Retail Loan Officer

Posted: 04/14/2026

Retail Loan Officer

Department: Direct Retail Lending Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Compensation Range: $25.00 – $40.00 per hour Reports To: Retail Lending Sales Manager
 
POSITION SUMMARY
This position serves primarily external customers; however, responsibilities also include serving internal customers whenever the opportunity presents itself.

This position does not involve direct day to day supervision of employees.

Confidentiality of customer information cannot be overstated. It is expected that all customer information be kept in the strictest confidence. We must do whatever it takes to ensure that our relationships with the public are not jeopardized.
Loan officer jobs are sales positions; therefore, the successful loan officer is one who is very comfortable and proficient with all aspects of the sales process. A loan officer should be adept at attracting and retaining customers, consistent in following up with potential borrowers, asking for the sale, overcoming objections and closing the deal.

The mortgage process can be extremely complicated and the best mortgage professionals are ones who are detail-oriented, thorough, accurate, and comfortable with mathematics. Lastly, loan officer jobs require a dedication to honest, ethical behavior, a desire to provide the best possible customer service and the commitment to provide a loan that best fits a customer’s needs and desires.

SKILLS & ABILITIES
  • Ability to successfully perform all aspects of the sales process
  • Possess excellent customer service skills
  • Ability to deal effectively and tactfully with internal and external customers
  • Strong verbal and written communications skills
  • Above average financial aptitude and math skills
  • Ability to prioritize and manage workflow in a fast-paced work environment
  • Perform under pressure and consistently meet deadlines
  • Ability to make confident and sound decisions
  • Familiarity with Windows-based applications and Microsoft Office products
 
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILTIES
  • Attract and retain customers through various channels to generate new loan business
  • Frequently contact business partners (realtors) with the goal of strengthening working relationships
  • Assess and approve/decline debit card limit increases when needed
  • Interview applicants and determine the credit worthiness of the borrower by collecting and analyzing financial documents
  • Establish and negotiate with the customer regarding the terms under which credit will be extended, including costs, terms, rate, and collateral requirements
  • Approve in-house portfolio loans following real estate guidelines up to personal lending limit
  • Retain a proficient knowledge in general real estate guidelines and secondary market guidelines
  • Originate and process consumer loans for customers and be familiar with consumer guidelines
  • Maintain membership in organizations within the community to sustain good public relations, increase the bank’s visibility, and enhance new business opportunities
  • Achieve production, fee income, and charge-off goals that meet or exceed the goals set forth by supervisor
  • Attend required staff meetings
  • Follow security procedures
  • Support a diverse and inclusive culture
  • Abide by all policies, procedures, and expectations set forth in the Employee Manual or requested by management
 
HOURS
  • Typical Office Hours are 8:00am – 5:00pm, Monday through Friday; however, other hours may be required to meet the needs of customers and referral sources
  • 8:00am – 12:00pm, Saturdays as scheduled
  • It is expected that work be completed, therefore additional hours may be required in order to accomplish certain tasks
  • Timecards are required and any time over 40 hours will be paid at the rate of time-and-one-half
 
COMPENSATION RANGE
  • The compensation range for this position is: $25.00-$40.00 per hour.  This range reflects the base wage for this position.  Please note that the specific compensation for this role will be determined based on your experience, qualifications, and internal equity considerations. 
 
JOB REQUIREMENTS
  • Education: High school diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in finance or related field is preferred
  • Licensing: Must be able to apply for and obtain a valid NMLS ID as required by federal law for all Mortgage Loan Originators (“MLOs”)
  • Experience: A proven track record in a sales environment; experience developing customer relationships with various types of customers; 3-5 years prior lending experience required
 
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIROMENT
  • Manual dexterity for repetitive use of computers, calculators and telephones
  • Sit for extended periods of time
  • Lift and carry up to 15 pounds on an occasional basis
  • Primary work environment for this position is that of a typical office setting
 
BENEFITS
  • Health and Dental Insurance (partially employer paid)
    • HSA (employer contributions)
  • Vision Insurance
  • Medical & Dependent Care FSA
  • Employer paid Life & Long-Term Disability Insurance
  • Optional Life Insurance
  • AFLAC
  • Employee Stock Ownership (“ESOP”)
  • Profit Sharing
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Paid Time-Off (“PTO”)
  • Paid Holidays
  • Employee Assistance Program (“EAP”)
  • Clothing Reimbursements
  • Membership Reimbursements for Officers and Supervisors
  • Additional in-house products
COMMITTEE DESIGNATIONS
Retail Loan Committee
 
First National Bank Bemidji is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) and Affirmative Action (“AA”) employer of women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and veterans.

First National Bank of Bemidji has reviewed this job description to ensure that essential functions and basic duties have been included. It is intended to provide guidelines for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate. This document does not represent a contract of employment, and First National Bank of Bemidji reserves the right to change this job description and/or assign tasks for the employee to perform, as First National Bank of Bemidji may deem appropriate.