Historical Researcher Jobs in Utah (NOW HIRING)

Position Title: Researcher

Location: American Research Bureau Salt Lake City Office

Department: Research

Reports to: Regional Manager Schedule: Full-time

Compensation: $70,000.00 - $90,000.00 DOE

About American Research Bureau:

American Research Bureau (ARB) is a genealogy and probate research firm that specializes in identifying and locating legal heirs for unclaimed estates. We work closely with government agencies, courts, attorneys, trustees, and estate administrators to document family histories and ensure rightful inheritance distribution.

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, ARB leverages both an extensive physical research library and proprietary digital tools to handle complex cases around the world. Our firm has successfully connected tens of thousands of heirs with their rightful inheritances and continues to grow its capabilities in genealogical and estate research.

Position Summary:

The Researcher position at ARB entails the evaluation of new opportunities usually on a daily basis. First, it is determined if there are missing or unknown heirs and if the case presents a financial opportunity for ARB. Strong research and problem solving skills are needed to identify the lawful heirs. In addition, excellent communication skills are needed to engage the potential heirs as ARB clients. The ability to multi-task and prioritize work is essential in order to handle the expected case load.

Responsibilities:

• Contact heirs, explain services, address inquiries, and highlight advantages of working with ARB
• Evaluate and prioritize new and older cases based on potential inheritance values and competitive fee structures
• Obtain as many contingency fee agreements as possible from eligible potential clients
• Conduct genealogical research and direct outside genealogical research efforts
• Ensure seamless handoff to case processing, communicating all pertinent facts and issues
• Complete "clean up" research for signed cases, resolving outstanding questions and identifying necessary records for case processing
• Utilize effective interview skills to gather comprehensive family information
• Review estate value estimates and investigate real property for mortgages or ownership issues
• Identify potential future Medicaid claims by researching guardianships and care history
• Pay special attention to potential spouse/issue witnesses and family witnesses
• Coordinate foreign research efforts by registering cases with key foreign correspondents and facilitating timely communication
• Maintain thorough records of phone calls and research activities for future reference
• Receive cases and evaluate their financial potential, prioritizing effectively among multiple assignments.
• Utilize knowledge of applicable laws to accurately identify heirs and shares.
• Identify and evaluate sources, as well as office support needs, while actively participating in skill training and evaluation initiatives.
• Perform additional, related duties as needed

Qualifications:

Education:

• Required: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience
• Preferred: Bachelor’s or Master’s degree with a focus in genealogy, research, or evaluation

Experience:

• Required: Minimum one year professional experience
• Preferred: Three to five years of research or sales experience Competencies

Competencies:

• Ability to navigate various genealogical resources
• Tenacious and confident approach to research and communication, aiming to provide peace of mind to clients and connect them with rightful assets.
• Strong organizational skills, particularly in managing research tasks and communicating with individuals over the phone.
• Creativity in assessing case opportunities and planning methodologies to optimize financial outcomes for ARB.
• Sense of urgency in completing short-term tasks while maintaining focus on long-term objectives, coupled with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to develop high-quality plans and documentation, staying updated on complex laws and regulations relevant to each case.
• Basic math skills, able to add and subtract, and perform simple division and multiplication
• Strong customer service aptitude; able to build and maintain rapport, and work effectively cross-functionally and with external customers (e.g., clients/customers, dealers, vendors, contractors)
• Able to work independently, with minimal supervision, and also work on a team
• Excellent and accurate typing skills
• Ethical and professional conduct, able to handle sensitive and proprietary information with discretion and confidentiality
• Proficient in Google Suite products;
• Ability to learn Linux-based proprietary software such as AIS

Other Duties:

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this position. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice, at the full discretion of American Research Bureau leadership.

American Research Bureau is an equal employment opportunity (EEO) employer. We embrace diversity and cultivate a culture that is equitable and inclusive. We believe that the more diverse our talent and contributing perspectives, the better we can fulfill our mission and vision. Therefore, candidates and team members receive consideration based on essential experience and qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.