Architectural Specifications Writer

NBBJ•Boston, MA

1d•$89,000 - $130,000•Hybrid

About The Position

NBBJ is seeking a talented individual to join our firmwide, interdisciplinary team of specialists and thought-leaders as an Architectural Specifications Writer. This position involves technical consulting and contract document production services to project teams throughout the development of each project. We are open to both Intermediate and Senior level Writers. The NBBJ Specifications team employs a "One Team, One Approach" method of preparing specifications and engaging with project teams. This approach provides clarity and consistency among specifiers and project teams, resulting in high quality, well-coordinated documents. We strive to be positive, approachable team players who communicate openly and transparently with fellow specifiers, subject matter experts, and project teams across the firm. The Architectural Specification Writer will be part of NBBJ’s Studio N, a firmwide studio that is built with thought leaders and experts from across the firm, brought together as an interdisciplinary team. This opportunity is available in any of our United States NBBJ offices: Boston, Charlotte, Columbus, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco or Seattle.

Requirements

4-year college degree in Architecture, Engineering, or Construction Management
For Intermediate Specification Writers: Minimum of five years of experience working as an architect, engineer, or construction manager, three of those years with a demonstrated focus on specifications
For Senior Specification Writers: Minimum of ten years of experience working as an architect, engineer, or construction manager, five of those years with a demonstrated focus on specifications
Experience with AIA MasterSpec content
Experience with one or more of the leading specification authoring solutions, cloud-based and otherwise
Experience with word processing software such as MS Word
Experience with collaboration tools including Smartsheet, Bluebeam, Mural, and Microsoft Teams
Experience researching and selecting sustainable materials and developing sustainability requirements in specifications
Knowledge of and commitment to current and emerging best practices in sustainable, resilient, and equitable materials with the ability to inform and guide firm practices and advance team knowledge
Demonstrated ability to read and interpret documents including contracts, drawings, specifications, design narratives, etc.
Demonstrated ability to gather, analyze and synthesize complex or diverse information
Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate complex information with diverse teams
Broad knowledge of architectural systems, products, and installation practices
Specialized experience in one or more of the following practice areas: healthcare, science, education, commercial, civic. Experience with State of California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) a plus.
Knowledge of Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) codes and handbooks a plus
Demonstrated ability to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and plan work activities, using time efficiently
Demonstrated accuracy, thoroughness, and quality control of your own work
Demonstrated ability to adapt to changes in the work environment, manage competing demands, and deal with frequent changes, delays, or unexpected events
Demonstrated ability to preserve core document quality principles while adapting to the project needs
Lead with a positive disposition, and interest in collaboration and mentorship with design teams

Nice To Haves

CSI Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) credential is desirable
CSI Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) credential is desirable
LEED, WELL, ILFI or other sustainable design credential(s) are desirable
Experience with State of California’s Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) a plus.
Knowledge of Facilities Guidelines Institute (FGI) codes and handbooks a plus

Responsibilities

Integrate with the project teams and participate in setting direction for project goals and objectives, definition of scope
Prepare the Project Manual
Prepare and coordinate the Conditions of the Contract
Coordinate specifications with drawings/BIM
Coordinate architectural specifications with those of engineering and other disciplines
Perform QA/QC reviews of deliverables
Support Construction Administration teams review of submittmits, substitutions, and requests for information
Balance multiple project teams and project types.
Develop and maintain firm-wide specification masters
Research materials and products for performance and sustainability
Participate in firmwide documentation standards team and coordinate specifications with BIM
Contribute to specifications initiatives