General Counsel @ Coulson Aviation

Counselwell Inc.; Port Alberni; On-site; CAD 150,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Inclusive culture

Matching pension plan

Fast-paced, rewarding environment

Job summary

Coulson Aviation, a global leader in aerial fire suppression, seeks a strategic General Counsel to guide our growth from Port Alberni, BC. You will provide timely legal advice across corporate, commercial, employment and regulatory matters, identify risks, and negotiate contracts with leadership input from across the organization.

The successful candidate will have a law degree, 5–10 years of broad legal experience, and be in good standing with a recognized Law Society/Bar.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Professional Degree in Law is required.
• 5-10 years of broad legal experience across corporate/commercial, employment and regulatory matters.
• Experience with multi-jurisdictional operations or regulated industries is a plus.
• Member in good standing with a recognized Law Society/Bar.
• Strong background in corporate/commercial law and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide timely legal advice to leadership on corporate, commercial, employment and operational matters.
• Identify potential legal risks and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MOUs and other legal documents as needed.
• Ensure compliance with federal, provincial/state, and international legislation governing the company.
• Manage corporate governance obligations and maintain corporate records.
• Provide HR and employment law guidance and review workplace policies.
• Coordinate with external counsel for litigation or specialized support.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Legal advisory

Risk management

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Education

Bachelor's or Professional Degree in Law

Job description

At Coulson Aviation, we don’t just fight fires—we protect lives, forests, and entire communities across the globe. From North America to Australia and South America, our fleet of large fixed-wing and rotary aircraft delivers rapid aerial fire suppression when it matters most.

As part of the Coulson Group of Companies, a family-owned organization with over 65 years of innovation, we’re expanding fast—and we’re looking for a strategic, hands‑on General Counsel to help guide and support our continued growth. This position is in Port Alberni, BC.

Why You’ll Want to Be Here:

Competitive compensation based on experience.

Inclusive, respectful culture that values diversity.

Matching pension plan to support your future.

A fast‑paced, rewarding environment where your work truly matters.

What You Bring:

Bachelors or Professional Degree in Law.

5-10 years of broad legal experience

Experience working with multi‑jurisdictional operations or regulated industries

Member in good standing with a recognized Law Society/Bar

Strong background in corporate/commercial law; experience in employment law and regulatory compliance is an asset.

What You’ll Do:

Legal Advisory & Risk Management

Provide timely legal advice to leadership and management on a broad range of corporate, commercial, employment, and operational matters.

Identify potential legal risks and recommend proactive mitigation strategies.

Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, agreements, MOUs, and other legal documents as needed.

Corporate Compliance

Maintain compliance with federal, provincial/state, and international legislation applicable to the company when working through the assigned tasks you have been given.

Manage corporate governance obligations, including resolutions, corporate filings, and maintenance of corporate records.

Interpret laws, rulings and regulations for employees and Coulson Group of Companies in the industries and countries in which we operate.

Employment & HR Support

Provide legal guidance on employment‑related matters, including hiring, contracts, terminations, workplace investigations, accommodation, and regulatory compliance questions or considerations that may arise.

Provide content insight to HR for drafting and reviewing workplace policies, disciplinary documentation, and compliance initiatives.

Advise on concerns or needed responses in relation to employee relations issues related to employment standards, and practices across applicable jurisdictions.

Litigation & External Counsel Coordination

Manage and oversee external counsel where litigation or specialized legal support is required.

Support dispute resolution strategies, including negotiation, arbitration, or mediation.

Support any in person company court obligations as needed.

We are committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation through any element of the job application process, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Due to the volume of applications we receive, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. No phone calls please.