Specification Writer - Rochester, NY - Job
Mrb Group - Rochester, NY
posted 3 months ago
About the position
The Specification Writer will be responsible for developing front end and technical specifications for various construction projects. This role involves creating detailed and precise descriptions of the materials, products, and workmanship required, ensuring alignment with the project's design and budget. The Specification Writer will collaborate closely with Project Managers, Architects, and Engineers to ensure that all specifications meet the design intent and technical requirements of each project. In addition to writing specifications, the Specification Writer will conduct thorough research and analysis of various construction materials and methods, making informed recommendations based on factors such as cost, durability, and compatibility with other project elements. Compliance with industry standards and regulations is crucial, necessitating familiarity with building codes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and projects funded by agencies such as the Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The role also requires maintaining and updating specification documents throughout the project lifecycle, including any changes made during the construction phase. The Specification Writer will maintain an organized specifications folder and interact with vendors and contractors to clarify specifications, ensuring that materials and workmanship meet project standards. Strong technical writing and communication skills are essential, as specifications must be clear, concise, and free of ambiguity. Furthermore, the Specification Writer will integrate sustainable design initiatives into specifications, participate in quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) reviews, and coordinate specifications with Building Information Modeling (BIM) strategies and specification writing software when appropriate. This position also involves acting as a risk management resource to other project leaders and developing new specification sections as needed. Finally, the Specification Writer will produce clean paper and electronic copies of each final specification for record-keeping purposes.
Responsibilities
- Develop front end and technical specifications for construction projects.
- Collaborate with Project Managers, Architects, and Engineers to ensure specifications meet design intent and technical requirements.
- Research and analyze construction materials and methods for informed recommendations.
- Ensure specifications comply with industry standards and regulations, including building codes and ADA.
- Maintain and update specification documents throughout the project lifecycle.
- Maintain organized specifications folder.
- Interact with vendors and contractors to clarify specifications and ensure compliance with project standards.
- Utilize strong technical writing and communication skills to create clear and concise specifications.
- Integrate sustainable design initiatives into specifications.
- Participate in QA/QC reviews and checks on project documents.
- Coordinate specifications with BIM strategies and specification writing software.
- Act as a risk management resource to project leaders.
- Develop new specification sections as needed.
- Produce clean paper and electronic copies of final specifications for records.
Requirements
- Minimum seven years of specifications writing and formatting experience for architecture, engineering, or construction firms.
- CSI certified professional; CSI CDT required with CCS and/or CCCA certification(s) preferred; LEED AP BD + C certification is preferred.
- Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field required; registered professional preferred.
- Ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously and work professionally with colleagues and clients across disciplines.
- Understanding of the selection and integration of building systems and materials.
- Understanding of public project delivery, bidding, and contract procedures.
- Ability to apply knowledge of Underwriters Laboratory (U.L.) directory and systems, ASTM standards in building codes, and Factory Mutual construction requirements.
- Proven track record of quality control on progressively more complex and diverse projects.
- Ability to utilize BSD Spec-Link as a specification writing tool is a plus.
- Understanding of both AIA and EJCDC construction documents is a plus.
Nice-to-haves
- Experience with BSD Spec-Link as a specification writing tool.
- Familiarity with AIA and EJCDC construction documents.
Benefits
- Competitive salary range of $80,000 - $100,000 based on experience and qualifications.
- Health insurance coverage.
- Paid time off (PTO).
- Market-leading retirement contributions.
