FamilySearch Library Research Consultant - Asia

FamilySearch International is looking a Research Consultant specializing in Asia (China, Japan or other Asian countries including Southeast) These individuals will be involved in providing world class genealogical research assistance to patrons of the FamilySearch Library, instruction on Family History in class settings and conferences and assisting with other functions of the FamilySearch Library with specific expertise in Asia.

The FamilySearch Library is the world’s largest genealogical library, serving thousands of patrons each year as we assist them to discover their family story, connect with ancestors and add well researched names to the family tree of humanity.  Researchers at the library play a key role in enabling those discoveries, through acting on inspiration, engendering trust, exemplifying kindness, seeking to be effective and creating simplicity for those they serve even when it makes it harder for you.

Research team members must have high energy and strong personal commitment to serving the patrons first and delivering with the highest levels professional integrity.  Research team membership requires flexibility, problem solving skills, customer service in a high pressure and fast paced environment.  Our team works hard and creates a fun and rewarding environment.  This role requires a minimum of 4 days per week in the FamilySearch Library and will require regular evening, weekends (including Sundays) and holiday shifts.

•    Professional Expectations:
o    Attend team and department meetings.
o    Fulfill library shifts, team, and VIP assignments.
o    Have excellent patron, missionary, and coworker interactions.
o    Communicate with others in a timely manner.
o    Mentors other research consultants.

•    Patron Services:
o    Provides excellent customer service to patrons in-person and online.
o    Develop and provide instruction for patrons and workforce on essential records, resources, and research procedures in your geographical area of expertise.

•    Professional Development:
o   Increase domain and research strategy expertise by keeping current on methodologies or procedures as well as developments in the profession through study, attending workshops and conferences, complete FamilySearch Library training, and reviewing journals/periodicals.
o    Work to increase knowledge in all aspects of the position; including but not limited to technology, use of generative AI, geographical specialization, and teaching.

•    Department Initiatives:
o   Support Family History Department initiatives, including RootsTech, collaboration with engineering on new products, and sharing their research expertise via webinars, presentations, Wiki articles, and publicly accessible training.

Bachelor’s degree in Family History, History, Languages, Archival Science, or related field, and a genealogical credential or working towards one, and 2 years or more professional research experience.

Demonstrable a heart for serving others and joy in helping others to learn. Proficient language and writing skills in both English and another Asian language.

Advanced ability to create training that meets department presentation & training standards with skills in PowerPoint, Zoom, and other presentation media.

Skilled in Microsoft Office, FamilySearch products, and other technology as needed.

Ability to explain advanced research methodology in a one-on-on setting.

Advanced understanding of history & culture of most of the geographic/subject areas. This includes a knowledge of the impact of historical changes through time have had on migration patterns, records and their repositories, and accessibility to those records.

Ability to decipher common genealogical records (births, marriages, and deaths) in the languages of your geographic area; ability to read and interpret complex genealogical records (wills, or non-boiler plate documents) in your geographic area. Preference given to those with the ability to decipher and translate handwritten genealogical records in related Asian, French, Portuguese, and English languages.