Specifications Writer

SMMA; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Jobtailor is seeking an experienced architectural specification writer to lead the creation and coordination of project specifications and manuals. You will work with PMs and Project Architects to ensure consistency across disciplines, manage Uniformat specs for schematic design, and support front-end documents for client reviews.

The role requires strong knowledge of MasterSpec, MasterFormat, AIA contracts, and CSI certifications, with 5+ years in related fields.

Qualifications

• Understanding of MasterSpec and MasterFormat specification systems.
• Understanding of AIA contracts, forms, and documents.
• CSI certifications (CDT/CCS/CCCA/CCPR) or related involvement.
• Architectural, construction, or engineering education.
• More than 5 years in architectural/contracting/engineering roles.
• Strong written, graphic, and verbal communication.
• Proficient word processing and internet research.

Responsibilities

• Write architectural technical specifications for each project phase per PM and PD decisions.
• Coordinate specifications across disciplines and consultant specs for format and language.
• Prepare Uniformat specifications for schematic design.
• Coordinate the Project Manual using SMMA Master specs, MasterSpec, MasterFormat templates.
• Coordinate contracting, bidding, and front-end docs for client review.
• Assist with RFIs, submittals, substitutions, and contract interpretation.
• Maintain SMMA specification masters for various project types and educate staff.
• Research products and guide specifications to support project needs.

Skills

Specification Writing

Project Manual Coordination

Contract Document Interpretation

Addenda Preparation

RFI Response Assistance

Submittal Evaluation

Product Research

Specification Production Software

Specification Coordination

Construction Document Preparation

Excellent Written Communication

Graphic Communication Skills

Verbal Communication Skills

Education

Architectural education

Construction education

Engineering education

CDT

CCS

CCCA

CCPR

5+ years experience

Tools

SMMA Master Specifications

MasterSpec

MasterFormat Templates

Job description

• Write architectural technical specifications for each project phase based on Project Manager and Project Architect decisions and information


• Coordinate specifications across internal disciplines and consultant specifications for format and language


• Coordinate and write Uniformat specifications for schematic design


• Coordinate the Project Manual for construction documents using SMMA Master specifications, MasterSpec, and MasterFormat templates


• Coordinate contracting, bidding, and front-end documents for client review


• Undertake project research with the Project Architect


• Review drawings and project engineer and consultant specifications for coordination with the Project Manual


• Prepare and coordinate addenda


• Assist with responding to RFIs


• Assist with evaluating submittals and substitution requests


• Assist with interpreting Contract Specifications


• Help maintain SMMA specification masters for different project and delivery types


• Educate staff on specification coordination and use


• Conduct product research and research guide specifications, specification production software, and manufacturers’ guide specifications


• Contribute to SMMA’s collaborative design excellence through internal research and knowledge sharing

Requirements

• Understanding of MasterSpec and MasterFormat specification systems


• Understanding of AIA contracts, forms, and documents


• CSI certification such as CDT, CCS, CCCA, CCPR, or other involvement in the Construction Specifications Institute


• Architectural, construction, or engineering education


• More than 5 years’ experience in an architectural, contracting, product representative, or engineering capacity


• Excellent written, graphic, and verbal communication skills


• Strong word processing skills


• Strong Internet search and retrieval skills


• H-1B visa sponsorship is not offered for this position

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in architectural specification writing and coordination, with a strong understanding of MasterSpec and MasterFormat systems. Capable of effectively communicating and collaborating across disciplines to ensure project specifications meet industry standards.

Highest-signal resume keywords

• MasterSpec Understanding


• MasterFormat Understanding


• CSI Certification


• Architectural Education


• 5+ Years Experience

ATS Optimization Keywords

Hard Skills

• Specification Writing


• Project Manual Coordination


• Contract Document Interpretation


• Addenda Preparation


• RFI Response Assistance


• Submittal Evaluation


• Product Research


• Specification Production Software


• Specification Coordination


• Construction Document Preparation

Soft Skills

• Excellent Written Communication


• Graphic Communication Skills


• Verbal Communication Skills

Certifications & Qualifications

• CDT


• CCS


• CCCA


• CCPR

Industry Keywords

• AIA Contracts


• Construction Specifications Institute


• Architectural Specifications


• Consultant Specifications


• Construction Documents

Tools & Technologies

• SMMA Master Specifications


• MasterSpec


• MasterFormat Templates