Social Science Research Assistant jobs in Vancouver, BC

About HeirSearch

HeirSearch (a division of International Genealogical Search, Inc.) helps law firms, trust companies, and estate administrators locate missing heirs and descendants in matters involving estates, trusts, and properties. We do real research with real consequences — our reports are relied on in courts and in the careful work of settling families' affairs.

We're a family-owned, second-generation company of about 50 people, with a research team of 25 to 30. The culture here is collaborative, kind, and committed to work-life balance — alongside the things you'd expect from a small, tight-knit firm: social events, annual recognition bonuses, and a mix of young researchers and seasoned mentors.

The Opportunity

We are hiring four new Researchers to start in early August. You do not need a genealogy background. We will teach you the research method. We are looking for sharp, accountable people with some life and work experience behind them who want to learn a niche and stay with it.

You start as a junior Researcher and progress through our internal training program.

What You Will Do

• 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 your hours, hit client timelines, and keep your production current.
• Speak with leads, clients, and heirs by phone. Build rapport, manage expectations, and handle difficult conversations professionally, including delivering difficult news.
• Make cost-effective decisions on external researchers, translators, and notary services as needed.

What We Are Looking For

Most of this is about mindset. We can teach the genealogy. We cannot teach accountability or reliability.

• Strong critical thinking. You can look at evidence, reason through it, and explain how you reached a conclusion.
• High accountability. You own your work, and you work through your mistakes rather than around them.
• Reliability and a long-term mindset. We are not looking for job hoppers. We are looking for someone keen to invest in a workplace.
• Real-world experience before this role. Retail, customer-facing, or any setting where you dealt with clients or difficult people.
• Comfortable on the phone, including cold calling. Professional and calm under pressure.
• Strong time management. You can plan your work and deliver under deadline.

Nice to Have

• Some project management experience.
• Background in history, humanities, or another research-heavy field.
• A second language. Spanish as a native speaker is a real plus.

Tools You Will Use

• Genealogy and public records databases, including proprietary ones.
• Family tree software, Salesforce, and MS Word and Office.

Education

Secondary education required. Post-secondary preferred. Equivalent experience is considered.

What We Offer

• Extended health and dental, plus a Health Spending Account.
• Three weeks vacation after one year, with more added as your tenure grows
• Annual bonus plan based upon performance
• Hybrid schedule with four days in our Vancouver office and one work-from-home day per week (available after six months in role)
• A supportive, flexible, open culture that rewards long service.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $27.00-$29.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Flexible schedule
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Work Location: In person