Loan Officer
Join California FarmLink’s lending team to support the prosperity of California farmers, ranchers, and fishers, ensure equitable access to economic opportunity, and support environmental stewardship and vibrant local food systems. This position plays a key role in FarmLink’s lending as a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), providing underserved farmers, ranchers, and fishers with access to capital and technical assistance. The Loan Officer will drive growth in FarmLink’s lending through strong relationships with borrowers, clients, referral partners, and key supply chain actors, among other stakeholders. This Loan Officer will be dedicated to the Sacramento, CA region, enabling access to our services and those of our partners.
Under the supervision of the Director of Lending:
Business Development and Origination
- Expand FarmLink’s reach by building relationships with farmers and partners across California, particularly in underserved agricultural communities in the Sacramento region and across the North State.
- Cultivate referral partnerships aligned with FarmLink’s mission
- Identify, screen, and support prospective borrowers through the early stages of the lending process
- Provide high-level financial review and loan readiness support
- Assist senior lending staff with managing the loan pipeline
Underwriting and Servicing
- Support FarmLink’s micro and small business loan production goals
- Manage relationships with borrowers and support their long-term success
- Underwrite agricultural loans and prepare recommendations for approval
- Monitor loan portfolio performance and support risk management activities
- Coordinate loan closings with internal staff
Risk Management and Policy
- Apply and help improve lending policies and procedures
- Partner with Loan Operations to support strong loan performance
- Contribute to cross-functional projects and professional development efforts as needed
Other Duties
Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change over time.
- Minimum of 2 years of relevant lending experience with a CDFI, agricultural lender, community bank, or other financial institution
- Bachelor’s degree in business, finance, community development, or related field; equivalent education and experience considered
- Strong financial analysis and underwriting skills, sound judgment, and the ability to ask critical questions and make difficult decisions
- Working knowledge of, or ability to quickly learn, government loan guarantee programs (e.g., Farm Service Agency, Small Business Administration)
- Proficiency in Google Workspace and Microsoft Office (including Excel); CRM and loan management system experience preferred
- Highly organized, detail-oriented self-starter able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines independently in a fast-paced environment
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport, collaborate effectively, and adapt to change
- Demonstrated commitment to excellent, empathetic, and professional customer service
Physical Requirements:
- Reside within the Sacramento, CA region
- Frequent sitting, keyboarding, standing, walking
- Work may require extended time on the telephone or conducting one-on-one or small group meeting
- Bilingual (English/Spanish) with strong written and verbal communication skills
- Experience in and knowledge of sustainable agriculture and/or fisheries, with a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges farmers, ranchers and fishers face
- Experience with CDFIs or Farm Credit lenders
Please use the subject line “Loan Officer” and email a thoughtful cover letter explaining your interest in the position and organization, along with your resume to:
humanresources@cafarmlink.org. No phone calls, please.
California FarmLink is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
California FarmLink invests in the prosperity and well-being of farmers, ranchers, and fishers who have limited access to financial resources. FarmLink envisions a healthy food system where farmers and ranchers have opportunities to build wealth and conserve natural resources. We strive for equitable access to opportunity, resilient working landscapes, fairness and accountability, and learning from small farmers and ranchers from all walks of life. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), FarmLink has established one of the nation’s most robust economic engines to support farmers of color and invest in the success of small farms, ranches, and fishing businesses in California.
FarmLink is a growing, fast-paced organization made up of energetic professionals dedicated to making change in their communities. We strive to foster a collaborative, team-oriented workplace that supports innovative and entrepreneurial approaches to small business development. FarmLink seeks people inspired by a passion for issues of sustainability, regenerative agriculture, and social equity in California agriculture.
We believe that in order to advance a vision for a more inclusive, equitable food and farming system, we must likewise strive for a work environment that is supportive, transparent, and positive. We value curiosity, open communication, collaboration, and continuous learning from each other and the clients we serve. Each new addition to our team is a valued opportunity to bring new perspectives and approaches to meeting our mission, and we intentionally seek professionals with diverse life experiences that bring new points of view to help improve our services to the community.
California FarmLink offers a generous benefits plan, including health insurance after 30-60 days (depending on start date), employer contribution to a 403b retirement plan, paid vacation, and a family-friendly and flexible work environment. California FarmLink maintains a drug-free workplace and is an equal-opportunity employer. We seek candidates who represent the diversity of the communities we serve and strongly encourage you to apply.
Posted: March 11, 2026
