Researcher and Proofreader

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.

Why This Role Is Interesting

This is a rethought, hybrid role designed as a two-year development path:

• Year 1 — You'll focus on proofreading the work of our Research Department, getting deep into how our reports are written, structured, and made bulletproof. Alongside that, you'll start training on the research side, learning the ropes from senior researchers.
• Year 2 — You'll be immersed in genealogical research, taking on your own caseload as one of our researchers. From there, the path runs toward Researcher and Senior Researcher, with bonus and compensation growth at each step.

The role exists because one of our dedicated proofreaders is going on maternity leave. We want someone to develop deep editorial chops while she's away, and then transition fully into research when she returns. We're looking for someone open to a two-year commitment so we can invest in your growth.

Who We're Looking For

This role is built for someone early in their career (1–3 years of experience) who loves to read carefully, write precisely, and dig into a research puzzle. Backgrounds that tend to thrive here:

• 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

What You'll Do

In your first year, you'll spend most of your time on proofreading and editorial work:

• 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

Throughout year one and into year two, you'll grow into the researcher role:

• 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

Why You Might Love It Here

• A clear development path from proofreader to researcher to senior researcher, with real investment in your growth
• A family-owned culture that genuinely values balance, kindness, and a friendly environment that makes space for learning
• Variety — you'll wear different hats and never be bored
• Meaningful work — you'll help reunite families with what's rightfully theirs
• A strong mix of colleagues, from people just starting out to deeply experienced genealogists you can learn from

Hourly: $27-$29/hr

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