General Counsel

At Coulson Aviation, we operate, modify, and maintain a diverse fleet of specialized aircraft supporting aerial firefighting operations worldwide. Our fleet includes C-130 Hercules, Boeing 737 FIRELINERS, Cessna Citation 550 and 560 aircraft, CH-47D Chinooks, and Sikorsky S-61 and S-76 helicopters. We operate across Canada, the United States, Australia, and Chile.
As part of the Coulson Group of Companies—a family-owned organization with more than 65 years of innovation, we continue to expand our operations around the world. We are looking for a strategic and hands‑on
General Counsel
to join our team in
Port Alberni, BC
and provide practical legal guidance supporting our continued growth.
This is a full-time, onsite position suited to an experienced legal professional who can move comfortably between strategic advice and the day‑to‑day legal needs of a fast‑paced, multi‑jurisdictional organization.
WHY JOIN COULSON?
Competitive compensation based on experience and qualifications.
Company-paid health and dental benefits.
A 5% employer-matching pension plan.
A collaborative and respectful working environment.
Broad exposure to corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and operational matters.
The opportunity to help shape the legal and risk‑management practices of a growing international organization.
Meaningful work supporting operations that help protect communities around the world.
WHAT YOU’LL DO:Legal Advisory and Risk Management
Serve as a trusted legal advisor to executive leadership, management, and internal departments.
Provide timely, practical legal advice on corporate, commercial, employment, regulatory, and operational matters.
Identify current and emerging legal risks and recommend practical strategies to manage or mitigate them.
Draft, review, interpret, and negotiate contracts, agreements, memoranda of understanding, and other legal documents.
Support business decisions by clearly communicating legal requirements, risks, and available options.
Corporate Compliance
Maintain compliance with applicable Canadian, U.S., Australian, Chilean, and other international legal and regulatory requirements.
Manage corporate governance obligations, including resolutions, corporate filings, and the maintenance of corporate records.
Interpret legislation, regulations, rulings, and contractual obligations affecting Coulson Group’s companies and operations.
Employment and HR Support
Provide legal guidance on employment-related matters, including hiring, terminations, contracts, workplace investigations, accommodation, and other regulatory compliance questions or considerations that may arise.
Advise HR and management on employment standards, workplace practices, and regulatory obligations across applicable jurisdictions.
Review and provide legal input on workplace policies, procedures, disciplinary documentation, and compliance initiatives.
Litigation and External Counsel
Manage and oversee external counsel when litigation or specialized legal expertise is required.
Support dispute‑resolution strategies, including negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and litigation.
Represent or support the Company in court proceedings, hearings, mediations, and other formal legal processes as required.
WHAT YOU’LL BRING:
A Bachelor or Professional degree in Law.
Membership in good standing with a recognized Law Sociey/Bar.
5 to 10 years of broad legal experience, preferably including in‑house counsel experience.
Strong corporate and commercial law experience.
Experience supporting multi‑jurisdictional operations or working within a highly regulated industry.
The ability to translate complex legal issues into clear, practical business advice.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong negotiation, relationship‑building, and stakeholder‑management abilities.
The ability to balance strategic priorities with time‑sensitive operational matters.
A high degree of professionalism, discretion, integrity, and accountability.
We support diversity, equity, and a workplace that is free from harassment and discrimination. We are committed to providing accommodation for people with disabilities. If you require accommodation during any stage of the application process, please notify us, and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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