Real Estate Services Specialist

Salary Range: $22.50 To $33.50 HourlyJob Summary

Key Responsibilities: Assist the Appraisal Liaison (AL) and Environmental Review Officer (ERO) with coordinating the appraisal and environmental review process from order through final review, including engagement, tracking, reporting, delivery, and record retention. Support the AL with appraisal procurement by obtaining bids, gathering required information from the RM, preparing engagement letters, and monitoring vendor performance and turnaround times. Assist with reporting and finalizing appraiser evaluations and managing the approved appraiser and appraisal reviewer lists. Assist the AL in monitoring appraiser qualification records, compliance tracking, initial vendor reviews, and service level review information; prepare appraiser packages for review and approval. Assist in preparing internal memorandums, reports, and updates for executive management and Board of Directors review and approval related to appraiser additions, terminations, and annual certifications. Assist the AL with the tracking and monitoring of the bid process to ensure turn times are being met once a bid is approved by the branch, enter the approved transaction in vendor portal and log all issues for Branches and Lending Committee of transparency and visibility. Oversee and maintain the active appraisal and environmental pipeline to ensure workflow efficiency and timely completion of due diligence requirements. Perform quality control reviews of completed appraisal reports to ensure required documentation is included prior to draft release to branch, including verification of approved appraiser status, preliminary title reports, flood determinations, and other required supporting documentation. Address discrepancies to AL and/or vendor portal. Process appraisal and environmental invoices for accounts payable reconciliation, record retention, vendor inquiry resolution, and timely payment processing. Order and monitor environmental reports, third-party site inspections, and flood determinations for properties subject to environmental risk analysis and due diligence requirements, and/or vendor disputes. Interface with branch lending personnel, vendors, and internal departments to facilitate report delivery, collect required documentation, and submit the required documents through the vendor portal. Cross-train as backup to the ERO and assist in conducting environmental risk assessments, analyzing data, and providing recommendations in accordance with policy and procedures. Recommend process improvements and assist in developing internal procedures, lending staff training materials, application reference guides, and forms necessary to effectively administer Real Estate Services workflows. Maintain all new and existing collateral documents within the electronic document repository, including creating and managing folders in Laserfiche. Manage and allocate department email inbox requests to the appropriate categories and ensure service levels are met. Perform other duties, training, assignments, and special projects as requested by management.

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: Thorough knowledge of the Bank's Credit Policy Manual, Lending Procedures Manual, and Real Estate Services processes. Understanding of Bank loan forms and their application within Real Estate Services. Working knowledge of lending compliance regulations, lending records, collateral servicing, and loan servicing procedures. Ability to review complex loan and collateral documentation for accuracy, completeness, form, content, and regulatory compliance. Knowledge of non-standard lending scenarios and the ability to evaluate issues and recommend appropriate solutions. Ability to independently review complex loan transactions and provide guidance to Branch Lending Staff on loan-related matters. Knowledge of Bank products, services, policies, and procedures, including both lending and operations functions. General knowledge of branch lending functions and loan documentation requirements. Strong customer service, organizational, written, verbal, and computer skills. Ability to effectively collaborate within a team environment while managing multiple priorities. Commitment to maintaining current knowledge of lending regulations and industry requirements through ongoing professional development and training. Bank Secrecy Act (BSA).Customer Identification Program (CIP) / USA PATRIOT Act. Uniform Commercial Code (UCC).California Civil Code. FDIC Insurance requirements. FIRREA (Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act).S.A.F.E. Act (Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act).Regulation AA (Unfair or Deceptive Acts or Practices).Regulation B (Equal Credit Opportunity Act).Regulation BB (Community Reinvestment Act).Regulation C (Home Mortgage Disclosure Act).Regulation CC (Expedited Funds Availability Act).Regulation DD (Truth in Savings Act).Regulation E (Electronic Funds Transfer Act).Regulation H (Flood Insurance Requirements).Regulation O (Loans to Executive Officers, Directors, and Principal Shareholders).Regulation P (Privacy and Safeguarding Customer Information).Regulation U (Margin Securities).Regulation Z (Truth in Lending Act).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a clear understanding of the English language (spoken and written).Proficiency in Laserfiche document imaging and records management systems. Advanced working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and SharePoint. Proficiency in Adobe Acrobat Professional. Effective telephone and customer service skills with a commitment to providing exceptional support to internal and external clients. Working knowledge of the Bank's Credit Policy Manual and Lending Procedures Manual. Strong mathematical aptitude and attention to detail. Excellent typing, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Strong critical thinking, judgment, and problem-solving abilities. Ability to independently analyze information, identify issues, and recommend appropriate solutions. Ability to actively listen, learn, and adapt to changing business and regulatory requirements. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate professionally and effectively with supervisors, co-workers, vendors, and customers. Ability to maintain professionalism and exercise sound judgment when dealing with difficult, sensitive, or challenging situations. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment while maintaining a high level of accuracy and productivity.

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. Zero (0) to five (5) years of lending, loan servicing, real estate lending, collateral servicing, loan operations, or related banking experience preferred.

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. Required Minimum Absence for This Position: Two (2) Consecutive WeeksFor 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: $22.50 – $33.50 per hour

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.