AgWest Farm Credit is a member-owned financial cooperative that provides financing and related services to farmers, ranchers, agribusinesses, commercial fishermen, timber producers, rural homeowners and crop insurance customers in a seven-state territory in the Western United States. AgWest is part of the 100+ year-old Farm Credit System – the leading provider of credit to American agriculture.

AgWest champions the growth and advancement of agriculture, the value of rural communities, and the vital contribution our customers make to the economy and society. We serve customers in 59 locations throughout the West.

We are in search of multiple full-time 2025 Insurance Trainees to work in our branch locations in Washington (locations by state). These roles will start in one of two cohorts beginning in either January or June 2025. AgWest Trainees are expected to become experts in their field over time. When you join us straight out of college, you'll enter an extensive training program to jump start this process. Combining designated coaches and interaction with experienced professionals, coupled with customer visits, classroom and virtual learning, networking opportunities and hands-on experience, you'll be prepared to launch your career at AgWest by the end of our structured, six-month Training Program. 

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule and one-time home office stipend after initial training period. 

Compensation Information

The base salary for this position is $62,000; bonus at target is 10% of salary.

Relocation Assistance

Trainees receive $7,500 (gross) to relocate to their training location. Upon completion of the Training Program, Trainees are assigned to a career start location based on business needs at that time; this may or may not be their training location. If assigned to a career start location other than where they trained, Trainees will receive additional financial assistance. Candidates are asked to take this into consideration before applying.

Training Locations

• Pasco, Spokane, Sunnyside, and Wenatchee, Washington 

Job Requirements

• Study for and obtain state license(s) as required for position.
• Develop the knowledge base and skills needed to market insurance products and assist in communicating with and receiving information from customers in the office and off-site.
• Learn about soliciting sales from referral sources, including internal staff. May assist with developing sales leads from direct mail campaigns, lists and telemarketing.
• Learn to gather needed information through meetings, in person, by phone, or using the Internet. Read and understand production information from various sources including, but not limited to, customer records and tax records.
• Develop the ability to educate customers on the crop insurance programs and options available. Which may include rates, fees, terms and timeframes.
• Learn about procurement of production, acreage, crop, and insured entity information from current and prospective customers. May help obtain supporting documentation needed to perform crop insurance servicing actions throughout the crop cycle. May travel to rural areas to help conduct customer meetings at place of business.
• Assist with evaluating customer production information from various sources, including, but not limited to, farm management records, third-party documentation, sales receipts, loss adjuster production worksheets and tax records.
• Help reconcile customer acreage information, FSA 578s, farm plans, and maps to federal crop insurance acreage forms to ensure accurate policies can be created and issued.
• Learn to maintain compliance with internal, federal, and insurance company documentation expectations, submission timelines, procedures, laws, and regulations.
• Learn about leading aspects of the customer relationship and coordinate with insurance agents, analysts, specialists and other staff to ensure effective and accurate policy administration.
• Develop the communication and collaboration skills needed to work with other insurance representatives in resolving policy issues that affect the producer’s insurance coverage.
• Represent and communicate the values, purpose and mission of AgWest to employees, customers, the public and target audiences. This may include joining or actively supporting appropriate organizations and civic groups and actively participating in sponsored events and programs.
• Collaborate with other teams to make referrals and meet customer needs.

Minimum Requirements

• Status: Applicants who are currently pursuing degrees must be of Senior or Graduate Student status.
• Education: Pursuing or completion of a Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance, Ag Economics, Ag Business, or related field.
• Experience: Two years of directly relevant experience will be considered in lieu of education and preferred coursework.
• Preferred coursework: Finance, Accounting, Economics, Farm and Ranch Management, Business Management, Marketing and related courses.
• Skills: Effective written and verbal communication, analytical and computer skills, and teamwork demonstrated through involvement in extracurricular activities and outside work experience.
• An agricultural background is desirable.

Interviews will take place October through November 2024. Interested applicants must include their transcripts (unofficial okay) in their application. Cover letters are not required, however are appreciated and recommended. 

Benefits Offered by AgWest

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance 
• Basic term life and AD&D insurance (fully paid for by the company)
• Paid days off annually: 15 vacation*, 15 sick, 11 holidays and 3 volunteer
• 401(k) plan (6% match plus 3% employer contribution)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Wellness Program
• Jeans are welcome at work every day at AgWest! 

*Vacation accrual rates increase with tenure.

Details about insurance and retirement benefits are available at:  https://www.farmcreditfoundations.com/fcfbenefits

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender orientation, national origin, marital status, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other classification protected by law.