Specialty & Ag Equipment Estimator/Appraiser

Farm Bureau Financial Services; West Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Farm Bureau Financial Services seeks an Ag & Specialty Equipment Appraiser to serve as a technical estimating expert. The role evaluates damage and prepares accurate repair estimates on a wide variety of agricultural and specialty equipment, working in-house in West Des Moines, IA or Lincoln, NE.

The position requires five+ years of hands-on estimating experience and the ability to guide complex claims, with travel as needed.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of hands-on estimating experience involving agricultural equipment, heavy equipment, construction equipment, heavy trucks, semi tractors, trailers, or specialty equipment.
• Demonstrated ability to write accurate repair estimates and evaluate repair-versus-replace decisions.
• Strong understanding of equipment construction, repair methods, damage analysis, labor operations, and parts sourcing.
• Proven problem-solving, communication, customer service, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to independently manage complex or high-value estimating assignments.
• Willingness to travel as needed and work in varying weather conditions.

Responsibilities

• Independently evaluate damage and prepare detailed repair estimates for agricultural equipment, construction and heavy equipment, heavy trucks, semi tractors, trailers, and specialty equipment.
• Analyze repair methods, labor operations, parts replacement, and repair-versus-replace decisions to ensure accurate and consistent estimates.
• Review estimates for quality, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with company guidelines.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on equipment construction, repairability, damage analysis, and valuation.
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex, high-severity, or unusual equipment losses.
• Collaborate with claim professionals, leadership, vendors, repair facilities, and equipment experts to support accurate claim outcomes.
• Grant appropriate payment authority within designated limits.
• Deliver training and ongoing support to team members on estimating best practices, repair procedures, and damage assessment techniques.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with policyholders, agents, repair facilities, management, regulatory agencies, and the public.

Skills

Estimating experience

Repair estimate writing

Equipment knowledge

Communication skills

Travel readiness

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Bring Your Estimating Expertise Where It Matters Most

Are you an experienced estimator with expertise in agricultural equipment, heavy equipment, trucks, trailers, or specialty equipment? Whether your background comes from a dealership, repair facility, manufacturer, independent appraisal firm, fleet operation, or insurance environment, this is an opportunity to put your technical estimating knowledge to work in a highly specialized role.

At Farm Bureau Financial Services, we're looking for a skilled professional who understands equipment construction, repair methods, parts replacement, and damage evaluation. If you're passionate about accurate estimating and helping others make informed decisions, we'd love to hear from you.

Who We Are

At Farm Bureau Financial Services, our client/members trust us to help protect their families, homes, vehicles, and livelihoods. For more than 80 years, we've built a reputation grounded in integrity, teamwork, passion, service, leadership, and accountability. We're equally committed to creating an environment where employees can learn, grow, and thrive.

What You'll Do

As an Ag & Specialty Equipment Appraiser, you'll serve as a technical estimating expert responsible for evaluating damage and preparing accurate repair estimates on a wide variety of agricultural and specialty equipment. This position is part of our in‑house team located in either West Des Moines, Iowa, or Lincoln, Nebraska.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Independently evaluate damage and prepare detailed repair estimates for agricultural equipment, construction and heavy equipment, heavy trucks, semi tractors, trailers, and specialty equipment
• Analyze repair methods, labor operations, parts replacement, and repair-versus-replace decisions to ensure accurate and consistent estimates
• Review estimates for quality, accuracy, consistency, and compliance with company guidelines
• Serve as a subject matter expert on equipment construction, repairability, damage analysis, and valuation
• Provide technical guidance and support on complex, high‑severity, or unusual equipment losses
• Collaborate with claim professionals, leadership, vendors, repair facilities, and equipment experts to support accurate claim outcomes
• Grant appropriate payment authority within designated limits
• Deliver training and ongoing support to team members on estimating best practices, repair procedures, and damage assessment techniques
• Communicate professionally and effectively with policyholders, agents, repair facilities, management, regulatory agencies, and the public

Who Succeeds In This Role

Successful candidates often come from:

• Agricultural equipment dealerships
• Equipment manufacturers and service centers
• Heavy equipment and construction equipment dealerships
• Truck and trailer repair facilities
• Commercial truck collision centers
• Fleet maintenance organizations
• Independent appraisal firms
• Insurance appraisal and claims organizations

If you have strong equipment estimating experience, we can help you learn the insurance side of the business.

Required Qualifications

What It Takes to Join Our Team

• Five or more years of hands‑on estimating experience involving agricultural equipment, heavy equipment, construction equipment, heavy trucks, semi tractors, trailers, or specialty equipment
• Demonstrated ability to write accurate repair estimates and evaluate repair-versus-replace decisions
• Strong understanding of equipment construction, repair methods, damage analysis, labor operations, and parts sourcing
• Proven problem‑solving, communication, customer service, and collaboration skills
• Ability to independently manage complex or high‑value estimating assignments
• Willingness to travel as needed and work in varying weather conditions

Preferred Qualifications

• Insurance claims, appraisal, adjusting, or damage evaluation experience
• Experience using industry estimating platforms and appraisal tools
• Senior Appraiser or similar advanced technical appraisal experience
• Experience providing training, mentoring, or technical leadership
• Knowledge of agricultural and heavy equipment manufacturers, repair practices, and equipment valuation methods

What We Offer You

When you join Farm Bureau Financial Services, you receive more than a paycheck. We offer:

• Competitive compensation
• Career development and continuing education opportunities
• Enhanced 401(k) with company match
• Low‑cost medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid time off, including holidays and volunteer time
• A supportive, collaborative, and team‑oriented culture
• Onsite wellness facilities, fitness programs, daycare, and cafeteria services
• Hybrid work arrangements for many positions

Why Farm Bureau Financial Services?

At Farm Bureau Financial Services, we value expertise and invest in our people. You'll join a team where your technical knowledge is respected, your development is supported, and your work makes a meaningful impact on our customers every day.

Farm Bureau Financial Services. Where the grass really is greener.

Work Authorization / Sponsorship

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. Farm Bureau Financial Services does not provide visa sponsorship now or in the future, nor assume or extend sponsorship for employment authorization (including OPT).