Research and Administrative Paralegal
Full-time, temporary
ASAP to November 20, 2026
$66,269.52 to $78,623.69 per annum

The British Columbia Teachers' Federation (BCTF), located on the unceded ancestral territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm, Səlil̓w̓ətaɬ/Selilwitulh, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nations since 1917, is a union of professionals representing over 52,000 kindergarten to grade 12 public school teachers throughout the province of BC.

As an organization, we are dedicated to advancing learning conditions for students concurrently with advocating for BC's public school teachers and the teaching profession. We are also deeply committed to democratic decision-making and supporting the engagement of the teachers who make up our member base. Equally, we act on our belief in social justice in schools and the broader community, and actively support our members in striving to achieve equity, inclusion, and a more just society for their students today and into the future. 

The BCTF office building is situated in close proximity to the Canada Line and other major transit routes. The BCTF provides an exceptional working environment for approximately 180 employees where respect, diversity, and professional growth are championed and valued. 

We welcome applications from individuals who prioritize and share the same values of social justice, activism, and learning.  

About The Role
The Research and Administrative Paralegal reports to the Supervisor of the Field Services Division and provides research and secretarial assistance to the Director and/or Assistant Directors in the Field Service Division, Staff Lawyers, other Federation staff, and outside legal counsel. This position conducts research, as directed, on collective agreement provisions, bargaining history, and other matters in relation to arbitrations, court proceedings and bargaining. It also assists the provincial bargaining team with research, as required on existing language, previous proposals, and bargaining history; assembles information from locals and from teachers’ organizations and other unions as required; processes proposals, counterproposals, and takes bargaining table notes and meeting minutes.

Experience
To be successful in the role the candidate will have a minimum of three (3) years of paralegal work experience in a law firm, trade union office, or similar organization, in addition to at least four (4) years' senior administrative experience, preferably in a legal or labour relations environment.

The duties and responsibilities of this position include but are not limited to:

• gathering and organizing information, keeping records, and preparing binders in preparation for arbitration hearings;
• maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of the grievance and arbitration process;
• entering class size data and generating reports;
• preparing initial drafts of internal and external memoranda for review and final approval
• uploading, removing and organizing materials related to collective bargaining, grievances, class size and composition, collective agreements and related documents,
• monitoring and maintaining the approval/signing process for mid contract modifications and local collective agreements;
• tracking originals and copies of physical and electronic files and maintaining inventory of the same;
• organizing and attending meetings, and conferences and taking minutes/detailed meeting notes;
• making hotel reservations, reserving meeting room space, ordering coffee and lunches;
• processing leaves of absence and kit materials and providing post-conference secretarial support;
• filing and maintaining current listings of materials in divisional library.
  

To be successful in the role, the candidate must demonstrate the ability to independently set work priorities, understand legal/analytical concepts; make apt and timely decisions; have excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written); act in a tactful, efficient, calm, and diplomatic manner in stressful situations relating to time-driven emergencies; and be proficient in legal writing. The successful candidate must also possess excellent typing, notetaking and proofreading skills, have an exceptional work ethic, and a high proficiency at detail-oriented work.

Qualifications
The successful candidate will have completed a comprehensive Paralegal Program (Capilano College Certificate or Diploma Program, or equivalent) of at least 2.0 FTE years’ study, inclusive of coursework providing paralegal-level background in general legal theory, administrative law concept, contract law, criminal law process, the principles of evidence, labour law, legal research methods, and legal writing. Also, the successful candidate must be eligible for membership in a professional association with a code of ethics (BC Paralegal Association).

What we offer

• a competitive salary and total compensation package
• employer-paid extended health and dental
• generous paid annual leave (20 days) and other entitlements
• optional flexible schedule including nine (9) day fortnight and four (4) day workweek during July and August
• Municipal Pension Plan (employer and employee joint contributions)
• long-term disability
• life insurance
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• opportunities for growth and access to professional development
• on-site parking/subsidized transit
• a supportive team environment.
  

Additional Information
Please submit a cover letter, résumé, and references, not later than 5:00 p.m., June 26, 2026, by clicking the link. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those shortlisted for interview will be personally contacted.

Diversity and accessibility statement
The BC Teachers’ Federation is committed to furthering social justice, diversity, decolonization, equity, and inclusion within our community. Applicants are encouraged to disclose, on a voluntary basis, whether they self-identify as a member of an equity-deserving group, which includes female, 2SLGBTQIA+ person, a person of colour, a person who has experienced racism, Aboriginal (Indigenous) person, and/or a person with a disability.  

The BCTF strives for compliance with the Accessible British Columbia Act and ensuring our communities are as barrier-free as possible. Applicants requiring an accommodation are encouraged to contact the hiring manager at 604-871-2200.