Customer Service Specialist

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 a Customer Service Specialist I or Customer Service Specialist II to join our Oregon Lending and Insurance in Salem. This full-time position reports to the Director, Operations and performs administrative and clerical duties to assist in accomplishing organization objectives and provides excellent customer service and creates a positive image of the organization to customers and others.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Salem, Oregon is:

Level I: 
Typical starting range: $35,800 - $47,000
Full base salary range: $35,800 - $52,600
Annual performance-based incentive target is 6% of base.

Level II: 
Typical starting range: $40,000 - $51,900
Full base salary range: $40,000 - $57,800
Annual performance-based incentive target is 6% of base.

*Relocation assistance will be provided to eligible candidates who must relocate to accept this position. 

Essential Duties

• Perform miscellaneous clerical duties such as typing correspondence and documents, maintaining files, photocopying or faxing documents, answering the telephone, and taking messages as required.


• Deliver a positive first impression and greeting to walk-in customers and others.


• Process customer transactions by phone, in writing or in person according to organization standards.


• Ensure customer information is handled with a high degree of confidentiality.


• Assist in the preparation and processing of loan making and servicing transactions and crop insurance projects as needed.


• Gather financial information and refer appropriate customers to entities where AgWest has referral agreements in place.


• Maintain branch inventory; order and maintain office supplies.


• Participate in mail activities including; opening, collecting, distributing, delivering to post office, and maintaining related equipment.


• Maintain and monitor customer records and necessary follow-ups by documenting and ensuring accuracy of information.


• Respond to customer account inquiries by accessing and understanding the information and verbally answering the customer's question or directing the question to appropriate personnel.


• Effectively coordinate and facilitate requests as required.


• Perform back-up duties to Loan Specialist and Insurance Specialist as needed.


• Monitor follow-up requirements in assigned areas.


• Ensure appropriate information security protocol is followed in order to prevent unauthorized transactions.


• Ensure media inquiries and requests are referred to appropriate staff.


• Comply with documentation expectations, procedures, laws and regulations.


• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls. 


• Other duties as assigned.

Travel Requirements

• AgWest employees may occasionally be asked to travel for all-staff or team meetings not included in the standard travel requirements for the role.

Minimum Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent


• Generally, requires two years’ office related experience


• Knowledge of correct spelling, grammar and sentence structure in order to produce and compose letters, reports and other documents


• Experience in customer service or related role

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, 12 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

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