Senior Further Processing Specialist (Loan Officer 3)

About Us

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.

About Our Opportunity

The Senior Further Processing Specialist is responsible for the delivery of programs and services administered by Crown Lending Agencies, with a focus on services delivered by the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board, including programs and services that have 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.

Primary Accountabilities

As the Senior Further Processing Specialist, your key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:

• 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;
• Collaborating with staff to ensure efficient and effective loan processes

Qualifications and Experience

You possess a Bachelor of Commerce Degree or Business Administration Degree plus six (6) years of related experience in resource 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.

You also possess the following:

• A thorough understanding of loan underwriting, credit analysis, financial analysis, and general lending principals;
• Strong interpersonal, leadership and mentorship skills;
• The ability to work independently, take initiative and drive results;
• A thorough understanding and the ability to work with all sectors of Nova Scotia’s fisheries, forestry, and agricultural industries;
• Working knowledge of the more common computer programs including Microsoft Office suite, spreadsheets and databases;
• Knowledge of real estate law and real property appraisal.

Equivalency

Applicants relying on education and experience equivalencies must demonstrate such equivalencies in their application.

Benefits

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, click here: Benefits for government employees.

What We Offer

• Career Development where you have access to career guidance, tools, resources, and ongoing training for every stage of your career.
• Engaging workplace. Our Employees feel valued, respected, connected, and tuned in. We have forward-thinking policies and strategies.
• countless career paths.
• Department Specific Flexible working schedules.