Rural 1st Loan Officer Trainee - Ohio

About Our Opportunity

The Rural 1st Loan Officer (RLO)Trainee develops the knowledge, skills, and experience needed to become a fully functional RLO while supporting loan growth and customer engagement activities. Through structured training, coaching, and hands on experience, this role learns Rural 1st products, credit practices, and sales processes while assisting in customer interactions, loan origination, and relationship management.

The RLO Trainee builds foundational knowledge and skills to contribute to core work within the team. Team members at this level focus on learning processes, applying guidance from more experienced colleagues, and delivering accurate work in a supportive, structured environment. They are developing confidence, strengthening capability, and gaining familiarity with our systems, relationships, and expectations.

This position requires existing NMLS registration under the SAFE Act, or the ability to obtain the same upon hire, and maintenance of a status in good standing during employment.

How You Will Spend Your Time

• Builds foundational knowledge of the consumer lending market, Rural 1st products, and lending solutions through training, field experience, and collaboration with experienced RLOs.
• Supports loan origination activities by gathering customer information, learning financial analysis techniques, and assisting with application preparation and documentation.
• Partners with assigned RLOs and internal teams to observe and participate in customer meetings, prospecting efforts, and pipeline management activities.
• Learns to assess customer goals and financial needs, asking effective questions and observing how loan solutions are positioned to align with customer objectives.
• Assists with communication throughout the loan process, including timelines, documentation needs, and next steps, supporting a positive customer experience.
• Progressively develops sales and relationship management skills, participating in networking, community activities, and referral based outreach as readiness increases. 
• Completes assigned tasks accurately by following established processes, guidance, and quality standards. 
• Applies direction and from more experienced team members to build skill, confidence, and reliability. 
• Maintains organized, complete, and dependable work products that support team workflow. 
• Asks questions to clarify expectations and deepen understanding of systems, processes, and procedures. 
• Contributes to team goals through collaboration, communication, and consistent follow-through. 
• Identifies opportunities to strengthen personal work habits, accuracy, and efficiency as skills develop.

** Trainees are full-time employees and for this opening must be open to working in Ohio. Within the first 12 months of employment, you will be expected to apply for a full-time Rural 1st Loan Officer position across our four-state region (OH, KY, TN, IN). This role is approximately a 12 month opportunity.

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma/GED with 3 years relevant experience required.
• Bachelor's degree preferred.

** Trainees are full-time employees and for this opening must be open to working in Ohio. Within the first 12 months of employment, you will be expected to apply for a full-time Rural 1st Loan Officer position across our four-state region (OH, KY, TN, IN). This role is approximately a 12 month opportunity.

Mental & Physical Requirements

While engaged in this position, team members will routinely sit, use hands for tasks, and communicate orally. Standing or walking is frequently required, while occasional demands include reaching with hands and arms, and lifting or moving up to ten pounds. Vision requirements encompass close and distance vision. The work environment typically has a moderate noise level. This role may entail a blend of mental and physical capabilities, requiring strong mental acuity, problem-solving skills, and occasional physical tasks such as standing, lifting, or extended computer usage. Some roles may require physical or mental requirements related to driving, such as a valid driver's license, and the ability to drive a long-distance. Reasonable accommodations will be considered for individuals as requested.