USDA Lending Officer

BayFirst National Bank•St. Petersburg, FL

About The Position

BayFirst National Bank is a full-service community bank dedicated to providing a wide range of high-quality banking services delivered in a personalized, friendly manner. Founded in 1999 and headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, we are a true community bank with the goal of becoming a one-stop shop and trusted financial resource for the communities that we serve. Understanding that our employees are our most valuable resource, we are committed to providing career development opportunities, competitive compensation, and generous benefits to our entire workforce. As an organization, we encourage open communication in an environment of mutual respect, where hard work is rewarded, and a professional but informal atmosphere is valued within the workplace. The USDA Lending Officer is responsible for originating, underwriting, and managing USDA Rural Development Business & Industry Guaranteed loan products. The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of USDA Rural Development loan programs, excellent relationship‑building skills, and the ability to guide borrowers through the full lending process with accuracy and care.

Requirements

3+ years of experience in USDA Rural Development Business & Industry loan programs.
Ability to analyze financial statements, tax returns, and credit reports.
Excellent communication, customer service, and relationship‑building skills.
High attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.
Understanding of banking operations and deposit products.
Willing to travel as needed for customer site visits.

Nice To Haves

Conventional, bank commercial and commercial real estate lending experience in small and middle markets preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or a related field preferred.

Responsibilities

Source, develop, and maintain relationships with borrowers, USDA loan packagers, commercial real estate agents, and equipment dealers, as well as appropriate USDA Rural Development personnel at both the State and National level.
Identify eligible USDA loan opportunities and guide clients through program requirements.
Conduct outreach in rural communities to expand awareness of USDA lending programs.
Evaluate borrower financials, creditworthiness, collateral, and eligibility for USDA programs.
Prepare and submit complete loan packages in accordance with USDA guidelines.
Collaborate with third-party USDA loan packagers, underwriting, credit administration, closing personnel, attorneys, and compliance teams to ensure accurate and timely processing.
Manage a pipeline of USDA loans from application through closing.
Monitor loan conditions, documentation, and timelines to ensure compliance.
Maintain ongoing communication with borrowers, internal teams, and USDA representatives.
Ensure all loans meet federal, state, and USDA Rural Development requirements.
Stay current on USDA program updates, policy changes, and regulatory requirements.
Maintain accurate records and documentation for audits and internal reviews.