Specifications Writer

ZGF Architects•Portland, OR

6d•$110,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

ZGF is seeking an Architectural/Construction Specifications Writer with at least 10 years of experience to join its Portland, Oregon office. The position is part of a larger specifications team and supports design teams and other specifiers through mentorship and technical guidance. The role calls for a strategic, well-rounded approach to design and technical project resolution, and a record of success with complex, multi-phase projects. The Specifications Writer helps direct project execution, define scope, identify items for investigation, and develop concepts and methods. The role edits and maintains project specifications according to established procedures and industry standards, including MasterFormat and SectionFormat; reviews, edits, and creates technical specification sections; and prepares written requirements for products, procedures, and standards on complex projects. The position also supports product research, develops relationships with product representatives, and helps revise ZGF template specifications. Occasional project-administration work may include responding to RFIs or submittals. The position collaborates with internal and external design teams to develop design solutions and contributes to project quality, schedule, and budget. The successful candidate can prioritize work across multiple projects, remain calm under pressure, and contribute effectively to a collaborative, fast-paced, geographically dispersed team. Work is on-site Monday through Thursday, with remote work optional on Fridays.

Requirements

At least 10 years of experience.
Experience in construction administration for large-scale, technically complex projects.
Experience with template specification platforms such as RIB SpecLink Cloud or MasterSpec/Specpoint, client standards, and owner specification section templates, including Division 00 and 01 sections.
Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Bluebeam Studio.
Familiarity with knowledge-management and building-information-management systems, including Revit.
Experience with LEED and/or other sustainable certification systems.
Experience specifying both interiors and exteriors.
Ability to work autonomously and contribute effectively as a collaborator on a geographically dispersed project team.
Strong oral and written communication skills, including excellent spelling, grammar, and typing skills.

Nice To Haves

Professional architecture degree preferred; a related degree will be considered.
Architectural license preferred.
CSI CDT or CCS certificate preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

Provide mentorship and support to design teams and other specifiers as part of the specifications team.
Help set direction for project execution, define scope, select items for investigation, and develop novel concepts and methods.
Edit and maintain project specifications in accordance with established procedures and industry standards, including MasterFormat and SectionFormat.
Review, edit, and create technical specification sections.
Create written requirements for products, procedures, and standards for complex projects.
Develop relationships with product representatives.
Assist staff with product research.
Assist with ongoing editing and revisions of ZGF template specifications.
Occasionally assist with project administration, including responding to RFIs or submittals.
Collaborate with internal and external design teams to develop design solutions.
Contribute to project-team performance related to quality, schedule, and budget.
Prioritize tasks across multiple projects or assignments.