Specifications Writer

$94,000 - $120,000/Yr

Forest Lawn Memorial Parks And Mortuaries - Glendale, CA

Full-time - Senior

Glendale, CA

Personal and Laundry Services

About the position

The Specifications Writer at Forest Lawn Memorial-Park Association is responsible for leading the development, management, and implementation of project-specific requirements and specifications to ensure consistent quality standards across all construction projects. This role involves collaboration with various design disciplines and cross-functional teams to align specifications with project objectives and regulatory standards, ensuring high-quality documentation and compliance throughout the construction process.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Forest Lawn's master specifications, ensuring alignment with evolving industry standards and organizational goals.
• Lead quality assurance/quality control oversight for drawings and specifications on all projects; provide strategic feedback to project teams to ensure accuracy, compliance, and consistency.
• Manage multiple projects and deadlines, including phases and milestone deliveries for various project delivery types.
• Act as the primary technical resource for architectural and engineering staff, providing guidance on materials, products, finishes, code compliance, and construction methods.
• Review architectural and engineering drawings to identify scope and content for specifications.
• Plan, organize, and prepare construction specifications for various phases/milestone deliverables of projects.
• Oversee project teams with the research, evaluation, and selection of building products, material applications, and methods of construction.
• Partner with sub-consultants/third-party design disciplines to incorporate their provisions and reconcile inconsistencies in project specifications.
• Collaborate with construction administration staff to review product submittals and make compliance recommendations.
• Assist project managers in preparing General and Supplemental Conditions and bidding documents.
• Develop specifications based on individual project Scopes of Work, using independent judgment and best practices.
• Prepare and review addenda and pre-bid documentation as needed.
• Ensure high quality and accuracy in each specification, confirming compatibility of specified products.
• Provide guidance and support to project teams on specification-related matters.
• Proactively partner with Project Teams to align specifications with design intent and project requirements.
• Develop comprehensive project manuals and specifications.
• Remain abreast of building codes, industry standards, technology advancements, and construction processes.
• Oversee Forest Lawn's specification library and advise on maintaining the physical sample library.
• Research and explore materials selections on behalf of Project Teams.
• Provide proactive guidance and regular training to Project Teams on Specification Program and key updates.

Requirements

• Valid CA Driver's License and reliable personal vehicle.
• Bachelor of Architecture or Bachelor of Science in Architecture or equivalent.
• 10+ years of related professional experience, including experience building and leading Specification Program across a similar office.
• 5+ years of experience in preparing project manuals and specifications.
• Extensive knowledge of construction materials, methods, and compliance requirements.
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Bluebeam, and technical software such as MasterSpec and CAD/REVIT.
• Working knowledge of Revit and eSpecs preferred.
• Experience and knowledge working with Procore preferred.
• Expertise in construction document preparation and quality assurance processes.

Nice-to-haves

• CSI Certified Construction Specifier and/or California Architect license preferred.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $94,000 - $120,000 per year.