Join our tribunal as an independent decision-maker.

About the tribunal

The Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) is the final level of appeal in the workers’ compensation system. It is an independent tribunal that hears and decides appeals of decisions made by WorkSafeBC, about:

• workers’ compensation benefits
• employer assessments
• occupational health and safety penalties
• prohibited actions

WCAT also hears applications, such as applications to extend the time to file a late appeal, applications to reconsider a decision after it is issued, and applications for stays of proceedings. WCAT can also issue certificates to court addressing whether the parties to a court action are workers or employers under the Workers Compensation Act.

About the role

Vice chairs issue decisions on matters affecting workers and employers across British Columbia. The appeals can be complex and are often disputed. The cases can involve questions such as whether a worker’s disease is related to workplace exposure, whether a traumatic injury or death happened at work, whether a psychological injury arose from bullying or harassment, or whether an employer’s breach of the occupational health and safety provisions warrant an administrative penalty.

Vice chairs manage a large and diverse caseload, review the evidence, apply law and policy, manage interactions with parties, conduct hearings (written or oral), and ensure each case is decided fairly. They are responsible for writing timely, well-reasoned and fair decisions in plain language. They need excellent analytical, writing and interpersonal skills. Vice chairs are independent but work in a collaborative, supporting environment.

Education, experience and skills required

• An undergraduate degree (at minimum), preferably in law, social sciences, or a science-based field.
• At least five years of work experience, a substantial part of which should include:
  • Investigating or managing cases in an administrative law or legal setting; or
  • Decision-making, for example in a court, tribunal, First Nations band or administrative law setting; or
  • Representing clients before courts or tribunals, preferably in an administrative law, insurance, or personal injury context; or
  • An equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Strong analytical skills, including the ability to assess evidence and apply the law and policy to that evidence.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information in plain language.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to comply with deadlines while effectively managing a complex and diverse caseload.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

Compensation and benefits

The salary range for a vice chair is $158,735 to $176,775.

Vice chairs start at $158,735. They are eligible for a salary increase after 18 months, provided performance is satisfactory. Vice chairs who are reappointed for a second term start at $176,775, which is the top end of the salary range.

Vice chairs are paid in accordance with Treasury Board Directive 1/24. WCAT is a level five tribunal.

Full-time vice chairs also receive:

• Extended health and dental coverage for yourself and eligible dependents
• A defined benefit pension plan
• Paid vacation starting at four weeks a year (prorated in first year based on start date)
• Paid leave entitlements (e.g. sick leave, family illness leave, maternity and parental leave, and supplemental leave for wellness, culture, lifestyle purposes)
• Access to health and wellness programs 

Term

Vice chairs are typically appointed for an initial term of three years and may be eligible for reappointment terms. Reappointment terms can be up to five years and there is no limit on how many times a vice chair can be reappointed. Reappointments are dependent on satisfactory performance.

Time commitment

WCAT is recruiting for full-time (5 days a week) and/or part-time (4 days a week) positions. Vice chairs must occasionally work outside of standard business hours, for example when traveling to and from hearing locations.

Location

WCAT’s office is in Richmond, British Columbia. WCAT offers flexible work arrangements and vice chairs can work anywhere in British Columbia. WCAT accepts applications from outside of British Columbia, but successful candidates must live in British Columbia when they start at WCAT.

Travel

Vice chairs are required to travel to Richmond for an initial period of training at the start of their first term, and typically for three in-person meetings a year.

Vice chairs may also need to travel to Richmond or elsewhere in British Columbia for in-person hearings. Vice chairs can choose whether or not to be on a regular travel schedule, or whether to conduct virtual hearings from WCAT’s Richmond hearing rooms or primarily at their home base. However, all vice chairs travel for hearings occasionally. Travel for hearings is generally for three days or less.

WCAT reimburses approved travel expenses in accordance with applicable provincial government policies and rates.

Because of where WCAT’s office is located, and because there are more hearings scheduled in the Lower Mainland than elsewhere, vice chairs who live outside the Lower Mainland may need to travel more frequently than vice chairs living in or near Richmond.

Diversity and inclusion

WCAT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. WCAT strives to reflect the population it serves. WCAT encourages applications from all groups, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized groups, women and persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity or expression (LGBTQ2S+), persons with disabilities, and all others who may contribute to diversity in public sector tribunal appointments.

Before you apply

Please review the following:

• Vice Chair Information Sheet
• Vice Chair Job Description

How to Apply

Please submit the Vice Chair Application Form using Microsoft Forms and do not provide a resume at this time. The initial screening process is based on the information in the application form only, and therefore the information on the application form must explain how you meet WCAT’s eligibility criteria. If your application proceeds, you will be asked for a resume at a later time.

The application form also includes an optional section where you can describe any personal, educational, employment or other circumstances that would help us better understand your background.

WCAT will not accept any applications after 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. WCAT strongly recommends submitting your application well before the competition closes to make sure you are not faced with last-minute technical or other difficulties.

Accommodations during the application process

WCAT is committed to reducing barriers to support an equitable hiring process. If you need accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please advise WCATRecruit@wcat.bc.ca when you provide your application or at any time throughout the application process.

Next Steps

Applicants will go through the following steps, with the top candidates of each step advancing to the next stage of the recruitment process.

• Initial screening for eligibility criteria with identification of the applicant removed
• Written exercise without identification of the applicant
• Interview with a panel of WCAT vice chairs
• Interview with WCAT’s chair and tribunal counsel
• Reference checks

The chair will then consult with the Minister of Labour about the appointments. The process can take time and there may be delays to allow for consultation. The estimated start date is April 2027.

Eligibility list

WCAT expects to conduct additional vice chair recruitment in 2028, and a targeted recruitment for Indigenous vice chairs in 2027; therefore, it does not intend to establish an eligibility list from this competition.

More information

WCAT is offering optional virtual information sessions which will be held on September 25 and October 2, 2026 at 12:00 p.m. These sessions will provide general information about the position and will allow prospective applicants to ask questions. The sessions will not include any information that would provide an advantage to applicants who attend. To protect privacy, participants’ names will not be visible to other attendees, allowing prospective applicants to remain anonymous.

To receive a link to a session, email WCATRecruit@wcat.bc.ca by 4:00 p.m. on September 23, 2026.

For specific questions regarding the vice chair position or the recruitment process, please contact Corinna Laemmerzahl at WCATRecruit@wcat.bc.ca or at (236) 235-1508.