Crop Insurance Agent

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 an Insurance Agent I or Insurance Agent II to join our Washington Lending and Insurance department in Pasco or Sunnyside, Washington. This full-time position reports to the SVP, Insurance and is responsible for providing high quality, profitable and constructive insurance products and related services to customers, maintaining a high level of proactive marketing and portfolio management, and through actions, creating a positive image of AgWest to customers, insurance professionals and the general public.

Compensation Information

The base salary range for this position in Sunnyside, Washington is:

Level I: 
Typical starting range: $66,200 - $88,700
Full base salary range: $66,200 - $99,900
Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.

Level II: 
Typical starting range: $72,600 - $97,800
Full base salary range: $72,600 - $125,200
Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base.

The base salary range for this position in Pasco, Washington is:

Level I: 
Typical starting range: $72,600 - $97,800
Full base salary range: $72,600 - $110,400
Annual performance-based incentive target is 12% of base.

Level II: 
Typical starting range: $80,000 - $110,100
Full base salary range: $80,000 - $137,800
Annual performance-based incentive target is 15% of base.

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

Essential Duties

• Market and sell insurance products by communicating with and receiving information from customers in the office and off-site.
• Actively solicit sales from referral sources, including internal staff. May also develop sales leads from direct mail campaigns, lists and telemarketing.
• Establish rapport with and develop and maintain confidence of customers and other related professionals by: Educating customers on the crop insurance processes; effectively communicating rates, fees, terms and time frames with the customer; consistently meeting timeframe and product expectations; and, following through to ensure the customer and others are satisfied with the service and final product.
• Gather needed information through interviews 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.
• Comply with Federal and individual company’s documentation expectations, submission timelines, procedures, laws and regulations.
• Maintain state agent’s license through required continuing educational training/seminars.
• Work with insurance representatives to resolve policy issues that affect producer’s insurance coverage.
• Communicate proactively to ensure excellent customer service and seek to ensure profitability of assigned portfolio.
• 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.
• Perform all duties and maintain all standards in accordance with company policies, procedures, and internal controls.
• Other duties as assigned. 

Travel Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel up to 15%, including overnight travel throughout the AgWest territory.
• 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

• Bachelor’s degree in business, agriculture or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Generally, requires one to three years' professional experience in an office setting
• Ability to market, sell and negotiate terms on behalf of AgWest, both verbally and in writing
• Ability to understand, interpret and explain insurance policies and procedures
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously in a fast-paced environment to meet strict deadlines
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and accurately to a variety of audiences
• Willingness and aptitude to learn and develop proficiency with multiple systems, tools and internal processes
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team
• Possess or have the ability to obtain and maintain required state Insurance Agent license(s) within six months of assuming the role
• State driver's license or ability to obtain prior to starting position

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of Farm Credit policies and procedures, eligibility requirements and products

Workplace Flexibility

• After an initial in-office training period, this position is eligible for workplace flexibility and a one-time home office stipend.

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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