Job Summary

The Lending Specialist provides prompt, high-quality customer service while collaborating effectively within a team environment across multiple branches and regional lending personnel. This role performs a broad range of functions related to loan processing, documentation, and portfolio management.

Key Responsibilities

• Verify and assess the accuracy of borrower information and supporting documentation throughout the loan application process.
• Identify, investigate, and resolve discrepancies across loan origination and servicing with minimal supervisory oversight.
• Review complex organizational and entity documentation to accurately determine authorized signers and validate approval authorities.
• Ensure full compliance with Customer Identification Program (CIP) and Customer Due Diligence (CDD) requirements.
• Independently initiate and manage the ordering of appraisals, credit reports, UCC searches, and other due diligence items required for underwriting.
• Prepare loan worksheets for approval, coordinate document preparation, and conduct thorough reviews of loan documents for accuracy and completeness.
• Compile and manage closing documentation; facilitate loan signing processes and ensure smooth loan closings.
• Maintain and organize electronic loan files in Laserfiche in accordance with internal standards.
• Support loan officers with portfolio management by tracking post-closing items, monitoring loan maturities, and collecting annual financial statements.
• Provide regional support to additional branches as assigned by the Regional Lending Specialist Coordinator.
• Ensure adherence to all federal and state regulations, internal policies, and bank security procedures.
• Collaborate with cross-functional departments to achieve timely and accurate loan processing outcomes.
• Maintain active Notary Commission and perform Notary Public services as required.
• Participate in ongoing lending training and actively contribute to team meetings and process improvements.

Lending Specialist Classification Levels

The Lending Specialist role encompasses multiple classification levels; each defined within the Lending Specialist framework. Each level includes progressively advanced responsibilities, along with additional required duties, knowledge, and skill sets aligned to the position’s scope and complexity.

Compliance Responsibilities

Complies with all applicable state and federal banking laws, regulations, and internal policies related but not limited to lending, operations, and deposit requirements, including Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Anti-Money Laundering (AML) requirements, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) regulations, Customer Identification Program (CIP) requirements, Financial Elder Abuse reporting laws, Sexual Harassment prevention policies, information security and privacy requirements.

Required Knowledge

• Knowledge of Bank Secrecy Act (BSA), Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), and FDIC Insurance Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity Act – ECOA) Regulation BB (Community Reinvestment Act – CRA) Regulation CC (Funds Availability) Regulation DD (Truth in Savings) Regulation E (Electronic Fund Transfers – EFT) Regulation H (Flood Insurance) Regulation X (Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act – RESPA) Regulation Z (Truth in Lending – TILA) Loan products and loan documentation.
• New account procedures and general banking operations.
• Complaint documentation and resolution processes.
• Privacy laws and customer data protection.
• Safe deposit box procedures.
• Security and robbery response protocols.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filings and searches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong foundational mathematics and analytical skills.
• Proven critical thinking, sound judgment, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding customer service and client support skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Accurate and efficient typing/data entry skills.
• Strong time management and organizational abilities.
• Active listening skills with a demonstrated ability to quickly learn new processes.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Professional interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate respectfully with supervisors and colleagues.
• Ability to remain calm and professional when managing difficult, upset, or challenging individuals.
• Skilled in assessing client concerns, resolving issues independently, and escalating appropriately when needed.

Equipment Operated

Operates standard electronic computers and customary office equipment required to perform essential job functions. Use of equipment is required, with or without reasonable accommodation, in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA).

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Nothing in this description is intended to limit the availability of reasonable accommodation under applicable law.

• Ability to perform repetitive movements associated with office and computer-based work.
• Ability to sit and or stand for extended periods of time to perform essential job functions.
• Ability to lift, carry, or move objects weighing up to 25 pounds, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to use hands and fingers to manage, manipulate, or feel objects and operate standard office equipment.
• Work is primarily performed in an office environment with a controlled temperature and standard office conditions.

Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent required.
• Up to 1 year of commercial loan processing experience or equivalent preferred.
• Active Notary Commission.

Minimum Absence Requirement

Some positions within the Bank have been designated as sensitive positions due to access to critical systems, records, or processes. In accordance with Bank policy and sound internal‑control practices, employees in sensitive positions are required to complete a mandatory consecutive absence from essential duties each calendar year to support segregation of duties and independent review. The required absence will be scheduled in coordination with management to ensure continuity of operations. Administration of absence, including paid or unpaid status, will comply with all applicable federal, state, and local wage and hour and leave laws, including California requirements. Exempt from Minimum Absence Requirement: This position is classified as a non‑sensitive position and is not subject to the annual minimum absence requirement.

Officer Title Eligibility

For qualified positions, the Bank may designate an Officer Title based on the role’s job level, scope of responsibility, and alignment with established competency frameworks. Eligibility for an Officer Title designation is contingent upon the employee meeting defined competency, performance, and experience requirements and is governed by applicable Bank policies, governance standards, and required approval processes. This position is not eligible for an Officer Title.

Compensation

The listed range represents the full compensation range for this position. Placement within the range will be determined based on factors including skills, relevant experience, job‑related qualifications, geographic location, and internal equity, in accordance with Bank compensation policies. Non‑Exempt Hourly Rate: $26.50 – $41.50 per hour (Salary Grade: 18)

Disclaimer

This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications. Employees may be required to perform other duties as assigned, consistent with business needs and applicable law. Farmers and Merchants Bank of Long Beach reserve the right to modify, amend, or discontinue job duties or requirements at any time. Nothing in this job description creates a contract of employment, either express or implied, or alters the at‑will nature of employment.