Career Fair3 College/University Career Center4 Local Job Service Center5 MANRRS6 Professional Association Conference7 USDA Agency Official8 www.usajobs.opm.gov9 Other Source
If applicable, in the answer box provided, please indicate the specific conference, career fair, and/or other source.
20. Occupational Specialties

Required.  Enter at least one occupational specialty.

Enter 001 as the occupational specialty to apply as a Merit Promotion candidate.
Merit Promotion refers to announcements open to current and former Federal employees, permanent FSA county employees, and certain other candidates eligible for placement under special hiring authorities.

Enter 002 as the occupational specialty to apply as an open competitive candidate (all interested persons, you need not be a current or former Federal employee to apply).

Enter 001 and 002 in blocks 1 and 2 if you wish to to apply both as a Merit Promotion and Open Competitive candidate.  Please remember you must submit two (2) complete sets of supporting documentation if you choose this option.  If you submit all your application materials online, you need only submit one set of supporting documents.

001 MERIT002 COMPETITIVE
21. Geographic Availability

Required.  Enter as least one geographic availability code.  The location code(s) for this position is:

0456 Cedar City, UT
22. Transition Assistance Plan

In this section indicate if you are a surplus or displaced Federal employee requesting special priority consideration under the Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP) or the Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP).  Otherwise, leave Section 22 blank.

Note:  To receive consideration for CTAP or ICTAP, you must submit the necessary supporting documentation.  Refer to the vacancy announcement for additional information and instructions.

23. Job Related Experience

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

24. Personal Background Information

If you are applying by the OPM Form 1203-FX, leave this section blank.

25. Occupational/Assessment Questions:

Respond to the following questions. Mark only one response for each question. Any experience claimed in response to the following questions MUST be supported by information in your resume (OF-612, or other written format). This information must be SPECIFIC, (i.e., duties, responsibilities, and accomplishments). Failure to provide this supporting documentation may result in receipt of a lower or ineligible rating.

1. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes the highest level of experience and/or education you have that demonstrates your ability to perform GS-9, Loan Specialist (Agricultural) work. SELECT ONLY one LETTER. (Note: One year of specialized experience is based on a 40-hour workweek. If you have worked less than 40 hours per week, you must prorate your experience.)

A. I have completed 2 full academic years of progressively higher level graduate education or master's or equivalent graduate degree with a major in finance, business administration, economics, accounting, engineering, mathematics, banking and credit, law, statistics, or other fields related to the position such as agriculture, agricultural economics, farm, livestock or ranch management, or rural sociology.
B. I have at least one full-time year (12 months) of specialized work experience equivalent in difficulty and responsibility to the GS-7 grade level in the Federal service that demonstrated competence in agricultural loans. This experience may have been gained in such work as reviewing and passing upon applications for agricultural loans; servicing an agricultural loan portfolio of a bank or other loan association; or similar work. I have demonstrated knowledge of credit principles and practices to assess the fundamental soundness of individual loans by independently examining applications, supporting documents, and credit reports, and maintaining servicing activities on small agricultural loans. In addition, my experience demonstrated knowledge and understanding of farm operations, land use and value, production of various crops and livestock, and prices and markets in the farming area where loans are made and serviced.

C. I have less than the full amount of graduate education listed in A above and less than the experience described in B, but I have a combination of graduate education beyond the first year (i.e., 18 semester hours) and experience.

D. My education and/or experience are not described in any of the responses above.

You are to choose one answer to each question from among the alternatives presented. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. Multiple answers will not be counted.

2. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge and experience in planning, developing and coordinating programs involving highly diverse and complex agricultural commodities and enterprises.

A. I have determined soundness of loans under the farm loan program (i.e., credit worthiness of borrower, repayment ability, estimated projected income, subordinations, non-disturbance clause, schedule repayments, reviews, leases, etc.)

B. I have performed loan making/servicing on moderately diverse farm operations. (Four to six types of commodities including both crops and/or livestock mostly sole proprietorships.)

C. I have performed work involving a variety of borrowers and broadly diverse agricultural commodities and enterprises. (More than eight types of commodities including both crops and/or livestock enterprises involving sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations.)

D. I possess no agricultural lending experience; however, I possess a masters or higher level graduate degree with a major in finance, accounting, economics or business administration.
E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please provide examples of your knowledge and experience in planning, developing and coordinating programs involving highly diverse and complex agricultural commodities and enterprises.

3. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience applying farm loan program policy and the application of program requirements.

A. I have applied a wide range of financial management principles and practices to analyze integrated financial statements from farmers, partnerships, agricultural corporations and farm associations.

B. I have gathered and evaluated relevant financial and repayment information to determine whether payment adjustments were warranted.

C. I have applied knowledge of FSA policies and regulations to analyze integrated agricultural financial statements from farmers, partnerships, agricultural corporations and farm associations.

D. I have applied policies and regulations to make and service small agricultural/farm loans, i.e. equipment.

E. None of the above.

4. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your financial practices in relation to loan servicing.

A. I have provided technical and administrative support to individual and entity borrowers to assist in maintaining compliance with loan, conservation and commodity program requirements.

B. I have provided credit counseling and determined feasibility of borrower graduation to private lending sources.

C. I have evaluated financial and credit risk factors involved in granting, guaranteeing, or insuring loans.

D. I have provided technical advice to applicants and borrowers on the selection, expansion, and use of farms, land development, improvements, organization of farm and rural enterprises, and other related matters.

E. None of the above.

5. From the descriptions below, choose the response that describes your highest level of authority and responsibility for actions relative to acquisition management, sale or liquidation of agricultural real estate, equipment, or other collateral that was security for loans.

A. I have limited involvement with loan liquidation, foreclosure, etc.

B. I have recommended actions relative to acquisition management, sale or liquidation of agricultural real estate, equipment, or other collateral that was security for defaulted loans to restructure their business.

C. I have participated and assisted a higher level specialist to assist applicants, borrowers, farm customers and lenders with respect to liquidating assets.

D. I have analyzed complex appeals, settlement agreements, bankruptcies, foreclosures, acquisitions, and maintenance and disposal of inventory in order to ensure compliance with program regulations.

E. None of the above.

6. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience researching various laws and regulations governing sole proprietorships.

A. I have researched and applied various regulations, legislation, and program manuals to inform applicants/borrowers of the requirements of each loan program.

B. I have assisted borrowers/applicants in complying with the loan requirements (i.e., promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, etc.)

C. I have analyzed credit needs/terms to determine whether the loan should be approved, continued, modified or liquidated.

D. I have conducted extensive review of numerous agricultural regulations and legislation to resolve a wide range of controversial and/or sensitive situations (i.e., economic conditions, real estate values, environmental hazards, etc.)

E. None of the above.

7. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience researching various laws and regulations governing partnerships and corporations of a complex or controversial nature to maintain a sound loan portfolio.

A. I have researched and applied various regulations, legislation and program manuals to inform applicants/borrowers of the requirements of each loan program.

B. I have assisted borrowers/applicants in complying with the loan requirements (i.e., promissory notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, etc.)

C. I have analyzed credit needs/terms to determine whether the loan should be approved, continued, modified or liquidated.

D. I have conducted extensive review of numerous agricultural regulations and legislation to resolve a wide range of controversial and/or sensitive situations (i.e., economic conditions, real estate values, environmental hazards, etc.)

E. None of the above.

8. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to maintain cooperative relationships and recommending ways to improve access to programs through community outreach efforts and removal of barriers.

A. I have participated in diversity activities and community agricultural activities.

B. I have attended public meetings with various groups and associations, and performed public relations and outreach activities.

C. I have ensured that the civil rights of applicants/borrowers are protected and strive to meet the needs of socially disadvantaged and minority applicants and borrowers.

D. I have improved access to agency programs through community outreach efforts and maintain communication and cooperative relationships with producers, lenders, commercial and educational institutions, rural community groups, and other Federal State and local agencies.

E. None of the above.

9. From the descriptions below, choose the response that describes your highest level of accomplishment for actions relative to serving as an expert, representing an employer or client at hearings or court proceedings pertaining to farm loan issues.

A. I have insured regulations are adhered to in complex cases such as bankruptcy, acquisitions, maintenance, and disposal of inventory property.

B. I have provided credit counseling and other services related to settlement of loans.

C. I have worked with borrowers to negotiate settlements.

D. I have provided advice in agricultural bankruptcies, foreclosures, appeal cases, debt settlement, liquidation, voluntary conveyance transfer and assumptions.

E. None of the above.

10. From the descriptions below, choose the response that describes your highest level of accomplishments relative to presenting training, procedures, techniques and trends in the agricultural/financial management field.

A. I have conducted formal training sessions to agency officials describing new procedures, techniques and trends in the agricultural/financial management field.

B. I have given presentations or briefings to provide technical information and/or instructions on agricultural/financial programs.

C. I have provided training to employees on new processes and procedures.

D. I have provided on-the-job training to employees on new agricultural/financial processes and procedures.

E. None of the above.

11. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience in communicating in writing with agricultural lenders, agricultural and the farming community and others.

A. I have developed loan correspondence for collections, adjustments and negotiations.

B. I have prepared appeal decisions documenting agricultural loan program policies and regulations and recommends necessary legal or administrative actions, as appropriate.

C. I have prepared press releases to local medial on new procedures, techniques and trends in the agricultural/financial management field.

D. I have prepared investigative reports, policies, procedures and briefings of a highly technical nature for supervisory review.


E. None of the above.

12. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to gather and analyze financial data to make production and marketing decisions.

A. I have appraised farms, leasehold interests, grazing areas or other improvements, considering such factors as value of farmland productivity, values of real and chattel property, and income potential.

B. I have analyzed farm loan program activity reports to identify trends and detect program weaknesses.

C. I have analyzed a variety of marketing approaches and recommended the most advantages method(s) for a farm operation with a variety of agricultural commodities.

D. I have been recognized as an expert in analysis and interpretation of financial data, involving broadly diverse agricultural enterprises which have a pervasive influence on the economy of a significant agricultural area.

E. None of the above.

13. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to conduct evaluations and/or examinations of farm enterprises in order to support farm loan program objectives and ensures the lending organizations interest are protected.

A. I have gathered, reviewed and analyzed financial statements, tax returns, past production history, economic conditions, real estate values, legal instruments, security requirements, environmental hazards, partnership agreements, to approve/disapprove a diversified farm loan.

B. I have referred cases to the State Office, U.S. Attorneys Office or Office of General Counsel and recommended necessary legal or administrative action, as appropriate.

C. I have analyzed individual loan dockets and farm and home plans for adequacy and compliance with policies and procedures.

D. I have reviewed and analyzed operational changes including releases, subordinations, adjustments, transfers, and similar matters.

E. None of the above.

14. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge of agricultural production practices.

A. I am familiar with livestock, crop, fruit and vegetable production.

B. I am knowledgeable of customary crop and livestock production practices such as typical costs of production (fuel, fertilizer, chemical, veterinary, seed, feed, repair, etc.) per unit, typical rates of production (yield or production per unit), accepted or normal tillage and crop rotation practices, proven livestock production practices, and normal health and disease control measures for the most prevalent enterprises.

C. In addition to being knowledgeable of production costs, rates, practices, health and disease control measures, I am familiar with customary crop and livestock production practices, contract provisions, and performance expectations for specialty and integrated crop and livestock operations.

D. I am familiar with Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) loan rates, Loan Deficiency Payment (LDP) rates/terms, and the current market price of livestock and commodities.

E. None of the above.

15. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your knowledge of crop and livestock marketing alternatives.

A. I have identified and recommended agricultural practices and marketing strategies.

B. I have considered marketing alternatives offered by brokerage or similar firms, and I understand the risks associated with these marketing alternatives.

C. I have provided advice on market availability and volatility for specialty crop/livestock enterprises.

D. I have experience as an owner/operator of a farm operation and have conducted market research to obtain the maximum return from my production.

E. None of the above.

16. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience in evaluating the managerial skills of farmers/ranchers.

A. I have provided loan supervision and oversight to individual and group borrowers to assist in maintaining compliance with loan requirements.

B. I have recommended borrower training to customers and refer them to another agency/individual to assist in identifying and overcoming managerial weaknesses.

C. I have completed numerous analyzes of complex and diverse farming operations to determine the managerial strengths/weaknesses and developed loan terms or borrower assessments to help customers become successful.

D. I am considered a technical expert, and area lenders, suppliers and others routinely refer farmers/ranchers to me for assistance in identifying managerial weaknesses and developing an action plan for overcoming farm management weaknesses.

E. None of the above.

In the answer box provided, please describe your knowledge of agricultural production practices.

17. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your behavior in conducting personal evaluation of yourself and providing feedback to others.

A. I have participated in training and other self-development activities.

B. I have challenged myself and staff to share lessons learned from events and actions.

C. I have participated in evaluations of self, others, and the organization.

D. I have encouraged and supported the efforts of employees to develop and grow.

E. None of the above.

18. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience to effectively handle conflicts and negotiations.

A. I have diffused confrontational contacts with people who are difficult, hostile or distressed.

B. I have persuaded others to adopt new methods, procedures or techniques in order to improve operations.

C. I have provided direction, guidance or instruction to support staff, new professional staff, or field operations.

D. I have interacted effectively in situations where frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events arise that cause major shifts in priorities, timetable, or work assignments.

E. None of the above.

19. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience building and sustaining trust and respect.

A. I have effectively involved team members in building consensus.

B. I have listened attentively to others without interruption.

C. I have treated all employees with respect regardless of their position, personality, culture or background.

D. I have encouraged diversity of opinions, experiences and ideas and provided opportunities for others to excel.

E. None of the above.

20. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best demonstrates your commitment to customer service.

A. I have been highly responsive to requests for help, information and services.

B. I have listened to concerns of customers and resolves complaints and concerns effectively and promptly.

C. I have gone beyond what the customer requests and do something extra to be helpful.

D. I have assisted customers in making informed decisions.

E. None of the above.

21. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your experience responding to new or changing situations.

A. I have looked for better alternatives to the way we have always done it.

B. I have responded to decreases in staffing or increase in workload by involving all parties in restructuring the work.

C. I have handled multiple projects and duties simultaneously, prioritizing as needed.

D. I have responded to changing priorities and resources with optimism, encouraging staff to respond positively and proactively.

E. None of the above.

22. From the descriptions below, choose the response that best describes your ability to be innovative and creative.

A. I have solicited and listened to the ideas of others.

B. I have appreciated new ideas and approaches.

C. I have identified opportunities for new projects and acted on them.

D. I have suggested ways to improve quality and efficiency.

E. None of the above.

Please answer YES or NO to questions 23 thru 25. Do not mark more than one answer for each question. If you are nearing completion of the required education, please answer YES.

A- Yes.
B- No.

23. Have you successfully completed a master's degree or higher graduate level degree in finance, business administration, economics, accounting, engineering, mathematics, banking and credit, law, statistics, or another field related to the position such as agriculture, agricultural economics, farm, livestock or ranch management or rural sociology?

24. Have you taught or instructed agricultural courses, financial/business management or chattel property principles and practices in an institution of higher education, business, or government agency?

25. Have you successfully completed college level course work in speech/communication?

Contact Information:
Vickie L. SCHOFIELD

Phone: (816)926-6668

Fax: (816)448-5694

TDD: 800-735-2966

Email: vickie.schofield@kcc.usda.gov


Or write:
Farm Service Agency
Beacon Facility - Mail Stop 8398
PO BOX 419205
Kansas City, MO 64141-6205

Fax: (816)448-5694


What To Expect Next:

Once your online assessment questionnaire and resume has been received, you will receive an acknowledgement email that your submission was successful.  After a qualification reveiw of your complete application package has been made, you will be notified as to the status of your application.  If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted.

You can track the progress of your application package in Application Manager, http://ApplicationManager.org.

After selection, applicants may be required to submit the official college transcript, OF-306 "Declaration for Federal Employment", original social security card, birth certificate, state driver's license or state issued identification card with photograph.  In addition, to be eligible for Federal employment, male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify at the time of appointment that they have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service Law.