Junior Specifications Writer

DIALOG; Edmonton; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

A progressive design firm in Canada is seeking a passionate Specifier to join their Specifications Team. You will collaborate on writing architectural specifications and guide project teams while enhancing your knowledge in building science. Ideal candidates have experience in construction processes or contract administration and hold a degree in architecture or engineering. DIALOG offers a supportive environment for professional growth along with comprehensive benefits.

Benefits

Parental leave top-up programs

RRSP matching

Medical and dental benefits

Vacation Buy-Up program

Reimbursement for professional memberships

Qualifications

• Background in building science or strong knowledge of building construction.
• Eager to grow into the Specifier role with mentorship.
• Experience in diverse construction environments is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Specifications Team to enhance skills.
• Lead specification writing processes and provide advice.
• Review and write architectural specifications with project teams.

Skills

Building science

Contract administration

Specification writing

Sustainable practices

Education

Degree in architecture or engineering

Diploma in architectural technology

Certification as CSP or RSW

Job description

Here at DIALOG, we are passionate about design and believe it can and should meaningfully improve the wellbeing of our communities and the environment we all share.

We are a multi-disciplinary practice of architects, interior designers, urban designers and planners, structural, mechanical and electrical engineers, landscape architects and sustainability experts who design for community wellbeing and urban vibrancy. We are a fun-loving bunch of big thinkers and city-shapers, who are collaborative in our approach, diverse in our perspectives, aspirational in our pursuits, and optimistic about what’s next. We’re always looking for passionate people who share our values and care as much about our communities as we do. We're proud to be a Certified B Corporation and one of Canada's Greenest Employers, committed to using our design practice as a force for good in the world.

Explore our studios and join us!

Are you passionate about building science? Do you have a knack for digging deep into technical details and product literature? Are you excited about innovating to design buildings that are functional and beautiful while minimizing their impact on the environment? Have you considered a career in specifications?

As a Specifier at DIALOG, you will be an integral part of our Practice-wide Specifications Team. This team is dedicated to coaching and mentoring you as you grow and develop in your role. You will work closely with Senior Specifiers, Project Management leads, Job Captains, and project teams to prepare, execute, and manage the specification writing process, seeing your projects from beginning to end.

How you'll make a difference:

• Collaborate and Learn: Work in concert with our supportive Specifications Team, who will guide you through the specification writing process and help you develop your skills.
• Lead and Advise: Be the go-to person for all things specifications, providing leadership and trusted advice to your colleagues across all disciplines.
• Develop Expertise in Building Science: Engage deeply with building science principles, supported by our team, to enhance your understanding of construction processes, materials, and sustainable practices.
• Foster Relationships: Build effective working relationships with project managers and guide project teams on bidding and contracting procedures.
• Innovate and Create: Review, edit, and write architectural specifications, and work alongside other disciplines to prepare project documents.

Who you are:

• Experienced and Passionate: You have a background in building science, contract administration, or a strong knowledge of how buildings are built. Whether through design, construction contract administration, or project management, you have experience that makes you a valuable asset to our team.
• Eager to Grow: You are enthusiastic about growing into this role, with the support and mentorship of our experienced Specifications Team. Existing expertise in specification writing is not required.
• Educated and Certified: You hold a degree in architecture or engineering, or a diploma in architectural technology. Certification as a Certified Specification Practitioner (CSP) or Registered Specification Writer (RSW) is an asset.

Additional assets that turn our heads:

• Experience: Specification writing on projects of varying scale, typology and project delivery model; building science expertise; construction contract administration experience.
• Awareness: Knowledge of construction specification formats including MasterFormat, UniFormat and SectionFormat, and awareness of OmniClass and its role in BIM.
• Green Thinking: Knowledge of sustainable products and construction techniques including cradle-to-grave issues, environmentally responsible building products, life cycle assessment methodology, and sustainable certification standards (LEED®, WELL™, Living Building Challenge).
• Who You Know: Your experience within a large professional services organizations and contributions to sharing knowledge with your extended network.

$70,000 - $87,000 a year

At DIALOG, we believe compensation should reflect the unique talent each person brings to our team. We look at annual market data to understand how different roles are compensated in our industry, but we also recognize that your experience, skills, location, and the impact you make all play a part in shaping your total rewards. Because of this, final offers may differ from the ranges listed — we want to make sure everyone is recognized in a manner that is fair, competitive, and true to the value they bring.

This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Don’t meet every single requirement? We still encourage you to apply! We’re looking for future DIALOGers who are eager to learn, bring unique perspectives, and want to make a real difference in the world—even if your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification.

Perks & Benefits

Parental leave top-up programs for all parents upon the birth or adoption of a child, RRSP matching, competitive medical and dental benefits coverage upon the first day of employment, discounted memberships, encouraged work/life balance with gifted time off during the holiday season and Vacation Buy-Up program, and reimbursement for professional memberships and dues are just a few of the benefits that DIALOGers enjoy.

Professional Development

DIALOG offers continued professional growth through leadership development opportunities specifically designed for our collaborative culture. Among others, some of our programs include: CoachDIALOG which equips our coaches with essential communication and feedback strategies for building great teams; Integrateducation™ supports DIALOGers in accredited continuing education opportunities; technical skills development via e-learning pathways; and financial support for relevant external learning opportunities.

Equal Opportunity

DIALOG celebrates diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive environment for all, free of discrimination and harassment. Employment-related decisions are made without regard to sex, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, age and race. In accordance with DIALOG’s Accommodation Policy, accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates throughout the selection process.