Agricultural​/Commercial Loan Officer

Location:

301 W 4th St, Milan, IL 61264, United States

Base Pay: $66750.00 - $111250.00 / Year

Employee Type: FT Exempt

The Agricultural/Commercial Loan Officer is responsible for managing and expanding the bank’s agricultural and commercial loan portfolio while supporting the financial needs of rural communities. This role involves direct engagement with farmers, agribusinesses, and small business conducting field visits, evaluating collateral, and analyzing financials to make informed credit decisions. The position may also include responsibilities in consumer lending, offering a well‑rounded opportunity for a motivated financial professional.

• Maintain a high-quality portfolio of agricultural loans by monitoring performance, ensuring timely renewals, and identifying opportunities for growth. Develop tailored financial solutions that align with the unique needs of each client, including seasonal operating lines, equipment financing, and land purchases.
• Perform regular farm visits to assess operational practices, verify collateral, and strengthen client relationships. Use these visits to gain insight into production cycles, risk factors, and long-term business goals.
• Conduct detailed inventories of crops, livestock, and equipment to determine accurate collateral values. Ensure all collateral is properly documented, appraised, and insured in accordance with bank policy.
• Analyze borrower financials including income statements, balance sheets, and tax returns. Evaluate repayment capacity, liquidity, and leverage ratios to assess creditworthiness. Prepare and present loan proposals to the loan committee with clear risk assessments and recommendations.
• Assist in underwriting and servicing consumer, residential real estate, and commercial loans. This includes gathering documentation, conducting interviews, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and internal guidelines.
• Ensure all loan files are complete, accurate, and compliant with bank policies and regulatory requirements. Work closely with loan processors and compliance officers to maintain audit‑ready documentation.
• Provide exceptional service by educating clients on loan products, repayment strategies, and financial planning. Represent the bank at agricultural events, local fairs, and industry meetings to promote services and build community trust.
• Stay informed on agricultural trends, commodity prices, weather patterns, and government programs (e.g., USDA, FSA) that may impact client operations. Use this knowledge to proactively advise clients and adjust lending strategies.
• Monitor loan performance and identify early warning signs of financial distress. Collaborate with clients to restructure loans or provide financial counseling when necessary to mitigate risk and support long-term success.
• Collaborate with other loan officers, credit analysts, and branch staff to share insights and best practices. Participate in ongoing training to stay current on lending regulations, financial analysis techniques, and agricultural economics.
• Develop and expand commercial business relationships to grow the bank’s commercial loan portfolio and identify new revenue opportunities.
• All other duties as assigned.

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Finance, Business Administration, or a related field is preferred.
• Two years of experience in agricultural lending or a related financial services role.
• Strong understanding of agricultural operations, rural economies, and commodity markets.

• Proficiency in financial analysis, credit underwriting, and risk assessment.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.

Blackhawk Bank & Trust is a locally owned financial institution with 17 Quad City area locations. If you are looking to join a bank with deep roots in the Quad Cities, this is the opportunity for you! With assets over 1.5 billion, we are confident we can provide you an environment of great opportunities to succeed. We offer a competitive wage & benefit package that includes paid vacation, paid holidays, life insurance, medical insurance, and a generous profit‑sharing retirement plan.