Senior Specifications Writer

DIALOG; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 90,000 - 124,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave top-up programs

RRSP matching

Medical and dental benefits

Vacation Buy-Up program

Professional membership reimbursement

Job summary

A leading architecture and design firm in Ottawa seeks a passionate Specifier to join their team. The successful candidate will collaborate on projects, manage specifications, and provide expertise in building science. They will mentor junior team members and actively participate in proposal development. A degree in architecture or engineering and experience in specification writing are essential. The position offers a competitive salary between $90,000 and $124,000, along with numerous benefits aimed at promoting work-life balance and professional development.

Qualifications

• Aptitude for specifications and passion for building science.
• Experience in editing and writing specifications.
• Knowledge of sustainable products and construction techniques.

Responsibilities

• Be the point person for all things specifications.
• Manage and lead specifications on various projects.
• Review, edit, and write architectural specifications.

Skills

Building science expertise

Specification writing

Project management

Ability to foster relationships

Education

Degree in architecture or engineering

Diploma in architectural technology

Tools

MasterFormat

UniFormat

SectionFormat

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.

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?

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 Project Management leads, Job Captains, and project teams to prepare, execute, and manage the specification writing process, seeing your projects from beginning to end.

This role can be based in the Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Toronto or Vancouver studio.

How you’ll make a difference

• Collaborate and Advise: Be the point person for all things specifications; our Go To Person! Advise and guide architects and engineers, contract administrators and project managers, and out‑of‑house specialty consultants regarding project specific specifications and certain aspects of tendering and contracting procedures.
• Leadership: Manage and lead specifications on a variety of projects. Mentor and coach more junior team members, and assist with the management of workloads and project deadlines for the specification group.
• Expertise in Building Science: Maintain currency of specification writing skills, aspects of building science, contract law and product research. Be aware of and seek guidance in the preparation of documents for multiphased and nonconventional methods of contract delivery such as Design‑Built, Construction Managed, or P3 projects.
• Foster Relationships: Build effective working relationships with project managers and guide project teams on bidding and contracting procedures, including the preparation and administration of addenda and bid revisions.
• Innovate and Create: Review, edit, and write architectural specifications, and work alongside other disciplines to prepare project documents.
• Business Development: Participate in proposal development. Act as a DIALOG ambassador by presenting, publishing, and speaking publicly on research and technical innovation topics.

Who you are

• Experienced and Passionate: You have an aptitude for specifications and a passion for building science. Editing and writing specifications may have been a part of your regular work duties, or other equivalent experience gained through construction contract administration or project management through administration and interpretation of the specification.
• Educated and Certified: You hold a degree in architecture or engineering, or a diploma in architectural technology. Certification or a desire to get certified 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.

$90,000 - $124,000 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 andrace. In accordance with DIALOG’s Accommodation Policy, accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates throughout the selection process.