Job Title: Specifications Writer

Job Description

Write specifications for a variety of complex projects and building types, with a heavy emphasis on Higher Education projects using both MasterSpec and SpecPoint. Collaborate with project architects to develop coordinated technical specifications, offer modifications and improvements when appropriate, and prepare notes about what is required.

Responsibilities

• Review in-progress drawings with the Project Architect to develop coordinated technical specifications.
• Offer modifications and improvements when appropriate.
• Prepare notes about product appropriateness and identify special concerns.
• Ensure appropriate product application.
• Coordinate with the project team to obtain pertinent facts about the project.
• Evaluate constructability and determine where alternative solutions may be needed.
• Propose continual development and improvement of master specifications based on project specifics.
• Draft specifications to capture the project qualitative requirements.
• Ensure clarity and consistency in construction documents (drawings and specifications).
• Participate in project process meetings scheduled for assigned projects.
• Maintain awareness of industry reference standards and resources.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of technical experts, including manufacturers and product representatives.
• Act as a technical advisor and part of the project team from start to finish.
• Coach about materials and product selections, applications, and integration necessary to make the project successful.
• Assist in developing, refining, and maintaining firm guide specifications.
• Other duties as assigned.

Essential Skills

• Specification writing
• Construction documentation
• Proficiency in MasterSpec and SpecPoint
• Revit
• Installation
• Construction

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Associate's degree
• CSI membership
• Preferred: B. Arch from an accredited program
• Architectural licensure
• 10+ years of experience in architecture, including construction administration
• CSI CDT
• CSI CCS
• LEED AP BD+C
• Solid knowledge of construction materials and methods, including sustainable solutions
• Understanding of appropriate industry technologies and software
• Ability to incorporate use of contractor, client-specific, and construction management-driven software as required
• General working understanding of codes, regulations, and construction costs
• Solid knowledge of internal standards and best practices
• Working knowledge of Bluebeam (preferred), Adobe, and Microsoft Office
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Leadership skills
• Mentorship skills
• Ability to work under pressure of tight deadlines
• Bonus: Experience in writing Hardware Specifications, including setting up hardware sets with all associated manufacturer items

Work Environment

This position can be a remote role for the right candidate. This is considered a horizontal resource shared amongst all studios. The firm primarily focuses on Higher Education and Cultural projects, with some healthcare-adjacent projects as well. The projects are typically between $50-100M in construction value. The company is a design-driven, employee-owned firm with over 100 years of design excellence, headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, with offices in Washington, DC, and Tempe, Arizona. Employees are encouraged to pursue local and professional advocacy groups and participate in pro-bono initiatives. The firm offers a collaborative and supportive work environment.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $90000.00 - $130000.00/yr.

The actual offered salary for this position will vary depending on multiple factors including the candidate’s qualification, education, position knowledge, work experience, skills, ability, work location, and internal incumbent compensation for similar roles. We do not anticipate individuals hired into this position will start at or near the top half of the range listed; the decision will be based on each individual case. The salary range listed above does not include other compensation elements such as discretionary bonus opportunities, employee stock ownership grants, paid time off, medical insurance, and other wage and benefit opportunities.

Workplace Type

This is a fully remote position.

Application Deadline

This position is anticipated to close on Mar 24, 2025.

About Actalent

Actalent is a global leader in engineering and sciences services and talent solutions. We help visionary companies advance their engineering and science initiatives through access to specialized experts who drive scale, innovation and speed to market. With a network of almost 30,000 consultants and more than 4,500 clients across the U.S., Canada, Asia and Europe, Actalent serves many of the Fortune 500.

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

At Actalent, diversity and inclusion are a bridge towards the equity and success of our people. DE&I are embedded into our culture through:

• Hiring diverse talent
• Maintaining an inclusive environment through persistent self-reflection
• Building a culture of care, engagement, and recognition with clear outcomes
• Ensuring growth opportunities for our people

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email actalentaccommodation@actalentservices.com for other accommodation options.