Researcher
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 mentorship program pairing junior researchers with experienced professionals.
Requirements
- Strong critical thinking skills; ability to examine evidence, reason through it, and explain conclusions.
- High accountability; ownership of work and ability to learn from mistakes.
- Reliability and a long-term mindset; not a job hopper, keen to invest in a workplace.
- Real-world experience prior to this role (e.g., retail, customer-facing, dealing with clients or difficult people).
- Comfortable on the phone, including cold calling; professional and calm under pressure.
- Strong time management skills; ability to plan work and deliver under deadline.
Nice To Haves
- Some project management experience.
- Background in history, humanities, or another research-heavy field.
- A second language, with Spanish as a native speaker being a significant advantage.
Responsibilities
- Research and trace family lines using genealogy databases, proprietary public records databases, courts, and libraries.
- Analyze and interpret documents, then write clear, accurate case reports, status letters, and family trees.
- Manage your own caseload, track hours, meet client timelines, and maintain production.
- Communicate with leads, clients, and heirs by phone, building rapport, managing expectations, and professionally handling difficult conversations, including delivering bad news.
- Make cost-effective decisions regarding external researchers, translators, and notary services.
Benefits
- Extended health and dental coverage
- Health Spending Account
- Three weeks of vacation after one year, with increases based on tenure
- Annual bonus plan based on performance
- Hybrid schedule (four days in Vancouver office, one work-from-home day per week after six months)
- Supportive, flexible, open culture that rewards long service
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
Education Level
Associate degree
