Researcher and Proofreader

Inspired HR•Burnaby, BC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

HeirSearch, a division of International Genealogical Search, Inc., specializes in locating missing heirs and descendants for legal matters involving estates, trusts, and properties. Our reports are utilized in court proceedings and in settling family affairs. We are a family-owned, second-generation company with approximately 50 employees, including a research team of 25-30. Our company culture is collaborative, kind, and emphasizes work-life balance, complemented by social events, annual recognition bonuses, and a supportive environment with both young researchers and experienced mentors.

Requirements

A genuine love of writing and research, and the patience to do both with care.
An exceptional eye for detail — our reports can end up in court, so accuracy isn't optional.
Strong written English: grammar, structure, tone, and clarity all matter.
Curiosity, tenacity, and a willingness to chase a thread through unfamiliar archives and databases.
A collaborative spirit — this is a team that shares information, supports each other, and gives each other room to learn from mistakes.
Comfort working in a self-directed environment with regular check-ins.
Openness to a roughly two-year commitment as you grow through the role.
1–3 years of experience.
New graduates with a master's in the humanities (history, English, classics, library science, area studies, etc.) who want to put their research and writing muscles to work in the real world.
Academic, publishing, or editorial backgrounds — anyone who's spent serious time inside a manuscript.
Legal assistants, paralegals, or legal administration professionals familiar with the rhythms of detailed documentation.

Nice To Haves

Spanish reading, writing, or speaking is a nice-to-have, not a requirement.

Responsibilities

Edit and proofread research reports, affidavits, declarations, and client letters for accuracy, clarity, grammar, and consistency.
Manage editorial workflow to keep turnaround times tight and client deadlines met.
Provide thoughtful, constructive feedback to researchers through one-on-one consultations.
Help maintain and evolve our reporting templates, sample library, and training materials.
Present at quarterly team meetings on common errors, updates, and editorial best practices.
Learn to develop and execute research strategies for missing-heir cases.
Conduct database searches, analyze findings, and trace family lines through historical records.
Write status letters, family trees, and detailed case reports.
Communicate professionally with clients, heirs, and external researchers and translators.
Take on full case management — strategy, documentation, deadlines, and reporting.